Numismatic

2012 5 oz Silver ATB Chaco Culture MS-69 PL PCGS (FS, Edmund Moy)

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The 2012 five ounce silver quarter dedicated to Chaco Culture National Historical Park offers a striking visual journey into the ancient American Southwest. As the twelfth release in the expansive America the Beautiful series, and the second of the five designs issued in 2012, this massive coin showcases the remarkable architectural legacy of New Mexico's Chaco Canyon, which first received national protection on March 11, 1907. The reverse of this impressive five ounce silver piece features a detailed depiction of the Chetro Ketl Complex. The artwork highlights two elevated ceremonial kivas alongside the canyon landscape and the northern walls of the ancient structure. Encircling this detailed scene are the inscriptions 'Chaco Culture', 'New Mexico', '2012', and the traditional motto 'E Pluribus Unum'. On the obverse, the classic portrait of George Washington is accompanied by the inscriptions 'United States of America', 'Liberty', 'In God We Trust', and the face value of 'Quarter Dollar'. To preserve the clean lines of the design, the coin's weight and three nines fine silver purity are engraved directly onto the outer rim rather than the face. This particular specimen is certified in Mint State 69 Proof-Like condition, indicating an exceptionally sharp strike with highly reflective fields. It also carries the First Strike designation, meaning it was documented within the initial thirty days of release, and features a special insert hand-signed by Edmund Moy.