Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Gettysburg Monument on a Coin

A well-known monument at Gettysburg National Military Park is now also on a US Quarter. The United States Mint released the 6th coin in its America the Beautiful Quarters Program today with a ceremony at the park. The coin (as seen to the left) features George Washington on the front and a depiction of the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Monument on the reverse. The monument stands on the battle line of the Union Army at Cemetery Ridge. Inscribed on the back are the words GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, 2011 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The coin's reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

US Mint Associate Coordinator for sales and marketing says the process of selecting the 56 designs began back in 2009 when the mint reached out to the governors of all 50 states to get their input on what should be featured. Also to be released this year; Glacier National Park MT, Olympic National Park WA, Vicksburg National Military Park MS, Chickasaw National Recreation Area Site OK.

The United States Mint is also offering free lesson plans based on the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which are available at the US Mint’s website.

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