Numismatic

2012-S Quarter ATB Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Proof (Silver)

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In 2012, the United States Mint celebrated one of the nation's most dramatic natural landscapes with a special quarter honoring Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This particular coin, struck at the San Francisco Mint with the distinctive 'S' mintmark, is a proof edition containing 0.17875 troy ounces of 90 percent silver. The design brings to life a sanctuary originally established in 1916 to protect the active environments of Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The reverse side of the coin features a vivid depiction of an eruption along the east rift of Kilauea, showing the immense power of the volcano. Surrounding this dynamic image are the inscriptions "Hawai'i Volcanoes," "Hawaii," "2012," and the traditional motto "E Pluribus Unum." This dramatic scene offers a stark, fiery contrast to the familiar obverse portrait. On the obverse, the classic likeness of George Washington, originally created by John Flanagan, is rendered in a sharp proof finish. The portrait is accompanied by the inscriptions "United States of America," "Liberty," "In God We Trust," and the face value of "Quarter Dollar." This combination of traditional American iconography and active geological wonder makes the coin a fascinating study in contrast.