The U.S. Mint began releasing the America the Beautiful coin series in 2010 to celebrate America’s national parks and historic sites. This coin highlights North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway with its curvy roads and gorgeous Appalachian scenery. Continue reading to learn more about this coin and to see if it’s right for your collection.
DESIGN
The front side of this silver coin shows the famous portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan. This portrait is used on the front of all United States quarters.
Designer: John Flanagan
The back side of this coin shows the famous Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. The curvy road runs around the mountain landscape, and in front of the road sits the dogwood blossom—North Carolina’s state flower.
Designer: Frank Morris
HISTORY
The Blue Ridge Parkway was first known as the Appalachian Scenic Highway, and work began on this roadway in 1935 during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration.
Today, the Blue Ridge Parkway gives drivers a stunning view of the North Carolina mountains and connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee/North Carolina with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The Parkway is one of the most visited National Park Service sites in the country.
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
2015
Face Value
$0.25