News & Events

The highest valued and widely used member of the U.S. coinage system is getting a bit of an update, further diversifying the change that lines consumers' pockets and business owners' coin counting machines.

The newest design set to grace the tails side of quarters is a rendering of the Apostle Islands. Located on the outer banks of Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was formally established in 1970 and serves as a sanctuary location to help protect some of the natural beauty and historical significance of America's northern landscape.

The U.S. Mint and National Park Service made the occasion official in the Badger State on April 11 at the Legendary Waters Resort in Bayfield.

"Just as the guiding light beacons from the Devil's Island lighthouse—as it has done for decades—the Apostle Islands Quarter will serve as a shining example of the inherent value of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and the people that protect it and frequent it…shedding light on its splendor, beauty and purpose for future generations to follow," said Marc Landry, associate director of the U.S. Mint's Numismatic and Bullion Directorate.

Designed by University of Wisconsin professor emeritus Richard Masters and crafted by U.S. Mint sculptor Renata Gordon, the latest addition to the "America the Beautiful" quarters series marks the 100th instance that quarters' reverse side has differed from what it is normally - a profile shot of George Washington - since 1932, the U.S. Mint noted. Once the design starts popping up more frequently in the flow of currency, Wisconsin residents and Badger State frequenters will no doubt recognize the lighthouse and Devils Island sea caves that contribute to the Apostle Islands' distinctive quality.

While some lawmakers have called for the retirement of certain coinage, contending it costs more to produce than its physical worth, the attempts have never gained traction, due to stiff resistance from numismatists and collectors alike. No such calls have come for the quarter's removal, still widely used and exchanged at toll booths, laundromats and self-service coin counters.