2018 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set

Marking the ninth year in which the US Mint created such a silver proof set containing coins of this specific series will be the 2018 United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set™. Included in this collection will be five 90% silver proof quality examples of the America the Beautiful Quarters® issued into circulation that year.

The quarters continue the America the Beautiful series which features coins emblematic of selected sites of national interest from around the United States and its territories. The 2018 America the Beautiful Quarters to be included in this silver proof set include coins honoring:

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore of Michigan
• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore of Wisconsin
• Voyageurs National Park of Minnesota
• Cumberland Island National Seashore of Georgia
• Block Island National Wildlife Refuge of Rhode Island

These five coins are only five of a total of fifty-six that will be issued in the series before it is completed in 2021. The series debuted in 2010 and have a scheduled release rate of five per year until the final coin is to be issued in 2021. Each coin honors a different site of national interest with one chosen from each state as well as one from the District of Columbia and one from each of the five US territories.

The reverse of each of these coins contains the design that is emblematic of the selected site. Found on the obverse is a design that is featured on the obverse of each of the America the Beautiful coins, a portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. This portrait was originally completed by John Flanagan and has been in use on the quarter dollar in one form or another since 1932.

Although collectors obtain these silver proof sets for the numismatic quality, it should be known that the set also has a melt value. That is because the five silver coins included in it contain a total of approximately 0.904 ounces of the precious metal.

Additional information on the five quarters included as part of the 2018 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set is offered below:

2018 Pictured Rocks Quarter

This America the Beautiful Quarter honors Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore found along the shore of Lake Superior in Michigan. The lakeshore was established on October 15, 1966 and encompasses approximately 73,000 acres.

The lakeshore takes its name from 15 miles of colorful sandstone cliffs found within its boundaries that stretch as high as 200 feet above the water below. Unfortunately, road access to the lakeshore is only available in three locations leaving hiking and boating as the only means of seeing the rest of the area.

2018 Apostle Islands Quarter

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was established on September 26, 1970 and is found along the shore of Lake Superior in the state of Wisconsin. Visitors to the Lakeshore are drawn in by the beauty of its historic lighthouses, sandstone caves and even a few old growth forests.

A total of 21 islands is included as part of the national lakeshore where over 170,000 estimated annual visitors pass the time sightseeing, boating, camping and even hunting.

2018 Voyageurs Quarter

Voyageurs National Park is found in the state of Minnesota along the boundary waters with Canada and was officially established on April 8, 1975. The park’s 218,054 acres is mostly accessible by boat, making it quite different from any other national park in the system.

As one can imagine in a water surrounded park, activities like boating, fishing, canoeing are extremely popular. However, in the winter, many find snowmobiling in this environment extremely rewarding.

2018 Cumberland Island Quarter

Cumberland Island National Seashore is found on the state of Georgia’s largest Golden Isle. The seashore was officially established by Congress on October 23, 1972 and consists of approximately 36,415 acres.

The island is mainly accessible by boat, although a ferry does operate to the island. Reservations for the ferry are highly recommended.

2018 Block Island Quarter

Block Island National Wildlife Refuge of Rhode Island is found approximately twelve miles off the main Atlantic shoreline of the state. The refuge was officially established in 1973 from 28 acres of land that were transferred from the United States Coast Guard.

Today, the park consists of 127 acres and is considered one of the most pristine locations to view over 70 species of migratory songbirds which pass through the area each fall.

2018 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set Specifications