Numismatic

2017-P ATB Quarter Ellis Island National Monument BU

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The 2017 Philadelphia Mint quarter shines a spotlight on the Ellis Island National Monument, a site that served as the primary gateway for millions of people arriving in America. For more than six decades, this bustling inspection station welcomed newcomers before its operations ceased in 1954. Interestingly, a 1998 Supreme Court ruling determined that the vast majority of the island's territory actually lies within the state of New Jersey. The reverse side of this coin, created by Barbara Fox and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, captures a poignant moment as an immigrant family approaches the island with the hospital building visible behind them. This side is inscribed with "ELLIS ISLAND," "NEW JERSEY," "2017," and the traditional motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM." On the obverse, the familiar likeness of George Washington, originally modeled by John Flanagan, is accompanied by the "P" mint mark indicating its origin in Philadelphia. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "QUARTER DOLLAR." This brilliant uncirculated coin is a compelling entry in the America the Beautiful series, celebrating a location central to the American story.