A Stunning Tribute to Nature
On February 7, 2018, coin enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs gathered in Munising, Michigan, to celebrate the release of a truly special quarter. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore quarter, part of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program, was officially launched. This quarter was the first coin release of 2018 and the 41st in the program. This stunning coin honors the breathtaking beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It features the iconic Chapel Rock sandstone formation and its resilient white pine tree. A sight to behold in both nature and currency form.
A Design That Captures Michigan’s Beauty
The reverse of the Pictured Rocks quarter is a tribute to nature’s artistry. It showcases Chapel Rock, a unique sandstone formation, crowned by a lone white pine tree that thrives atop it. The depiction also includes the shimmering waters of Lake Superior, one of the Great Lakes. Around the design, inscriptions include “Pictured Rocks,” “Michigan,” “2018,” and the national motto, “E Pluribus Unum.” This coin offers not only a monetary value but a reminder of Michigan’s natural splendor.
The Launch Ceremony in Munising
The coin’s launch ceremony took place in Munising, Michigan, home to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hosted by the U.S. Mint and the National Park Service, the event included a ceremonial coin pour and an opportunity for attendees to exchange $10 rolls of the newly released quarters. The ceremony celebrated Michigan’s role in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program and highlighted the importance of preserving our nation’s most treasured natural sites.
About the America the Beautiful Quarters Program
The Pictured Rocks quarter is part of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program, a 12-year initiative authorized by Public Law 110-456. Launched in 2009, the program honored 56 national parks and historic sites across the United States. Each year through 2020, the Mint released five quarters showcasing these cherished locations, in the order they were designated as national sites. The Pictured Rocks quarter stands as the 41st coin in this remarkable series, highlighting Michigan’s rich natural heritage.
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore quarter isn’t just a piece of currency—it’s a pocket-sized celebration of Michigan’s natural wonders and a tribute to the enduring beauty of America’s national parks. Whether you’re an avid coin collector or someone who treasures the great outdoors, this quarter is a must-have keepsake that symbolizes the awe-inspiring connection between art, nature, and history.
