Since 2010, the U.S. Mint has issued 5 coins per year as part of the America the Beautiful Series. This series is designed to celebrate America’s national parks and historic sites. One of these coins highlights the Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. Continue reading to learn more about this coin and whether it’s right for your collection.
DESIGN
The front of each coin in the America the Beautiful series shows the famous portrait of the United States’ first president George Washington. This design is also present on the front of all standard U.S. quarters.
Designer: John Flanagan
The reverse side of this coin shows the famous American Indian effigy mounds of Iowa. The mounds were created hundreds of years ago to honor the dead and were constructed into various shapes.
Designer: Richard Masters
HISTORY
In the midwestern United States, effigy mounds were once a very important part of Native American culture. Used to honor the dead, these mounds were fashioned in the shape of birds, bears and other creatures. To protect these sacred mounds, the Effigy Mounds National Monument was founded in 1949 in Iowa, where more than 200 effigy mounds can be found. It sees around 80,000 visitors every 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
2017
Face Value
$0.25