Numismatic

2012-D ATB Quarter El Yunque National Forest BU

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In 2012, the Denver Mint struck a copper-nickel quarter celebrating the lush biodiversity of El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. This coin, part of the America the Beautiful series, highlights a tropical ecosystem with a rich history of conservation. Long before its modern designation, the forest received protection from King Alfonso XII of Spain in 1876, and it was later established as the Luquillo Forest Reserve on January 17, 1903. The reverse of the coin showcases a detailed scene of the tropical rainforest, featuring a Puerto Rican parrot nestled among the dense foliage, alongside a tiny Coqui tree frog. The inscriptions on this side read EL YUNQUE, PUERTO RICO, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the 2012 year of issue. On the obverse, the familiar portrait of George Washington originally created by John Flanagan is displayed. Surrounding the president are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the denomination, QUARTER DOLLAR. A small D mint mark is also visible, indicating its origin at the Denver Mint.