National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Designs Unveiled

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United States Mint

Nov 19, 2015, 12:24 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Designs for commemorative coins honoring the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) were unveiled today during a ceremony at the Department of the Interior.  NPS Director Jonathan B. Jarvis and National Park Foundation (NPF) President and Chief Executive Officer Will Shafroth joined Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios for the unveiling.

Public Law 113-291 authorizes a three-coin program of $5 gold, $1 silver, and half dollar clad coins with designs emblematic of the 100th anniversary of the NPS. 

"Heads or tails, this Centennial commemorative coin helps to honor the National Park Service's first century of service to protect, preserve, and share some of our nation's greatest natural resources, culture, and history," said Jarvis.  "The coins will be a fun centennial collectible, and the proceeds will contribute to our second century of service to the American people."

Pricing for the National Park Service Commemorative Coins will include surcharges—$35 for each $5 gold coin, $10 for each $1 silver coin, and $5 for each half dollar clad coin—which are authorized to be paid to the NPF.  The funds are to be used for projects that help preserve and protect resources under the stewardship of the NPS and promote public enjoyment and appreciation of these resources.

"When fully realized, the potential impact derived from the commemorative coin sales will be tremendous," said Shafroth.  "The funds will improve trails, introduce more young people to the parks, and connect our citizens to the history and culture of our nation."

The gold coin obverse (heads side) features John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt with Yosemite National Park's Half Dome in the background.  Inscriptions are "LIBERTY," "2016," and "IN GOD WE TRUST."  United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart designed and sculpted the obverse.

The gold coin reverse (tails side) features the NPS logo, with the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "$5."  Everhart also designed and sculpted the reverse.

The silver coin obverse features Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful geyser and a bison, with the inscriptions "LIBERTY," "NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CENTENNIAL," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "1916-2016."  United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna designed and sculpted the obverse. 

The silver coin reverse depicts a Latina Folklórico dancer and the NPS logo, representing the multi-faceted cultural experience found in America's national parks.  Inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "$1," "HERITAGE," "CULTURE," and "PRIDE."  The reverse was designed by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Chris Costello and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz.

The clad half dollar obverse features a hiker discovering the majesty of the wilderness and a small child discovering a frog hiding in ferns, celebrating the diversity and breadth of the NPS.  Inscriptions are "LIBERTY," "2016," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "1916," and "NATIONAL PARK SERVICE."  The reverse was designed by AIP artist Barbara Fox and will be sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso.

The clad half dollar reverse features the NPS logo, with the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "HALF DOLLAR," "STEWARDSHIP," and "RECREATION."  The reverse was designed by AIP artist Thomas Hipschen and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers.

"The Centennial commemorative coin serves as a lasting tribute to 100 years of the National Park Service – 'America's Best Idea'," said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell.  "Whether these coins are kept in a safe place at home or given as a gift to the next generation, they serve as a lasting reminder that our nation is blessed with unique natural, cultural and historical treasures.  Proceeds from these coins will ensure that our nation's rich stories and spectacular natural places will thrive in their second century and beyond."

The United States Mint will announce the coins' release date and additional pricing information prior to their release in 2016.  The commemorative coin is one of many incredible ways to celebrate the 2016 centennial. Find out more at www.findyourpark.com.

Sign up to receive information about the coin sales kick off and view the coin designs at www.nationalparks.org/coins.

About the United States 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 United States 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.

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