In 2010, the United States Mint began releasing coins in celebration of the country’s national parks and historic sites. Each year, five new coins are produced as part of this America the Beautiful series. One of these coins celebrates the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in the state of Delaware. Continue reading to learn more about this coin and see if it’s right for your collection.
DESIGN
The front side of this coin shows the United States’ first president George Washington. This is a restored version of the portrait by John Flanagan that appears on all U.S. quarters.
Designer: John Flanagan
The back side of this coin shows a great blue heron and a great egret flying overhead. Behind the birds are the area’s famous marshes.
Designer: Joel Iskowitz
HISTORY
The area in Delaware where the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge now sits was once called Canaresse by Native Americans; however, the area was renamed “Boompjes Hoeck” by the Dutch, eventually evolving into Bombay Hook.
The area is covered in marshland. The marshes were once protected by sand dunes, but a great storm in the 1800s caused the marshes to become more vulnerable. The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1937 to help protect the fragile marshes and the many animals living there.
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