A crowd of 1,500 people attended the August 30, 2018, ceremonial launch of the Cumberland Island National Seashore quarter in Kingsland, Ga. The coin is the 44th release in the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program. U.S. Mint photo by Jill Westeyn.
Kingsland, Ga. — The United States Mint joined the National Park Service today to launch the quarter honoring Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia. This latest coin is the 44th release in the Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program and the fourth release of 2018.
The new Cumberland Island National Seashore quarter. Hover to zoom. Photo credit: United States Mint.
“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.”
The reverse (tails) design of the Cumberland Island National Seashore quarter depicts a snowy egret perched on a branch on the edge of a salt marsh, ready for flight. Inscriptions are CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GEORGIA, the year 2018, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
The obverse (heads) design features a restored 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and denomination QUARTER DOLLAR.
Nicole Thompson and Jalen Johnson, Camden County High School students, serve as Master of Ceremonies during the launch of the Cumberland Island National Seashore quarter August 30, 2018, in Kingsland, Ga. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.
Camden County High School students Jalen Johnson and Nicole Thompson led the ceremony, while the school band ensemble and choral group Volume One entertained the crowd of more than 800 students and residents. Guest speakers included the Mint’s Acting Deputy Director David Croft; Cumberland Island National Seashore Superintendent Gary Ingram; Andrew Blascovich, senior field representative for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson; Sam Tostensen, Southeast Georgia field representative for U.S. Senator David Perdue; and Emmitt Nolan, caseworker and field representative for U.S. Representative Buddy Carter. Donna Weaver, an artist in the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, received recognition for her Cumberland Island National Seashore quarter design and the customary coin exchange rounded out the event.
David Croft, Acting Deputy Director, United States Mint, presents Cumberland Island National Seashore quarters struck on the first day of production to Cumberland Island National Seashore Superintendent Gary Ingram during the August 30, 2018 launch ceremony in Kingsland, Ga. U.S. Mint photo by Jill Westeyn.
Mr. Croft remarked, “Just as thousands of migratory birds pass through this wildlife wonderland, so too will these quarters pass from hand to hand, reminding people of the spectacular natural beauty of Georgia’s Golden Isles.”
A miniature boat holds new Cumberland Island National Seashore quarters poured during the ceremonial launch of the coin in Kingsland, Ga., August 30, 2018. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.
The Mint is offering assorted numismatic products containing Cumberland Island National Seashore quarters. Visit online or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) to place an order.
David Croft, Acting Deputy Director, United States Mint, passes out new Cumberland Island National Seashore quarters to children attending the launch ceremony August 30, 2018, in Kingsland, Ga. U.S. Mint photo by Jill Westeyn.
The America the Beautiful Quarters Program is a 12-year initiative that honors 56 national parks and other national sites authorized by Public Law 110-456. Each year, the public will see five new national sites depicted on the reverses (tails sides) of the America the Beautiful Quarters coins. The Mint is issuing these quarters in the order in which the national sites were officially established.
About the United States Mint
Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including Proof, Uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.
Press release courtesy of the United States Mint.
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