Numismatic

2011-S ATB Quarter Vicksburg National Historical Proof (Silver)

---

This striking 2011 silver proof coin belongs to the celebrated America the Beautiful series, struck at the San Francisco Mint. Its obverse carries the familiar profile of George Washington, surrounded by the classic inscriptions of national identity and liberty. The mirror-like finish of the proof strike highlights the fine details of this modern quarter, which contains 0.1788 troy ounces of 90 percent pure silver. The reverse design transports observers back to the American Civil War, illustrating the formidable ironclad gunboat known as the U.S.S. Cairo. This historic vessel met its end during the Battle of Vicksburg, sinking beneath the water. Decades later, in 1964, the ship was successfully salvaged and restored, preserving a tangible piece of naval engineering. This coin honors the Vicksburg National Military Park, a site dedicated to remembering the intense 47 day siege of the city. The park also safeguards the Vicksburg National Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for 17,077 casualties of the Civil War. Through this detailed design, the quarter serves as a miniature monument to a pivotal chapter in American history.