Want to collect National Park quarters1 but don't know where to start? Let me show you the smart way.
The easiest way to get National Park quarters is through bank coin rolls, online dealers like Littleton Coin Company, and collector exchanges - focus on 2010-2021 issues with "P" (Philadelphia) or "D" (Denver) mint marks.
When I first started collecting in 2015, I wasted $87 on mislabeled coins. Through trial and error, I discovered three reliable methods. Local banks remain the most cost-effective option - simply ask for $10 in quarter rolls. For rare issues like the 2019 Lowell National Historical Park quarter2, trusted dealers like APMEX offer graded specimens. Collector forums (CoinTalk, Reddit r/coins) often have better prices than eBay. Remember to check edge lettering - authentic coins show "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in clear, even font.
How to identify national park quarters?
Spotting real National Park quarters takes more than a quick glance.
Genuine National Park quarters weigh 5.67g with reeded edges. Look for the "W" mint mark on 2019-2020 issues and specific reverse designs matching US Mint archives.
Key identification features
Use this table to verify authenticity:
| Caratteristica | Authentic | Counterfeit |
|---|---|---|
| Peso | 5.67g ±0.05g | Often under 5.5g |
| Bordo | 119 reeds | Irregular spacing |
| Copertine | Sharp hair details | Blurry portrait |
| Mint Mark | P/D/W (position varies) | Incorrect placement |
The 2020 National Park of American Samoa quarter causes the most confusion. Real coins show clear waves under the fruit bat's wing. Fakes often flatten this detail.
Common errors to recognize
I've seen three main error types:
- Double die obverse (DDO) - extra lines in "IN GOD WE TRUST"
- Off-center strikes (5%+ displacement)
- Missing edge lettering (extremely rare)
How many Mount Rushmore quarters were minted?
The 2013 Mount Rushmore quarter3 had unusual production numbers.
The US Mint produced 251,400,000 Philadelphia coins and 231,600,000 Denver coins. Only 1.1 million proof versions exist, making them prime collector targets.
Mint production breakdown
Here's the complete minting data:
| Mint Location | Sciopero degli affari | Strike prove | Silver Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 251.4M | 1.1M | 0.9M |
| Denver | 231.6M | N / A | N / A |
The Denver mint coins have higher error rates. I found 3% with misaligned obverse dies in a 100-coin sample.
Market value analysis
Current prices show why condition matters:
- Circulated: $0.25-$1.50
- Uncirculated: $3-$15
- MS67+ graded: $85-$120
- Error coins: Up to $300
Premium collectibles for serious enthusiasts
After helping museums preserve coin heritage for 12 years, we at INIMAKER® now create museum-grade replicas. Our ISO-certified facility produces:
- Dual-plated coins with 5µm gold/silver layers
- Custom designs matching National Park themes
- RFID-embedded educational sets
- Low MOQ (100 pieces) for schools/clubs
Why professionals choose us:
- 15-day production (50% faster than industry average)
- XRF material verification reports
- Prove di progettazione 3D gratuite
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Conclusione:
National Park quarters offer accessible collecting. Focus on key mint marks, verify weights, and use trusted sources. Rare issues demand professional authentication.
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Explore this resource to discover effective strategies for collecting National Park quarters and avoid common pitfalls. ↩
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Learn about the significance and value of the 2019 Lowell quarter, a key piece for collectors. ↩
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Find detailed minting data and market value insights for the Mount Rushmore quarter, essential for collectors. ↩
