Mount Rushmore Quarter Named Best Circulating Coin

The following is a release from the US Mint

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint is pleased to announce that the Mount Rushmore National Memorial quarter has been named Best Circulating Coin in the annual international competition sponsored by Krause Publications, publishers of World Coin News and Numismatic News.

By winning in this category, the coin is now in competition for Coin of the Year and will compete against coins from countries around the world that have won competitions in nine other categories.

An international panel of judges who are experts in numismatics makes selections for these honors. There were a total of 94 different nominees from 45 countries for the entire competition.

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial quarter, issued in 2013, is the 20th quarter in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. Over the decades, Mount Rushmore has grown in fame as a symbol of America-a symbol of freedom and hope for people from all cultures and backgrounds. The sculpture, located in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota, features Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

The coin's reverse design, by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joe Menna, was inspired by photos of men who added the final details to Thomas Jefferson's face. Menna's design offered a unique and educational perspective on how Mount Rushmore was created and sculpted.

"Joe's extraordinary efforts obviously reflect great credit on the United States Mint," said United States Mint Deputy Director Richard A. Peterson. "However, this is an honor every Mint employee should share in as it also reflects the great work they do on a daily basis."