Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa was honored as one of the sites featured in the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program in 2017.
This quarter is not just a beautiful tribute to a historical landmark, but also a potentially valuable piece for coin collectors. The Effigy Mounds Quarter tells the story of ancient Native American cultures through the iconic mound shapes preserved in the monument.
Let’s dive deeper into this coin’s significance and what makes it stand out in the collection world.
Effigy Mounds National Monument History
Effigy Mounds National Monument, established in 1949, is home to more than 200 mounds in the shapes of animals, especially birds and bears, which were built by Native American tribes between 500 B.C. and 1200 A.D.
These mounds are believed to have had spiritual and ceremonial purposes. The Effigy Mounds Quarter honors the significance of this monument and its ancient history by capturing the essence of these sacred mounds.
Coin Design and Development
The design of the Effigy Mounds Quarter was selected through a competitive process that involved submissions from artists under the U.S. Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program.
Several design candidates were reviewed before a final design, featuring a detailed view of the mounds with a bear-shaped effigy, was chosen. The design captures the historical importance of the mounds while also reflecting the scenic beauty of the landscape.
2017 Effigy Mounds Quarter Specifications
The 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarter was minted as part of the America the Beautiful series. It adheres to standard quarter specifications, with a weight of 5.670 grams and a diameter of 24.26 mm.
The coin is made of cupro-nickel clad, with 8.33% nickel and the remainder copper. Like all quarters in this series, it is produced with reeded edges and has a thickness of 1.75 mm.
| Feature | Detail | Value | Mintage | Mint Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.670 g | $0.50 | 271,200,000 | Uncirculated |
| Diameter | 0.955 in (24.26 mm) | $0.50 | 210,800,000 | Uncirculated |
| Composition | Cupro-Nickel Clad | $0.50 | 80,000 | Proof |
| Thickness | 1.75 mm | $0.50 | 500,000 | Silver |
Release and Public Reception
The coin was officially launched on February 7, 2017, at a ceremony held at Allamakee Community School in Waukon, Iowa. The event saw over 1,700 attendees, including schoolchildren who received a quarter as a gift.
The U.S. Mint also offered attendees the opportunity to purchase additional quarters at face value. The coin’s release was a significant moment for both numismatists and the local community, bringing attention to both the beauty of the Effigy Mounds and the preservation of Native American heritage.
Value and Collectibility
The 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarter is valued primarily at its face value of $0.25 for general circulation coins. However, special editions, such as the silver bullion versions or proof coins, can be worth significantly more.
Collectors particularly seek out the uncirculated versions, with the 2017-P and 2017-D mints being the most common.
FAQs
1. What Is the Value of the 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarter?
The general circulation version of the 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarter holds its face value of $0.25. However, special editions like proof and silver bullion coins are worth more, with values depending on the specific mint type and condition.
2. Why Was Effigy Mounds Chosen for the America the Beautiful Quarter?
Effigy Mounds National Monument was chosen because of its historical significance in preserving the ancient burial mounds built by Native American tribes. The quarter pays tribute to these sacred mounds and the cultural heritage of the Woodland period.
3. How Many 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarters Were Minted?
The U.S. Mint produced over 271 million uncirculated 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarters, with additional proof and silver bullion editions issued in limited quantities.
4. Can I Buy the 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarter Directly from the U.S. Mint?
Yes, the U.S. Mint sells special editions of the 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarter, including silver bullion coins and proof versions. These can be purchased from the Mint’s official website or at authorized dealers.
5. Is the 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarter a Good Investment?
While the standard 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarters are not likely to increase significantly in value, special editions like silver bullion coins and proof versions may appreciate over time, especially if kept in good condition.
