The Washington America the Beautiful Quarters: A Complete Guide to Collecting This 56-Coin Series
Are you looking for an exciting and affordable coin collection to build? Consider the Washington America the Beautiful Quarters. Issued by the U.S. Mint from 2010 to 2021, this 56-coin series depicts a national park or historic site from each state, the five U.S. territories, and Washington D.C. on the reverse.
Whether you‘re an experienced numismatist or just starting the hobby, assembling a complete set of pristine America the Beautiful Quarters is a fun and attainable goal. In this article, we‘ll cover everything you need to know, including key dates, rarities, errors to look for, and how much it costs to collect them all.
Overview of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program
Following the success of the 50 State Quarters program, the U.S. Mint launched the America the Beautiful Quarters series in 2010 to showcase the natural beauty and historic significance of sites across the country. Five new reverse designs were released each year until the collection ended in 2021 with the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site quarter.
The familiar portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan appears on the obverse of each quarter. Inscriptions on this side include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "QUARTER DOLLAR," "LIBERTY," and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
Each reverse features an individualized design celebrating a site of national interest along with the name of the location, the host jurisdiction, the year of issue, and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." These were the first U.S. quarters to bear the "P" mintmark for Philadelphia.
Mintages and Values of Regular Strike Quarters
America the Beautiful Quarters were minted for circulation at three facilities: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). In general, Philadelphia produced the highest mintages followed by Denver. San Francisco struck quarters for only the first two years of the series.
Regular strike quarters from all three mints are readily available, even in gem uncirculated condition, so they carry minimal numismatic premiums. A typical P or D quarter grading MS-65 trades for just a dollar or two over face value. First year issues from 2010, especially those minted in San Francisco, tend to command slightly higher prices.
The priciest regular strike quarters are those from 2012 with mintages under 50 million. A 2012-S El Yunque quarter graded MS-68 by PCGS sold for over $200 in a 2022 auction. The 2012-S Denali is also scarce and valuable in top condition.
The Special 2019 and 2020 W Mint Quarters
In 2019 and 2020, the U.S. Mint did something different by releasing 2 million of each America the Beautiful Quarter with the W mintmark for West Point. These were mixed into circulation, generating excitement as collectors tried to find them in pocket change.
The 2019-W and 2020-W quarters have a special allure due to their low mintages. Values range from about $15 for a raw example up to $200 or more for a grade like MS-67. The first two from 2019, Lowell and American Memorial Park, are especially coveted.
Collect a Set of Stunning Silver Proofs
For those who appreciate an extra touch of beauty and quality, consider collecting the America the Beautiful Quarters in silver proof format. Made of 90% silver and struck with polished dies, these display exceptional detail and contrast.
Over 80 million silver proofs were sold by the U.S. Mint during the program. Those from 2018-2021 had lower mintages closer to 500,000 compared to over 1 million in the early years. Silver proofs command a decent premium over their melt value.
Typical silver proof quarters grade from PR-69 to a perfect PR-70 and sell for $25 to $80 based on the date and grade. Some issues like the 2013-S Mount Rushmore are notably scarcer. The 2019-S War in the Pacific and 2020-S Samoa are key dates valued over $200 in PR-70.
Variations to Look For
In addition to the regular silver proofs, collectors can pursue other intriguing variations. In 2011 and 2012, the Mint sold uncirculated quarters in the 10-coin "America the Beautiful Quarter Three-Coin Set." Those pieces don‘t carry the S mintmark of the regular proofs.
Another variety are the S-mint quarters included in the "Limited Edition Silver Proof Set" from 2012. Often designated S, these exhibit a more satiny finish than the typical proofs. Certain issues like the 2012-S Acadia and Volcanoes in PR-70 can reach $500 or more.
Error Coins Add Spice to Any Collection
Perhaps the most exciting finds are America the Beautiful Quarters with striking errors or die variations. While seldom encountered, these are the prizes that make collecting so rewarding. Here are some of the most dramatic and valuable error types:
Doubled Die: Some quarters from Philadelphia and Denver show clear doubling in the lettering and details. A distinct 2015-P Saratoga quarter with a doubled die reverse sold for nearly $4,000 in a 2020 auction. Other known doubled dies include the 2013-P White Mountain and 2020-P Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller.
Off-Center Strike: When a blank coin isn‘t centered between the dies, an off-center strike occurs. The 2015 Homestead quarter has an interesting variation missing about 5% of the design that trades for a solid premium.
Clipped Planchets: A clipped planchet results when the coin blanks aren‘t properly cut from the metal strips. Depending on the severity, a clipped quarter can bring $100 to $500.
These are just a few of the many errors and varieties that add depth to the America the Beautiful series. Die cracks, trails, cuds, and partial collar strikes are some other anomalies to watch for. Mint errors are highly collectible no matter how minor.
Building a Complete 56-Coin Set
For those inspired to assemble a full set of America the Beautiful Quarters, it‘s a good idea to pick a format and stick with it. Options include circulation strikes from a specific mint, 90% silver proofs, the special West Point issues, or varieties like the Three-Coin Set examples. Many collectors also enjoy saving these quarters from pocket change.
A complete set of raw (ungraded) business strike quarters can be put together for around $100 or just slightly over face value. An uncirculated or proof set in top grades will run closer to $2,500 without any special varieties or errors included.
Serious collectors often purchase coins already graded by PCGS or NGC. Quarters are encapsulated in sonically-sealed holders with the grade and a barcode certifying authenticity. Most grading tiers cost $30-$40 per coin, but it‘s essential for coins being sold or for your most valuable pieces.
Tips to Jumpstart Your Collection
Decide on a collecting strategy and budget. Will you focus on one coin from each location? Collect circulation strikes, proofs, or varieties? Purchase graded examples or raw coins?
Determine how you‘ll store and display your set. Many hobbyists like placing their quarters in fold-out map albums, Dansco albums, or Whitman folders. There are also deluxe quarter display cases.
Take the time to learn how quarters are graded and attributed. A solid knowledge of strike, luster, toning, and surface preservation will help you select exceptional examples for your collection.
Consider joining the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or a local coin club. Attend shows to network with other collectors and dealers. You‘ll find that numismatists love to share their knowledge and trade with fellow hobbyists.
Where to Buy and Sell Your Quarters
Hobbyists have more options than ever when it comes to adding to their collections. Traditional venues include local coin shops and shows. Many established dealers have websites and are also active on Facebook and Instagram.
Online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon have become go-to places for many collectors. Websites like Collectors Corner and Mint Products also have a wide selection of modern U.S. coins. Always check a seller‘s feedback and return policy before making a purchase.
For those looking to sell duplicates or cull their collections, r/Coins4Sale and r/PMsForSale on Reddit are popular gathering spots. Sellers there are expected to have coins graded or provide clear photos. Major auction houses like Heritage, Stacks Bowers, and Great Collections are good options for rare and high grade pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an America the Beautiful quarter worth?
Most circulated quarters are worth face value. Uncirculated examples trade for a dollar or two over face. Silver proofs sell for around $25 and up based on issue and grade. Scarce business strikes and errors can be worth hundreds or even thousands in top condition.
How much silver is in an America the Beautiful quarter?
Business strike quarters are made of copper-nickel clad and contain no silver. The 90% silver proof quarters have a melt value of about $3.50 based on current silver prices.
How many different America the Beautiful quarters are there?
There are a total of 56 unique reverse designs, one for each state, the five U.S. territories, and Washington D.C. With coins minted across several facilities and in different finishes, there are over 500 distinct issues when each date and mintmark combination is considered.
Which America the Beautiful quarters are the most valuable?
In general, the 2019-W and 2020-W quarters carry the highest premiums with some graded pieces selling for $500 or more. The low mintage 2012-S Denali and El Yunque are also key dates. Certain first year issues from 2010 to 2012 are desirable. The rarest are varieties like doubled dies and off-center strikes.
The Future of America the Beautiful Quarters
Although the U.S. Mint has moved onto programs like the American Women Quarters, collector enthusiasm for America the Beautiful coins shows no signs of stopping. Many hobbyists are still working on completing their collections, especially the scarce and pricey 2019-W and 2020-W issues.
The wonderful thing about numismatics is that there‘s always something new to learn and acquire. Few modern series offer as much potential for discovery as the America the Beautiful Quarters. Whether you‘re putting together a set of silver proofs or searching rolls for errors, these coins provide endless opportunities for fun and financial gain.
As you build your collection, take the time to appreciate both the artistry and the national treasures depicted on these quarters. Pause to learn about the cultural and natural wonders in your pocket. In that sense, the America the Beautiful Quarters really do live up to their lofty name by connecting us with our heritage.
