The United States Mint’s first product release for September debuts today with the 2020-P Salt River Bay National Historical Site and Ecological Preserve Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin.
Like the companion quarter released earlier, its design honors Salt River Bay National Historical Site and Ecological Preserve located on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The site was established in 1992 to help preserve historical sites along with upland watersheds, mangrove forests, marine environments and endangered species indigenous to the region.
This collectible is issued as part of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin™ series which are struck from 5 ounces of .999 fine silver to a diameter of 3 inches. Their designs mirror the associated America the Beautiful quarter dollars program also from the U.S. Mint.
Both series launched with 2010-dated strikes with five designs released annually, each honoring a different site of national interest. These coin programs are scheduled to end next year.
Coin Designs and Specifications
The coin’s reverse (tails side) design emblematic of Salt River Bay National Historical Site and Ecological Preserve was created by artist Richard Masters. It offers a red mangrove tree in an early stage of its life cycle.
"The design brings awareness to the park’s endangered mangrove forests and the unique and delicate nature of how the species reproduces in salt water," describes the Mint.
Reverse inscriptions include "SALT RIVER BAY," "U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS," "2020," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Sculpting of the image was completed by Joseph Menna.
All coins in the series bear the same obverse (heads side) effigy of George Washington. This likeness of the first U.S. President was initially seen on the 1932 circulating quarter dollars and has appeared on quarters, with a few alterations, ever since.
John Flanagan created the original portrait. Obverse inscriptions read "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "QUARTER DOLLAR."
Inscribed on the edge of each coin are the specifications of "999 FINE SILVER 5.0 OUNCE."
Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin Specifications
| Finish: | Uncirculated |
|---|---|
| Denomination: | Quarter |
| Composition: | 99.9% Silver |
| Weight: | 5.000 troy oz. (155.517 grams) |
| Diameter: | 3.000 inches (76.20 mm) |
| Edge: | Lettered |
Ordering and Price
The 2020-P Salt River Bay National Historical Site and Ecological Preserve Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin is available directly from the U.S. Mint’s product page for silver coins. The coin is priced at $178.25 and has a maximum mintage of 13,750 units. There is no household order limit.
Five Ounce Silver Bullion Coins
Along with the aforementioned quarter dollars and these five ounce silver uncirculated coins, the U.S. Mint also produces five ounce silver bullion coins with the same imagery. The bullion coins are nearly identical to the five ounce uncirculated coins.
The exceptions include a brilliant finish on the bullion pieces unlike the vapor blast finish of the uncirculated coin. Also, a mintmark is not struck on the bullion coins whereas the uncirculated pieces have a ‘P’ mintmark indicating their production at the Philadelphia Mint.
In addition, the bullion coins are sold through the Mint’s network of authorized purchasers for a small premium above the five ounce silver spot price. As of this writing, the Mint reports sales of 45,000 for the Salt River Bay Five Ounce Silver Bullion Coin.
Hurry, Hurry, Hurry, get your giant “WEED” coin before Mike Mezack sends his off to ANACS what a “DEAL” he has for you!!! Understand!!!
ARE THEY PURPOSELY TRYING TO CREATE A LOW MINTAGE COIN TO THE SERIES AT 13,750???
I found that interesting as well – especially since all of the 2019 issues sold over 16k each if you can believe the reporting.
Yes, interesting indeed. You would think after all these years they would have left the authorized limit at 20k. After all, they have always (if you believe their numbers) cut off sales under that 20k. To date, (if memory correct) only two did not reach sales of at least 15k. But, why would we be surprised they would change things that makes little (no) sense and likely enrage some collectors?
hmmmm i wonder…maybe a silver shortage…since each coin is 5oz?
It doesn’t really matter much, as this coin program only has 2 more coins this year & 1 coin next year and it ends.
NumisdudeTX
I am sure that somewhere, legislation for a new series is being prepared to be rushed through Congress in its final hours.
The Trump’s Chump’s ATB, featuring McMasters, the Mooch, Bolton & the other 50+ who quit or were fired by the Orange one, thinkg of the possibilities!! Stormy in a G string, Melania in her old bikin and Mitch McConnel as a turtle, we’ve been wanting a TURTLE coin!!
FUGULY deluse, funny thing is is it was marijuana it would have great sales on all options, I suspect