Candidate designs for the Homestead National Monument of America quarter
Early in 2014, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee reviewed several candidate designs for the reverse of the 2015 Homestead National Monument of America quarter.
The committee was split in their recommendations. While some preferred a rendition depicting a homesteader working a team of horses, most support fell to the coin featuring shelter, water and food – three things needed by every homesteader for survival.
That same design was selected by the Commission of Fine Arts as their favorite. Between the two groups, some modifications to the proposed design were suggested. These included removing the stars surrounding the design, and reducing the size of the ears of wheat. The addition of the words “Free Land” above the design was also mentioned as a possibility.
Located in Nebraska, Homestead honors the early pioneers under America’s Homestead Act of 1862, and their impact on the westward expansion of the United States.
