789) America the Beautiful Quarters (10) - 2019: Tenth Annual Quarters set being issued by the US Mint in 2019:
This is the tenth year in the "America the Beautiful Quarters Coin Programme", which was launched in 2010. Every year five quarters are issued featuring five different National Parks or National sites. The Series is expected to run through 2021 with a total of 56 different coins featuring a site for each US State, US Territory and the District of Columbia, presented in the order in which these Parks/Sites were federally designated.
I have put up posts on each of the previous year issues i.e. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, the links for which are given at the bottom of this Post.
The 2019 coins will commemorate Lowell National Historical Park (Massachusetts), American Memorial Park (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam), San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Texas) and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (Idaho).
The five coins issued by the San Francisco Mint
The cover/jacket in which the coins are placed
The details of the five designs selected for 2019 representing the 46th to 50th overall coin releases are as under:
46) Lowell National Historical Park (Massachusetts):
Lowell National Historical Park was established in 1978. Operated by the National Park Service (NPS) it comprises several different sites in and around the city of Lowell related to the textile manufacturing era during the Industrial Revolution.
First settled by Europeans in the 17th Century, East Chelmsford (which was later renamed Lowell) became an important manufacturing centre along the Merrimack River in the early 1820s. A planned industrial city/community grew in Lowell with the linking of the Merrimack with the Charles River and the 32' Pawtucket Falls, thus providing facilities for a river transport/trade.
Lowell grew into a beautiful mill/factories town with ample green space, with hygienic working environment which attracted several immigrants from abroad, including a large female work-force who lived in dormitories and worked in the mills.
The textile industry in New England declined sharply after World War II and by the 1960s many of Lowell's mills were closed down/abandoned.
In 1972, Lowell was given the status of a "Model City" and a project was undertaken to preserve its historical heritage.
In 1978, the Lowell National Park was established along with the Lowell Historic Preservation District and the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission.
The Park presently has many restored and unrestored sites from the 19th entury.
Some of the notable features of the Park are : Boott Cotton Mill and Museum (along the Merrimack River on the Eastern Canal, one of the oldest and fully restored sites), The Francis Gate (The Francis Turbine ran Lowell's textile factories), Pawtucket Dam and Gatehouse, Suffolk Mill turbine and Powerhouse, Kirk Street Agents House, Mill Girls and Immigrants Boarding House, The Lowell Canal System, Swamp Locks, Lower Locks, Guard Locks, Merrimack rover and Northern Canal Walkway, The Worthen House et al.
Boott's Textile/Cotton Mill view of the restored Mill
The Lowell quarter dollar coin set against a backdrop of an original building
The Reverse design depicts a mill girl working at a power loom with its prominent circular bobbin battery. A view of Lowell, including the Boott Mill Clock tower is seen through the window.
On the upper periphery is mentioned the inscription "Lowell". On the lower periphery are mentioned "MASSACHUSETTS", "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" (meaning "One Among Many") and the year of issue "2019".
The Reverse has been designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted-engraved by Phebe Hemphill whose initials will appear on the accrual coins.
47) American Memorial Park (Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands):
American Memorial Park on the island of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands was created as a living memorial to honour the sacrifices made during the Marianas Campaign of World War II.
Recreational facilities, a World War II museum and flag monument keep alive the memory of 5,204 US military personnel and local islanders who died in June 1944.
The Marianas campaign of World War II was the most decisive battle of the Pacific Theatre. With Saipan secured , the US Forces were able to cut off vital Japanese supply and communication lines, and US B-29 bombers moved within range of the Japanese mainland.
The Park was established on 18.08.1978 and is owned by the Government of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and is managed in co-operation with the National Park Service (NPS).
American Memorial Park serves to honour the sacrifices made at three distinct locations within the Park - the Memorial Court of Honour and Flag Circle, the Marianas Memorial and the Saipan American Memorial and Carillon Bell Tower.
The Reverse design depicts a young Chamorro woman in traditional dress at the front of the Flag Circle and Court of Honour. Her hand is placed on the plaque whose text honours the sacrifices of those who died in the liberation of Saipan. All the 5,204 names are inscribed on the Memorial which was dedicated during the 50th Anniversary of the invasion of Saipan.
On the upper periphery is mentioned the inscription "AMERICAN MEMORIAL PARK". On the lower periphery are mentioned "N.MARIANA ISLANDS", "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" (meaning "One Among Many") and the year of issue "2019".
The Reverse has been designed by Donna Weaver and sculpted-engraved by Phebe Hemphill whose initials will appear on the actual coins.
The details of the five designs selected for 2019 representing the 46th to 50th overall coin releases are as under:
46) Lowell National Historical Park (Massachusetts):
Lowell National Historical Park was established in 1978. Operated by the National Park Service (NPS) it comprises several different sites in and around the city of Lowell related to the textile manufacturing era during the Industrial Revolution.
First settled by Europeans in the 17th Century, East Chelmsford (which was later renamed Lowell) became an important manufacturing centre along the Merrimack River in the early 1820s. A planned industrial city/community grew in Lowell with the linking of the Merrimack with the Charles River and the 32' Pawtucket Falls, thus providing facilities for a river transport/trade.
Lowell grew into a beautiful mill/factories town with ample green space, with hygienic working environment which attracted several immigrants from abroad, including a large female work-force who lived in dormitories and worked in the mills.
The textile industry in New England declined sharply after World War II and by the 1960s many of Lowell's mills were closed down/abandoned.
In 1972, Lowell was given the status of a "Model City" and a project was undertaken to preserve its historical heritage.
In 1978, the Lowell National Park was established along with the Lowell Historic Preservation District and the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission.
The Park presently has many restored and unrestored sites from the 19th entury.
Some of the notable features of the Park are : Boott Cotton Mill and Museum (along the Merrimack River on the Eastern Canal, one of the oldest and fully restored sites), The Francis Gate (The Francis Turbine ran Lowell's textile factories), Pawtucket Dam and Gatehouse, Suffolk Mill turbine and Powerhouse, Kirk Street Agents House, Mill Girls and Immigrants Boarding House, The Lowell Canal System, Swamp Locks, Lower Locks, Guard Locks, Merrimack rover and Northern Canal Walkway, The Worthen House et al.
On the upper periphery is mentioned the inscription "Lowell". On the lower periphery are mentioned "MASSACHUSETTS", "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" (meaning "One Among Many") and the year of issue "2019".
The Reverse has been designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted-engraved by Phebe Hemphill whose initials will appear on the accrual coins.
47) American Memorial Park (Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands):
American Memorial Park on the island of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands was created as a living memorial to honour the sacrifices made during the Marianas Campaign of World War II.
Recreational facilities, a World War II museum and flag monument keep alive the memory of 5,204 US military personnel and local islanders who died in June 1944.
The Marianas campaign of World War II was the most decisive battle of the Pacific Theatre. With Saipan secured , the US Forces were able to cut off vital Japanese supply and communication lines, and US B-29 bombers moved within range of the Japanese mainland.
The Park was established on 18.08.1978 and is owned by the Government of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and is managed in co-operation with the National Park Service (NPS).
American Memorial Park serves to honour the sacrifices made at three distinct locations within the Park - the Memorial Court of Honour and Flag Circle, the Marianas Memorial and the Saipan American Memorial and Carillon Bell Tower.
On the upper periphery is mentioned the inscription "AMERICAN MEMORIAL PARK". On the lower periphery are mentioned "N.MARIANA ISLANDS", "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" (meaning "One Among Many") and the year of issue "2019".
The Reverse has been designed by Donna Weaver and sculpted-engraved by Phebe Hemphill whose initials will appear on the actual coins.
48) War in the Pacific National Historical Park Guam):
The War in the Pacific National Historical Park is a protected area in the US Territory of Guam, in Apra Harbour, which was established in 1978 and honours the bravery and sacrifices of all those who had participated in the Pacific Theatre of World War II.
Various sites on the Island of Guam are part of the Park which is managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Scattered across Guam in seven units the Park commemorates the role the Island played in World War II.
Troops from several nations participated in the War in the Pacific including Australia, Canada, Mexico, China, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, the Netherlands, USSR, USA on one side and Japan on the other.
During World War II, Guam was captured by the Japanese forces in 1941 and was liberated by American troops in 1944.
On 07.12.1941, during World War II, the Japanese planes bombed US Navy ships and facilities at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.
The war spread throughout the Pacific and Guam with its American military base was on the list of targets, as Guam and nearby islands were strategically important as supply bases in the Pacific, particularly as a place from which planes could land and take off and ships could refuel and take on military supplies.
The day after the attack on Pearl harbour, bombs fell on the American Military bases in Guam. Following the bombardment, the fight moved from the air to the ground and Japanese military forces soon controlled the island in December 1941 and held it until 12.08.1944 when it was retaken by American forces.
The Japanese had guns and traps built into the coast to defend the island.
Part of the American invasion of the island began along the shore in July 1944. At Agat Invasion Beach outside Agat village on Highway 1, the American troops attacked from the bay, which the Japanese had filled with mines and bombs. Overlooking the beach, the Japanese had constructed fortified positions called pillboxes, from where they could shoot down the Americans. A number of these concrete pillboxes and bunkers still remain in the Park.
Part of the American invasion of the island began along the shore in July 1944. At Agat Invasion Beach outside Agat village on Highway 1, the American troops attacked from the bay, which the Japanese had filled with mines and bombs. Overlooking the beach, the Japanese had constructed fortified positions called pillboxes, from where they could shoot down the Americans. A number of these concrete pillboxes and bunkers still remain in the Park.
Of the 55,000 US troops that participated in the assault more than 7,000 personnel were killed in the fighting. It is estimated that the Japanese casualties were also significant.
American forces also landed on Asan Beach. Here too they ran into heavy Japanese fortifications. The capture of the area around Asan, including what is in the Fonte Plateau Unit of the Park was the key to breaking the Japanese dominance of the Island.
The American assault did not finish with the capture of the beach-heads. The battle continued inland in caves near the Asan and Matgue Rivers close to Asan beach which were ultimately captured by the US forces after intense fighting.
The Allied Assault on Guam was important to challenge the growing Japanese control of the Pacific.
The Park showcases former battle-fields, gun emplacements, trenches, caves and historic structures. Memorial Beach Park at Asan Beach has gun placements and several monuments that are grim reminders of the battle.
The Reverse design depicts American soldiers landing on the shores at Asan Bay, adding to the number of troops already deployed on the island in the fight for Guam and its eventual capture by the Americans.
On the upper periphery is mentioned the inscription "WAR IN THE PACIFIC". On the lower periphery are mentioned "GUAM", "E.PLURIBUS UNUM" (meaning "One Among Many") and the year of issue "2019".
The reverse has been designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted-engraved by Michael Gaudioso, whose initials will appear on the actual coins.
49) San Antonio Missions (Texas):
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio, Texas.
These outposts established by Catholic Religious Orders to spread Christianity among native Americans formed part of a colonisation system that stretched across the Spanish South-west from the 17th to 19th Centuries AD.
In geographic order from the North (upstream of the San Antonio River) to the South (downstream), four of the missions are called - Mision Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepcion de Acuna - present day Mission Concepcion - (Est. 1716), Mision San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo (Est. 1720), Mision San Jose de los Nazonis - present day Mission San Juan Capistrano - (Est. 1731) and Mision San Francisco de la Espada - present day Mission Espada - (Est.1690). The Espada Aqueduct, also a part of the Park is due East of Mission San Juan, across the river.
A front image of Mission Concepcion
The fifth and best known of the five missions - the Alamo - is not a part of the Park. It is located upstream from Mission Concepcion and is owned by the State of Texas. Presently it is under the custodianship of the Texas General Land Office.
On 05.07.2015, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park along with the Alamo Mission in San Antonio was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Park was originally established in 1975 as the Mission Parkway encompassing 84 different historical sites along the San Antonio River. It was authorised as a National Historical Park on 10.11.1978 and established on 01.04.1983 containing many natural sites along with some natural areas.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio, Texas.
These outposts established by Catholic Religious Orders to spread Christianity among native Americans formed part of a colonisation system that stretched across the Spanish South-west from the 17th to 19th Centuries AD.
In geographic order from the North (upstream of the San Antonio River) to the South (downstream), four of the missions are called - Mision Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepcion de Acuna - present day Mission Concepcion - (Est. 1716), Mision San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo (Est. 1720), Mision San Jose de los Nazonis - present day Mission San Juan Capistrano - (Est. 1731) and Mision San Francisco de la Espada - present day Mission Espada - (Est.1690). The Espada Aqueduct, also a part of the Park is due East of Mission San Juan, across the river.
The fifth and best known of the five missions - the Alamo - is not a part of the Park. It is located upstream from Mission Concepcion and is owned by the State of Texas. Presently it is under the custodianship of the Texas General Land Office.
On 05.07.2015, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park along with the Alamo Mission in San Antonio was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Park was originally established in 1975 as the Mission Parkway encompassing 84 different historical sites along the San Antonio River. It was authorised as a National Historical Park on 10.11.1978 and established on 01.04.1983 containing many natural sites along with some natural areas.
The Reverse design depicts elements of the Spanish Colonial Real Coin to pay a tribute the missions. Within the quadrants are symbols of the missions: "Wheat" - which symbolises farming, "The Arches and Bell" - which symbolise community, "A Lion" - which represents Spanish cultural heritage and a "Symbol of the San Antonio River" - which represents irrigation methods and life-sustaining resources.
On the upper periphery is mentioned the inscription "SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS". On the lower periphery are mentioned "TEXAS", "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" (meaning "One Among Many") and the year of issue "2019".
The reverse has been designed by Chris Costello and sculpted-engraved by Joseph Menna, whose initials will appear on the actual coins.
50) River of No Return Wilderness (Idaho):
The Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness Area is a protected area in Idaho and was created on 23.07.1980.
At 2,367 million acres (or about 9,580 sq. km), it is the largest contiguous federally managed wilderness in the USA outside of Alaska.
The name of this Wilderness has an interesting origin - the main Salmon River that flows through it was called "The River of No Return" in the early days of settling of the Old West, when boats could navigate down the river, but could not get back up through the fast water and numerous rapids. This name still holds good today, even though jet boats can navigate upstream.
The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is located in six different National Forests together with a relatively tiny portion of land of the Bureau of Land Management - Payette National Forest, Challis National Forest, Salmon National Forest, Boise National Forest, Bitterfoot National Forest, Nez Perce National Forest.
The Wilderness area provides a secluded habitat for several species of mammals including mountain lions, grey wolves, black bears, wolverines, lynx, coyote and red fox. Other wildlife that lives in the Wilderness includes bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elf, moose, mule deer, beavers and white tailed deer.
The Reverse design depicts a piloted drift boat on the rushing river encompassed by the trees and rock formations of the Wilderness.
On the upper periphery is mentioned the inscription "RIVER OF NO RETURN WILDERNESS". On the lower periphery are mentioned "IDAHO", "E.PLURIBUS UNUM" (meaning "One Among Many") and the year of issue "2019".
The Reverse has been designed by and engraved-sculpted by , whose initials will appear on the actual coins.
The Obverses of all these coins will feature the 1932 portrait of George Washington designed by John Flanagan. Also seen on the Obverse are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST" AND "QUARTER DOLLAR". The Mint marks "P" )Philadelphia), "D" (Denver) and "S" (San Francisco) will also appear on this face depending on the mint which has minted these coins - Uncirculated sets ("P" & "D") and Proof and Silver sets (S).
The specifications of each of the coins are:
Metal Composition: 8.33% Nickel, 91.67% Copper;
Weight: 5.67 grams;
Diameter/Size: 24.30 mm (or 0.955 inch);
Links:
Links:
No comments:
Post a Comment