1/4 Dollar 'Washington Quarter' Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii - Silver Proof
| Issuer | United States |
|---|---|
| Year | 2012 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | 1/4 Dollar = 25 Cents (1/4 USD) |
| Currency | Dollar (1785-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Weight | 6.25 g |
| Diameter | 24.26 mm |
| Thickness | 1.75 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Charles Lessie Vickers |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#522a |
| Obverse description | The portrait in left profile of George Washington, the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797, is accompanied with the motto `IN GOD WE TRUST` and the lettering `LIBERTY` surrounded with the denomination and the inscription `UNITED STATES OF AMERICA` |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN GOD WE TRUST LIBERTY QUARTER DOLLAR S |
| Reverse description | Depicts an eruption on the east rift of Kilauea Volcano. Inscriptions are HAWAI`I VOLCANOES, HAWAII, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | HAWAI`I VOLCANOES HAWAII E PLURIBUS UNUM |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
S United States Mint of San Francisco, United States (1854-date) |
| Mintage |
2012 S - Proof - 608 060 |
| Numisquare ID | 1510058380 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: The 2012 Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park quarter is a significant issue from the United States Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Launched in 2010, this series honors 56 national parks and sites. This coin, the 14th in the series and the first of five for 2012, commemorates the unique geological and biological significance of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents modern American numismatic commemoration under President Barack Obama's era.
Artistry: The obverse features John Flanagan's adaptation of Laura Gardin Fraser's portrait of George Washington, maintaining a classic American aesthetic. The reverse, designed by Charles L. Vickers and sculpted by Joseph Menna, showcases a dynamic, naturalistic Kīlauea volcano, depicting an erupting vent. In the foreground, a native Hawaiian fern and a coqui frog are integrated, symbolizing the park's distinctive biodiversity and the interplay of creation and destruction in its volcanic landscape.
Technical/Grading: This 2012 silver proof specimen (KM#522a) exhibits exceptional strike quality. Struck multiple times on specially prepared .900 fine silver planchets (6.25 grams, 24.26 mm), it displays deeply mirrored fields and sharply frosted devices, creating strong cameo contrast. High points include Washington's hair details and the volcano's caldera, with intricate fern and frog details impeccably rendered, indicative of a full and complete strike.