Gettysburg Quarter Design Finalized

December 19, 2010 – 9:15 pm
Gettysburg National Military Park quarter design

Gettysburg National Military Park quarter design

The final approved design for the sixth National Park quarter was announced on December 1, 2010.

The reverse of the first 2011 quarter, honoring Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania (established in 1895), features the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Monument.

Inscriptions on the coin’s reverse include the name of the site (GETTYSBURG), its location (PENNSYLVANIA), the coin’s year of issue (2011), and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The obverse features a restored version of the George Washington portrait introduced on U.S. quarters in 1932.

The Gettysburg quarter will be followed by other 2011 quarters honoring Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Posted in 2011, Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania | Tagged , ,

2011 Chickasaw Quarter Design Finalized

December 17, 2010 – 11:30 am
Chickasaw National Recreation Area quarter design

Chickasaw National Recreation Area quarter design

The approved design for the fifth and final 2011 National Park quarter, featuring Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma, was announced on December 1, 2010 by the United States Mint.

The reverse of this 10th issue in the 2010-2021 National Park series depicts the Lincoln Bridge – the first and oldest constructed improvement to the natural setting of the recreation area. The limestone bridge was dedicated on February 12 (Lincoln’s birthday) in 1909, celebrating to the day the centennial of our 16th president’s birth. For over a century, the Lincoln Bridge has been a treasured landmark and revered piece of the park’s cultural landscape. The diverse foliage and wildlife of the recreation area are also represented by the design.

Inscriptions on the coin’s reverse include the site – CHICKASAW NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, its location – OKLAHOMA, year of issue – 2011, and motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The obverse or “heads” side features a smaller restored version of the George Washington portrait introduced on quarters in 1932.

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2011 Vicksburg Quarter Design Finalized

December 17, 2010 – 11:28 am
Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter design

Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter design

The approved design for the fourth 2011 National Park quarter, featuring Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, was announced on December 1, 2010 by the United States Mint.

The reverse of the Vicksburg quarter, 9th issue in the series, depicts the Union ironclad gunboat U.S.S. Cairo on the Mississippi River – showcasing the significance of the river and the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. The capture of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863 (and Port Hudson, LA a week later) yielded control of the Mississippi River to the Union, and effectively split Confederate forces. This pivotal but devastating 47-day siege is commemorated at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Though the Cairo became the first U.S. marine vessel to be sunk by an electronically detonated underwater mine, the ironclad was later raised and restored to become one of the most popular historical attractions at the Vicksburg park.

Inscriptions on the coin’s reverse include the site – VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK, its location – MISSISSIPPI, year of issue– 2011, and motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The obverse or “heads” side features a smaller restored version of the George Washington portrait introduced on quarters in 1932.

Posted in 2011, Mississippi, Vicksburg National Military Park | Tagged , ,

Candidate designs for 2011 Chickasaw National Recreation Area Quarter

December 9, 2010 – 1:52 pm
U.S. Mint art for the top contenders for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area quarter design.

U.S. Mint art for the top contenders for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area quarter design.

The U.S. Mint presented three finalist designs for the 2011 Chickasaw National Recreation Area quarter to citizen committees and government officials for their consideration. The Chickasaw quarter design will be the tenth coin in the America’s National Parks Quarter Series, and the last of five 2011 issues.

The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) favored design #1 featuring Buffalo Springs amid its stone spillway. The official CCAC review stated that the members “appreciated the perspective and composition of this design, particularly the foreground foliage.” The Commission of Fine Arts recommended a simplified adaptation of design #2, which depicts the limestone Lincoln Bridge – the first constructed improvement to the recreation area, dedicated in 1909 to honor the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Design #3 depicts one of Chickasaw’s numerous cascading creeks lined with trees and foliage.

After receiving and evaluating recommendations from all required sources, the Director of the U.S. Mint will make final recommendations to the Secretary of the Treasury – who will make the final decision.

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Chickasaw National Recreation Area is featured on 10th National Park Quarter

December 9, 2010 – 1:44 pm
The Lincoln Bridge, Chickasaw National Recreation Area

The Lincoln Bridge, Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Located about 80 miles south of Oklahoma city, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is known for its fresh water, mineral springs, cool streams, and beautiful lakes. Called the “Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters” by early American Indian visitors, this protected site was originally established in 1902 through an agreement between the Chickasaw and Choctaw Indian Nations and the U.S. Government. The recreation area represents the state of Oklahoma in the 2010-2021 America’s National Park Quarter Series.

Lying in a transition region between Eastern deciduous forest and Western prairie land, Chickasaw contains flora, fauna, water features, and geological formations from both environments. The site contains many skillful Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) creations from the 1930s including roads, trails, landscaping, stone enclosures for natural springs, pavilions, and park buildings – all blending harmoniously with the natural setting. More than 1½ million visitors come to Chickasaw each year for outdoor activities including hiking, picnicking, camping,  swimming, boating, fishing, and observing nature.

The Travertine Nature Center offers live animal exhibits, video presentations, guided nature and creek walks, campfire programs, and other special activities.

More information on Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

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