Salt River Bay National Historical Park And Ecological Preserve Quarter

PCGS - Did you know July 26 is International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem? What's more, there's a United States quarter that prominently features a mangrove. It's none other than the 2020 Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter!


The 2020 Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter is anchored by the image of a red mangrove - an important saltwater plant that supports many facets of its surrounding ecosystem. Courtesy of PCGS TrueView. Click image to enlarge.

Mangroves are a special kind of tropical plant that grow in loose, wet soil in and around salt water. They are highly sensitive to climate conditions and tidal changes, and they help support entire ecosystems that bridge the land and the water. Because they are so critical to ecology yet are also so fragile, they are widely protected by local and national governments. So, these aren't the kind of plant you can just legally dig up and plant in your backyard. They're endangered and belong only in their natural habitat. Remember the old nature credo: take only pictures and leave only footprints.

That's certainly the case at Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The park, which is the main subject of the 2020 quarter depicting mangroves, hosts local and ecological history going back some 2,000 years. Congress added Salt River Bay to the National Park System in 1992 to protect and preserve the region for current and future generations.

The park found a fitting place on the 2020 quarter, part of the America the Beautiful Quarter series that spanned from 2010 to 2021. The 2020 Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter features a reverse depiction of a red mangrove, one of 50 types of mangrove trees, during an early stage in its life cycle as it matures into a full-grown tree. The mangrove motif, designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Joseph Menna, aims to remind everyone about the importance of this endangered saltwater plant.

Those who want examples of the 2020 Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter can find them in circulation. They can also purchase proof and uncirculated specimens perfect for inclusion in the PCGS Set Registry, which affords a myriad of exciting avenues for collectors who want to showcase their America the Beautiful Quarters collections.

Check out Salt River Bay Quarters on ebay.