The United States Mint is pleased to announce that the America the Beautiful – Mount Rushmore National Memorial quarter honoring South Dakota has been named Best Circulating Coin in the annual international competition sponsored by Krause Publications, publishers of World Coin News and Numismatic News.
By winning in this category, the coin is now in competition for Coin of the Year and will compete against coins from countries around the world that have won competitions in nine other categories.
An international panel of judges who are experts in numismatics makes selections for these honors. There were a total of 94 different nominees from 45 countries for the entire competition.
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial quarter, issued in 2013, is the 20th quarter in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. Over the decades, Mount Rushmore has grown in fame as a symbol of America-a symbol of freedom and hope for people from all cultures and backgrounds. The sculpture, located in the scenic and sacred Black Hills of South Dakota, features U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The coin’s reverse design, by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna, was inspired by photos of men who added the final details to Thomas Jefferson’s face. Menna’s design offered a unique and educational perspective on how Mount Rushmore was created and sculpted.
“Joe’s extraordinary efforts obviously reflect great credit on the United States Mint,” said United States Mint Deputy Director Richard A. Peterson. “However, this is an honor every Mint employee should share in as it also reflects the great work they do on a daily basis.”
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About the U.S. Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.
The U.S. Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.
