In case you're still wondering what to get your national parks lover for Christmas, here's a hint: commemorative coins made by the U.S. Mint to honor the National Park Service Centennial.
These once-in-a-lifetime coins are only being offered by the mint through year's end. The National Park Foundation is the beneficiary of the coin sales, as a surcharge on the purchases goes to the Foundation for use on projects in the National Park System. The surcharges are $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each silver coin, and $5 for each half-dollar clad coin.
The gold, silver, and clad coins bear images reflective of the people (John Muir, President Theodore Roosevelt), places (Old Faithful geyser, Half Dome) and values (heritage, stewardship) important to the agency.
Proceeds from the purchase of each limited-edition NPS coin go directly to the National Park Foundation to help preserve, restore and enhance the parks, protecting their legacy for generations to come. This program will:
- Fund necessary projects such as building new trails, restoring historic buildings, and protecting wildlife across the national park system.
- Help the NPF protect our parks, engage park visitors, and inspire the next generation of park stewards.
- Contribute to the strong future of our national park system.
The gold coin obverse (heads side) features naturalist, writer, and conservationist John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt with Yosemite National Park's Half Dome in the background. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “2016,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Don Everhart designed and sculpted the obverse.
The gold coin reverse (tails side) features the National Park Service logo, with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “$5.” Everhart also designed and sculpted the reverse.
The silver coin obverse features Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful geyser and a bison, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “"NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CENTENNIAL,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “1916,” and “2016.” Joseph Menna designed and sculpted the obverse.
The silver coin reverse depicts a Latina Folklórico dancer and the National Park Service logo, representing the multifaceted cultural experience found in America’s national parks. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “$1,” “HERITAGE,” “CULTURE,” and “PRIDE.” The reverse was designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Jim Licaretz.
The clad half dollar obverse features a hiker discovering the majesty of the wilderness and a small child discovering a frog hiding in ferns, celebrating the diversity and breadth of the National Park Service. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “2016,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “1916,” and “NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.” The reverse was designed by Barbara Fox and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso.
The clad half dollar reverse features the National Park Service logo, with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “HALF DOLLAR,” “STEWARDSHIP,” and “RECREATION.” The reverse was designed by Thomas Hipschen and sculpted by Charles L. Vickers.
No more than 15,000 sets containing all three coins are to be produced. As of December 11, fewer than 900 of these sets remained available.
The commemorative coins are available for purchase through the United States Mint’s online catalog.
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