The America the Beautiful coin series was started in order to commemorate America’s national parks, forests, monuments and memorials. One of the coins released in 2013 focuses on South Dakota’s famous Mount Rushmore – one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country. Continue reading to learn more about this coin, Mount Rushmore’s significance, and how this coin can make a great investment.
DESIGN
The front side of this coin shows a profile portrait of George Washington. This restored portrait is the same one used on the front of all U.S. quarters.
Designer: John Flanagan
The back side of this coin is dedicated to the hard work required to create Mount Rushmore. The design shows a worker adding details to Thomas Jefferson’s face, while another works on Washington.
Designer: Joseph Menna
HISTORY
Originally known to the Lakota Sioux as “The Six Grandfathers,” the mountainous area was named after Charles Rushmore who led an expedition to the peaks in 1885. In an attempt to increase tourism to South Dakota, President Calvin Coolidge approved the carving project. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln were chosen to show the span of American expansion and unity.
Work on Mount Rushmore took over 13 years and 400,000 tons of rock sculpted and blasted. The sculpture was finally finished in 1941 and registered as Mount Rushmore National Monument in 1966. Two million visitors see the monument each 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 inches)
Thickness
0.128 inches (3.25 millimeters)
Date Issued
2013
Face Value
$0.25