Project Owner: United States Mint
Describe the project nominated
As part of National Coin Week, the United States Mint launched a limited amount quarter-dollars with a “W” mint mark (for the West Point Mint) into circulation – a first for the United States Mint in 227 years of minting coins. The West Point produced quarters-dollars in the past, but those coins didn’t have a mint mark and were indistinguishable from quarter-dollars produced in Philadelphia or Denver.
The goal of the “W” quarter-dollars is to create excitement about coin collecting by introducing rare coins into circulation, allowing anyone the opportunity to collect them from their pocket change. The introduction of the “W” quarter-dollars comes just before the American Numismatic Association’s National Coin Week, April 21-27, 2019.
Since 1838, the United States Mint has issued coins with mint marks, which identify the facility that struck the coin. Quarter-dollars have a “P”, which denotes coins made in Philadelphia or “D” for those made in Denver. In 2019, however, the Mint is producing approximately 1% of the total circulating quarters at West Point, making the “W” mint mark quarters the first of its kind.
Innovation of the design
The obverse of the “W” quarter-dollar incorporates the “W” Mint-mark to denote it was produced at the West Point Mint. Only 1% of all circulating quarter-dollars produced in 2019 will have the “W” Mint mark.
Uniqueness
The obverse of the “W” quarter-dollar incorporates the “W” Mint-mark to denote it was produced at the West Point Mint. This is the very first time any circulating quarter-dollars have a “W” Mint mark. Only 1% of all circulating quarter-dollars produced in 2019 will have the “W” Mint mark.
Historical or Local Content
The United States Mint has produced circulating coinage for 227 years. Not until 2019 has a circulating coin had the “W” Mint mark to denote the coin was produced at the West Point Mint. Only 1% of all circulating quarter-dollars produced in 2019 will have the “W” Mint mark.
Denomination Differentiation and Integration of Security Features with Graphic Design
The “W” quarter-dollars issued by the United States Mint during 2019 do not have any additional security features not included in those quarter-dollars with either the “P” or “D” Mint marks.
Aesthetic Appeal
The “W” quarter-dollars issued by the United States Mint during 2019 features the traditional design of George Washington on obverse (no different than the “P” or “D” quarter-dollars). During 2019,
Feedback from Stakeholders, Including the General Public
Feedback from numismatists about the “W” quarter-dollars has been overwhelmingly positive. Articles lauding the United States Mint for issuing the “W” quarter-dollars
Coin Obverse Picture
