Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Quarter Design
In September 2016, the U.S. Mint revealed the final design for the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site quarter. As the second release for 2017, this beautiful quarter features the building known as Cedar Hill, the home of Frederick Douglass, and the famous abolitionist seated at a writing desk in the foreground.
Born into slavery, Douglass learned how to read and write. His education fueled his desire for freedom. Eventually he escaped and went North to freedom, spending his time speaking out against slavery. During the Civil War he recruited African Americans to fight for the Union and afterwards, he served as Minister to Haiti and U.S. Marshal to the District of Columbia.
Candidate designs for the 2017 Frederick Douglass National Historic Site quarter
In October 2015, the Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Advisory Committee met to review six designs for the reverse of the 2017 Frederick Douglass National Historic Site quarter. All designs varied: Two showed Douglass’ Cedar Hill home in the outskirts of Washington, D.C., one showed Douglass standing at a podium speaking, and one meeting with Abraham Lincoln. The last two depict him seated in a chair with his home, Cedar Hill, in the background – the main difference between the two is that one shows him seated at a writing desk.
After the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) reviews designs, the U.S. Mint recommends the favorites to the Secretary of the Treasury who then makes the final selection.
The Frederick Douglass coin will honor this 8-acre national park, which offers a memorial garden, impressive views of the Capitol and an interesting tour of his home, now restored to the way it was when he lived there.
February 23, 2017 – 12:02 pm
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Located atop Cedar Hill in southeast Washington, D.C., the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site overlooks the U.S. Capitol. The Victorian mansion, Cedar Hill, was once Frederick Douglass’ home. If you visit today, about 70% of the items found inside once belonged to Douglass himself. It was there that the famed abolitionist edited and published the newspaper Evening Star, held meetings and greeted distinguished guests.
Born into slavery, Douglass learned the alphabet at age 12 and in time, taught himself how to read and write. When he was 20 he escaped and took the name Frederick Douglass. He is known for his fiery speeches, his writings and his steadfast support of equal rights. The 37th coin in the National Park quarter series, and the 2nd issue of 2017, honors this interesting park that preserves Frederick Douglass’ legacy.
Learn more about Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.
February 16, 2017 – 9:22 am
The new 2017 Effigy Mounds National Monument quarter, 36th issue of the National Park quarter series and first of five new 2017 designs, is now in circulation. The official launch ceremony for the Effigy Mounds quarter was held on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Allamakee Community School in nearby Waukon, Iowa. After the ceremony, a coin exchange was held and children received the new 2017 quarters, which depict a familiar segment of the monument’s signature Marching Bear Group of animal-shaped effigy mounds.
Other 2017 National Park quarters will feature Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri, Ellis Island National Monument (Statue of Liberty) in New Jersey and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Indiana. Add the new 2017 Effigy Mounds quarters to your collection now.
February 7, 2017 – 7:55 am
Effigy Mounds quarter design
On September 1, 2016, the U.S. Mint announced the final design for the Effigy Mounds National Monument quarter, the first of five new 2017 National Park quarter designs. The reverse of the Effigy Mounds quarter will feature an overhead view of the National Monument’s signature “Marching Bear Group” – consisting of ten bear-shaped mounds and three bird-shaped mounds on a bluff overlooking the Upper Mississippi River.
Inscriptions on the reverse of the first 2017 quarter will include the name and location of the federally protected area, effigy mounds and iowa, as well as e pluribus unum and the year of issue. The reverse design was created by Richard Masters and sculpted by Renata Gordon.
This handsome quarter is a perfect match for the 2004 Statehood quarter featuring the park’s home state of Iowa. This first 2017 issue of the 2010-2021 National Park quarter series will be followed by the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Ellis Island National Monument (Statue of Liberty) and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park issues.
