The 2014-S Shenandoah National Park Quarter is a special edition coin created by the United States Mint, and it’s part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. These coins were made for collectors, not for regular use in daily transactions. The 2014-S version is the 22nd coin in a 56-coin series, celebrating national parks and landmarks across the country. If you’re a coin collector or simply interested in learning more about this beautiful quarter, keep reading for details about its design, launch, and current market value.
What Makes the 2014-S Shenandoah Quarter Special?
The 2014-S Shenandoah National Park Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which began in 2010. This particular quarter honors Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, which is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, including hiking along the Appalachian Trail. The park has been a popular destination since its establishment in 1935 and continues to attract over a million visitors each year.
This coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and it’s important to note that these coins were not made for everyday use. Instead, they were produced specifically for collectors. The quarter shares the same copper-nickel composition and finish as those produced in Philadelphia and Denver, but it is specially minted for the collector market.
The Design of the Shenandoah National Park Quarter
The obverse (front) of the quarter features a classic design of George Washington, created by artist John Flanagan. This image of Washington is based on a bust by the French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon and is a well-known depiction that has appeared on the U.S. quarter since 1932.
On the reverse (back) of the coin, we see a hiker standing on the summit of Little Stony Man Peak. The hiker is enjoying a beautiful view of the Shenandoah Mountains, with trees and rocky terrain in the distance. The reverse design was created by Phebe Hemphill and captures the spirit of the park’s outdoor beauty. Surrounding the image are the words SHENANDOAH, VIRGINIA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the year 2014.
The Coin’s Release and Pricing
The official launch ceremony for the 2014-S Shenandoah National Park Quarter took place on April 4, 2014, at Skyline High School in Front Royal, Virginia. Important figures like U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward attended the event, where collectors could purchase rolls of the new quarters at face value.
While most of the Shenandoah National Park Quarters were sold through regular banks, the U.S. Mint also offered special collector’s items, such as rolls and bags of the coins. For example, rolls of coins from the San Francisco Mint were sold at a premium, priced at $18.95 each. The Mint also offered sets of three coins for collectors, priced at $9.95 plus shipping.
Market Data and Collector Interest
Since its release, the 2014-S Shenandoah National Park Quarter has become a popular collector’s item, though it’s not considered to have a high resale value yet. According to coin grading services like NGC and PCGS, only around 1,000 coins have been graded, with most being classified as MS67 or MS67PL quality.
Interestingly, many of these coins were sold right after their release, and there isn’t a lot of auction activity for this specific coin. While some PCGS MS68PL coins have sold for around $75 in the past, most of the Shenandoah quarters are still sold for close to their original issue price. This suggests that the coin has yet to see significant appreciation in value, and it may take years or even decades before the coin becomes a rare collector’s item.
Should You Buy the Shenandoah Quarter?
If you’re a collector, the 2014-S Shenandoah National Park Quarter might be a great addition to your collection, especially if you’re focusing on the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. However, if you’re hoping for a quick profit from selling the coin, it may not be the best investment at this time.
For those interested in acquiring the coin, it’s likely best to purchase it directly from the U.S. Mint or other reputable dealers. Since the coin is still relatively affordable, it’s a good idea to buy it now while it’s still priced close to its original value.
Coin Specifications and Detail
- Country: United States of America
- Year of Issue: 2014
- Denomination: Quarter Dollar (25 Cents)
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco Mint)
- Mintage: 1,176,750
- Alloy: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.30 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Obverse Designer: John Flanagan
- Reverse Designer: Phebe Hemphill
Conclusion
The 2014-S Shenandoah National Park Quarter is a beautiful and collectible coin that honors one of America’s most beloved national parks. While it may not be worth a lot of money yet, it’s an exciting addition to the America the Beautiful Quarters Program collection. If you’re a fan of American history or coin collecting, this quarter could be a great way to remember the natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park. As with any coin collection, be patient and enjoy the process of collecting!
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