2018 Cumberland Island 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin Released

Georgia’s Cumberland Island National Seashore is the latest site to be featured on one of the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins™.

The collector coin went on sale today, Aug. 30, at 12 noon (ET). Those interested in the large format issue may purchase them directly from the U.S. Mint for $154.95.

Coin Designs

The coin’s reverse (tails side) design is representative of Cumberland Island National Seashore. This is the same basic imagery as found on much smaller quarters that debuted on Monday, Aug. 27. (See photos of Cumberland Island quarters.)

Depicted is a snowy egret, common to the area, perched on a branch. Behind we find the edge of a salt marsh. Around the design are inscriptions of "CUMBERLAND ISLAND," "GEORGIA," "2018" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program Artist Donna Weaver created the national seashore design while former U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart sculpted it for use on coinage.

Struck as a companion to the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program, coin obverses (heads side) bear the same portrait of George Washington along with inscriptions reading: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "QUARTER DOLLAR."

Also appearing on obverses is a ‘P’ mintmark indicative of their production at the U.S. Mint’s facility in Philadelphia.

Finally, an edge inscription on each release reads: "999 FINE SILVER 5.0 OUNCE."

Other specifications as provided by the U.S. Mint include:

Ordering and Price

2018-P Cumberland Island National Seashore Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins are available from this U.S. Mint product page or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

The coin’s mintage is limited to 20,000 pieces with no household or ordering restrictions in place.

Five Ounce Silver Bullion Coins

In addition to these five ounce silver uncirculated coins, the U.S. Mint strikes a series of five ounce silver bullion coins. They feature nearly identical designs and specifications, with a few minor differences.

For one, the vapor blast finish on the uncirculated coins is unique compared to the shinier brilliant finish found on bullion versions. Also, the bullion coins have no mintmark despite also being produced in Philadelphia.

Another major difference between the two is their method of distribution. Whereas uncirculated coins are sold directly to the public by the U.S. Mint at a set price, the bullion coins are sold through the Mint’s network of authorized purchasers for a small premium above each coin’s melt value.