2020 National Park Quarters
In 2020, the United States Mint carried forward the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, introducing five new designs that celebrated the nation's stunning National Parks and other significant sites, showcasing the diverse beauty and rich history of the United States. The first quarter of 2020 honored the National Park of American Samoa, featuring a Samoan fruit bat mother and her pup, symbolizing the unique species found within the park and its dedication to preserving the region's lush rainforests and vibrant ecosystems. The second quarter paid tribute to Weir Farm National Historic Site in Connecticut, showcasing artist Julian Alden Weir painting en plein air, representing the park's significance as a center for American Impressionist art and its role in inspiring generations of artists. The third quarter celebrated Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve in the U.S. Virgin Islands, depicting a red mangrove tree, highlighting the park's unique ecosystem, its rich biodiversity, and the vital role of mangroves in preserving the coastal environment. The fourth quarter, commemorating Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont, featured a young girl planting a Norway spruce seedling, symbolizing the park's focus on conservation, sustainable land use, and the reforestation efforts that have shaped the region's landscape. Finally, the fifth quarter issued in 2020 honored Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas, showcasing a Regal Fritillary butterfly against a backdrop of big bluestem and Indian grasses, reflecting the preserve's dedication to conserving the rapidly vanishing tallgrass prairie ecosystem and its diverse flora and fauna. These quarters were minted in limited quantities, captivating collectors and the general public while promoting a deeper appreciation for the nation's natural wonders and historic landmarks.
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