Semi-Numismatic

2017-S ATB Quarter Frederick Douglass National Gem Proof

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The 2017-S America the Beautiful quarter celebrates the Frederick Douglass National Historical Park, paying tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history. Struck at the San Francisco Mint as a Gem Proof, this coin features a highly detailed reverse design depicting Frederick Douglass seated at his writing desk, with his historic Washington, D.C. home visible in the background. Douglass, who escaped from slavery, dedicated his life to fighting for equal rights and justice, utilizing his skills as an orator and author to publish powerful books advocating for human freedom. On the obverse, the coin displays the familiar portrait of George Washington, accompanied by the traditional inscriptions of liberty and trust. The reverse side highlights the legacy of Douglass, who purchased his Washington, D.C. estate in 1877 and held various civil and political offices in the nation's capital before his death in 1895 at the age of 77. This modern quarter serves as a striking reminder of his enduring fight for equality and his contributions to the nation.