
Shenandoah National Park Silver Coin
Starting in 2010, the United States Mint launched a special coin series to celebrate the national parks and historical sites spread across the 56 U.S. states and territories. This series is known as the America the Beautiful Collection and sees five new released coins each year. One released coin for 2014 commemorates Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Continue reading to learn more about this coin, the history of Shenandoah National Park, and how you can invest in this coin series.
Front/Obverse
The front (obverse) of the Shenandoah National Park silver coin features a restored version of the George Washington portrait by John Flanagan that is characteristic of United States Quarters.
Brief History
The 1920's saw a push to open more national parks on the east coast near spots of high population. Centuries before, settlers and visitors alike had found the Shenandoah Valley a beautiful spot, and Congress soon authorized the Shenandoah National Park's creation in 1926 so long as the state of Virginia could purchase all of the necessary land.
Several farmers and others whose families had lived in the area for generations were forced out of the new park; however, many had suffered great losses due to the Great Depression and handed over their land willingly. With that, the park was officially established in late 1935.
Unfortunately, segregation was still required for all public facilities at the time of the park’s opening, and smaller, lesser campgrounds, picnic areas, and cabins were created for African American visitors. It wasn’t until 1950 that the park became fully integrated.
Coin Facts
- Mint: U.S. Mint (West Point)
- Type: Bullion (Investment)
- Mintage: Minted in 2014 with 56,451 uncirculated coins
- Silver Content: 0.999 fine silver
- Diameter: 76.2 mm in diameter (3 in.)
- Thickness: 3.25 mm in thickness (0.128 in.)
- Weight: 5 troy ounces (155.5g)
- Face Value: $0.25
- Coin Highlights:
- The coin's ultimate obverse design was chosen from several candidates
- This coin's final design was chosen by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury who was assisted by Shenandoah site representatives
- The Shenandoah National Park coin is the second America the Beautiful coin released for the year 2014 and the 22nd release overall for the series
- Contains 99.9% pure silver
- This coin's quality is guaranteed by the United States Mint
Why Buy?
The America the Beautiful series proves to be popular for both casual and seasoned collectors alike. For one, it is available in both circulated quarters and silver bullion. This means that causal collectors can collect the coins without having to spend money or very much time.
On the other hand, the silver bullion coins are of higher quality, value, and a unique size for the experienced collector looking for great investment pieces. They are uncirculated and their fine silver content raises their value far past their $0.25 face value.
Check out the Shenandoah National Park silver bullion coin or browse the other coins we have available from the America the Beautiful Collection.