Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Quarter Dollar, America the Beautiful Series
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Department of the Treasury); notable for high-volume precision striking and state-sponsored currency production.
Pattern: America the Beautiful Quarters Program (2010–2021); Cumberland Gap design is the 32nd in the series.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Department of the Treasury); notable for high-volume precision striking and state-sponsored currency production.
Material
Cupro-Nickel Cladded Copper (8.33% Nickel, remainder Copper); note that while it appears silvery, business-strike quarters contain 0% actual silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.26 mm (0.955 in); Thickness: 1.75 mm; Weight: 5.67 grams (standard US Quarter weight).
Description
A United States quarter dollar from the 'America the Beautiful' series. The reverse design depicts a frontiersman in 18th-century attire gazing toward the West. It commemorates Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Kentucky.
Key Features
Depiction of a frontiersman with a longrifle, the specific 'First Doorway to the West' inscription, and the 2016 release year.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel Cladded Copper (8.33% Nickel, remainder Copper); note that while it appears silvery, business-strike quarters contain 0% actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with satin luster; features a frontiersman with a longrifle looking through the mountain pass known as the 'First Doorway to the West'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Reverse contains text: 'CUMBERLAND GAP', 'KENTUCKY', '2016', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'; Obverse (unseen) would carry 'LIBERTY' and mint mark (P, D, or S).
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck on a multi-layered clad planchet using industrial high-tonnage coinage presses.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (119 reeds) to prevent counterfeiting and clipping; legal tender denomination of 25 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld numismatic object.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial precision mass-production; design by Barbara Fox and sculpting by Joseph Menna.
Authentication Indicators
Correct typographic font for US Mint products, specific die-linkage details in the frontiersman's clothing, and appropriate strike depth for a business issue.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA; likely Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mint for circulation; San Francisco (S) for proof or uncirculated collector versions.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern Era (2016); part of the commemorative movement in United States coinage.
Age Estimate
Dated 2016; approximately 8 years old at the time of analysis.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American spirit of westward expansion and the preservation of national park-lands for public heritage.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; multiple surface scratches, light tarnish/oxidation in the recesses, and minor rim dings. Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) to Extremely Fine (XF).
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25 USD) in circulated condition. High-grade uncirculated or silver proof versions can range from $1.00 to $15.00+.
Care & Maintenance
For circulated coins, no cleaning is recommended as it can damage the surface luster. Store in a dry environment in PVC-free flips if collecting.
Similar Pieces
90% Silver Proof versions of the same coin (distinguishable by a mirror finish and 'S' mint mark); other America the Beautiful quarters from 2010-2021.
Interesting Facts
The Cumberland Gap was a primary route through the Appalachian Mountains used by Daniel Boone to settle Kentucky.