Numismatic

2016-S ATB Quarter Cumberland Gap Nat. Hist. Park Proof (Silver)

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Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this 2016 silver quarter captures a pivotal gateway in early American history. Part of the America the Beautiful series, the coin celebrates Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, a landmark preserve established in 1940. This natural break in the Appalachian Mountains served as a vital pathway for Native Americans and early pioneers, eventually becoming a crucial route for westward migration following the Revolutionary War. Its strategic value was also recognized during the Civil War, when control of the gap was highly contested. The reverse design portrays a frontiersman looking out toward the western horizon, symbolizing the spirit of exploration. Inscriptions on this side include the park's name, the state of Kentucky, the year 2016, and the traditional motto "E Pluribus Unum." On the obverse, a classic portrait of George Washington is accompanied by the inscriptions "United States of America," "Liberty," "In God We Trust," and "Quarter Dollar." An "S" mint mark is visible, denoting its origin as a proof strike from San Francisco. Crafted from 0.900 fine silver, this piece contains 0.17875 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents the second release in the 2016 lineup of the America the Beautiful program, offering a brilliant connection to the natural and historical landscapes of the United States.