Last week on Thursday, Aug. 30, quarters honoring Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia were formerly introduced to the public.
Some 1,500 people attended the launch ceremony hosted by officials from the United States Mint and National Park Service and around 1,200 children received a free Cumberland Island quarter to commemorate the event.
Depicted on the quarter’s reverse is a scene emblematic of the seashore — a snowy egret perched on a branch on the edge of a salt marsh.
"Georgia’s Cumberland Island National Seashore is made up of pristine coastlines and more than 9,000 acres of wilderness," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. "The site offers great opportunities to camp, fish, bike, and kayak. It’s a perfect addition to the America the Beautiful quarter series."
David Croft, Acting Deputy Director, United States Mint and Gary Ingram, Superintendent, Cumberland Island National Seashore spoke to the audience about the nation’s newest quarter and how it reflects the significance of Cumberland Island’s place in American history.
Camden County High School Students Jalen Johnson and Nicole Thompson served as Masters of Ceremonies.
Two of the Camden County High School’s music ensembles preformed during the ceremony: the trombone trio and Volume One, a choral group.
Many attendees took part in the traditional coin exchange with quarters provided by Southeastern Bank. About $16,000 in P-mint mark Cumberland Island quarters were swapped for cash.
Another highlight for 89 collectors and local enthusiasts was a coin forum held on the evening before the launch ceremony where attendees listened to and asked questions of U.S. Mint officials.
Cumberland Island quarters started entering circulation on Monday, Aug. 27. (See quarter photos.) The U.S. Mint on the same day released them in rolls and bags. Available products include quarters struck at the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco Mints at prices ranging from $18.95 to $46.95.
The U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program debuted in 2010 and will honor 56 national parks and other sites through 2021. The Cumberland Island National Seashore is the 44th released since 2010 and the fourth of the five unique 25-cent designs for 2018.