Every year since 2010, the U.S. Mint has released 5 coins celebrating the country’s national parks and historic sites. One of these coins released in 2016 features the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park in Kentucky. Continue reading to learn more about this silver coin and whether it’s right for your coin collection.
DESIGN
The front side of the Cumberland Gap silver coin shows a profile portrait of George Washington, the first U.S. president. The same portrait is on the front of all U.S. quarters.
Designer: John Flanagan
The back of the coin shows a frontiersman holding a musket. He’s shown looking out over Kentucky’s Cumberland Gap with the words “First Doorway to the West” inscribed above.
Designer: Barbara Fox
HISTORY
The Cumberland Gap lies between the mountains of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. It is considered to be the first discovered gateway into the western United States. The Gap was first explored by the English in 1750 and, notably, by famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. Once discovered, the Cumberland Gap was used to send and goods supplies over the mountains.
The Cumberland Gap National Historic Park was founded in 1940 to preserve the area’s history. It’s made up of 20,000 acres of mountain forests and hosts millions of visitors a year.
FACTS
Country
United States of America
Mint
U.S. Mint (West Point)
Metal
0.999 fine silver
Weight
155.5 grams
Diameter
3 inches (76.2 millimeters)
Thickness
0.128 inches (3.25 millimeters)
Date Issued
2016
Face Value
$0.25