| Year | President |
|---|---|
| 2007 | George Washington |
| John Adams | |
| Thomas Jefferson | |
| James Madison | |
| 2008 | James Monroe |
| John Quincy Adams | |
| Andrew Jackson | |
| Martin Van Buren | |
| 2009 | William Harrison |
| John Tyler | |
| James Polk | |
| Zachary Taylor | |
| 2010 | Millard Fillmore |
| Franklin Pierce | |
| James Buchanan | |
| Abraham Lincoln | |
| 2011 | Andrew Johnson |
| Ulysses S. Grant | |
| Rutherford B. Hayes | |
| James A. Garfield | |
| 2012 | Chester A. Arthur |
| Grover Cleveland 1st Term | |
| Benjamin Harrison | |
| Grover Cleveland 2nd Term | |
| 2013 | William McKinley |
| Theodore Roosevelt | |
| William Howard Taft | |
| Woodrow Wilson | |
| 2014 | Warren G. Harding |
| Calvin Coolidge | |
| Herbert Hoover | |
| Franklin D. Roosevelt | |
| 2015 | Harry S. Truman |
| Dwight D. Eisenhower | |
| John F. Kennedy | |
| Lyndon B. Johnson | |
| 2016 | Richard M. Nixon |
| Gerald R. Ford | |
| Jimmy Carter | |
| Ronald W. Reagan | |
| 2017 | George H.W. Bush |
| William J. Clinton | |
| George W. Bush |
| Year | Location | National Park or National Site |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Arkansas | Hot Springs National Park |
| Wyoming | Yellowstone National Park | |
| California | Yosemite National Park | |
| Arizona | Grand Canyon National Park | |
| Oregon | Mt. Hood National Forest | |
| 2011 | Pennsylvania | Gettysburg National Military Park |
| Montana | Glacier National Park | |
| Washington | Olympic National Park | |
| Mississippi | Vicksburg National Military Park | |
| Oklahoma | Chickasaw National Recreation Area | |
| 2012 | Puerto Rico | El Yunque National Forest |
| New Mexico | Chaco Culture National Historical Park | |
| Maine | Acadia National Park | |
| Hawaii | Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park | |
| Alaska | Denali National Park | |
| 2013 | New Hampshire | White Mountain National Forest |
| Ohio | Perryâs Victory and International Peace Memorial | |
| Nevada | Great Basin National Park | |
| Maryland | Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine | |
| South Dakota | Mount Rushmore National Memorial | |
| 2014 | Tennessee | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
| Virginia | Shenandoah National Park | |
| Utah | Arches National Park | |
| Colorado | Great Sand Dunes National Park | |
| Florida | Everglades National Park | |
| 2015 | Nebraska | Homestead National Monument of America |
| Louisiana | Kisatchie National Forest | |
| North Carolina | Blue Ridge Parkway | |
| Delaware | Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge | |
| New York | Saratoga National Historical Park | |
| 2016 | Illinois | Shawnee National Forest |
| Kentucky | Cumberland Gap National Historical Park | |
| West Virginia | Harpers Ferry National Historical Park | |
| North Dakota | Theodore Roosevelt National Park | |
| South Carolina | Fort Moultrie (Fort Sumter National Monument) | |
| 2017 | Iowa | Effigy Mounds National Monument |
| District of Columbia | Frederick Douglass National Historic Site | |
| Missouri | Ozark National Scenic Riverways | |
| New Jersey | Ellis Island National Monument (Statue of Liberty) | |
| Indiana | George Rogers Clark National Historical Park | |
| 2018 | Michigan | Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore |
| Wisconsin | Apostle Islands National Lakeshore | |
| Minnesota | Voyageurs National Park | |
| Georgia | Cumberland Island National Seashore | |
| Rhode Island | Block Island National Wildlife Refuge | |
| 2019 | Massachusetts | Lowell National Historical Park |
| Northern Mariana Islands | American Memorial Park | |
| Guam | War in the Pacific National Historical Park | |
| Texas | San Antonio Missions National Historical Park | |
| Idaho | Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness | |
| 2020 | American Samoa | National Park of American Samoa |
| Connecticut | Weir Farm National Historic Site | |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve | |
| Vermont | Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park | |
| Kansas | Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve | |
| 2021 | Alabama | Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site |
What is Brilliant Uncirculated?
Brilliant Uncirculated may seem self explanatory, but it’s definition is surprisingly murky. At one time this meant that a coin still had the original luster from the mint and the coin was undamaged. However, BU is often used with a much broader definition. As the name implies, an uncirculated coin has not been used for commerce. The US Mint will often issue separate ‘Uncirculated’ coins specifically for collectors. For example, the American Silver Eagles are issued either as bullion coins or ‘Uncirculated’ coins for collectors. The ‘brilliant’ part of the title is not as exciting as you might think. Yes, the coin should appear shiny and new, but brilliant uncirculated is the lowest grade of uncirculated coins.
Why is it the lowest grade?
Even though a coin qualifies as Brilliant Uncirculated that doesn’t mean that it is in perfect condition. Why not? Coins are often distributed and stored in large bags. As the bags are moved around the coins hit one another. When lots of coins are banging into one another in a bag they end up with ‘bag marks’ or scratches. Basically, a coin can be BU and still be covered in scratches and gouges.
Even though the coin has some scratches and gouges it shouldn’t have any signs of use, or wear. What does that mean? As you handle a coin with your fingers you will gradually rub off the fine details of the coin. A Morgan silver dollar has small lines in the hair that will rub off and a silver American Eagle may lose some folds in lady liberty’s gown. If you see signs that a coin’s details or date have rubbed off–even if it appears shiny–the coin is not in BU condition.
What is better than Brilliant Uncirculated condition?
BU condition usually refers to a Mint State 60 grade or higher on the Sheldon Scale. Coin grading is done on a scale up to 70, so any coin from MS-60 to MS-70 is in BU condition. The higher the number the better the coin’s condition. If a coin has been graded, it will be kept in a protective rectangular ‘slab’ which will verify it’s condition. There are a couple other terms to look out for: ‘Choice BU’ refers to coins in MS63-MS64; ‘Gem BU’ refers to coins graded MS65 or higher.
How can I care for my BU coins?
To make sure a coin remains in BU condition you should always handle the coin with gloves. If you don’t, the oils on your skin can damage the coin’s surface. Although some BU coins will come in a flip–or a little plastic pouch–most will be delivered in an acrylic capsule to protect the coin from damage.
Should I buy BU coins?
There are two big advantages to buying Brilliant Uncirculated condition. First, the coins still have all the fine details. If you’re someone who likes to look at and appreciate the design elements of the coins you collect you’ll appreciate having the coins with all the details intact. Secondly, coin grade is a factor when someone looks at the investment value of coins. Basically, even though the mintage numbers of a coin may be high a relatively small number of coins are likely to be in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. That makes your coin a little more rare than the next one.
In 1999, the United States Mint launched an ambitious and groundbreaking initiative to honor the uniqueness and history of each of the 50 states. Known as the 50 US State Quarters Program, this 10-year project produced one of the most popular and widely collected coin series in modern numismatics. These quarters showcased the diverse heritage, culture, and spirit of each state, inspiring countless collectors to embark on the journey of assembling a complete set of US State Quarters. Whether you're a novice coin collector or an experienced numismatist, the challenge of assembling this beautiful and captivating memento of our nation's history can be as educational as it is thrilling.
The 50 US State Quarters Program sought to create a tangible representation of our nation's diverse story by designing unique quarters for each state. Released at a rate of five per year from 1999 to 2008, the program featured states in the order they joined the Union. Each quarter prominently displayed each state's unique design, which was carefully selected through a collaborative process involving the state's residents, officials, and experts.
In this article, we'll guide you through the essential steps to assemble a complete set of US State Quarters, exploring various strategies to track down each exciting release, from the richly textured histories of the eastern seaboard states to the soaring natural splendors of the vast western territories. By choosing the right collecting strategy, understanding the importance of coin grading, and tracking your progress, you'll embark on a captivating and rewarding journey through the United States' captivating history.
To successfully build a complete set of US State Quarters, it's essential to employ a strategy that aligns with your goals, budget, and collecting experience. There are several approaches to choose from:
1. Circulated US State Quarters: For those on a tighter budget or new to the world of coin collecting, assembling a set of circulated US State Quarters is a perfect starting point. By carefully examining the change you receive during daily transactions, you can gradually piece together a complete set of circulated quarters. Collecting circulated quarters offers a fun and low-cost option, but it may be more challenging to locate quarters in excellent condition.
2. Uncirculated US State Quarters: Assembling a set of uncirculated US State Quarters involves purchasing directly from a reputable coin dealer or online retailer. These coins have never been used in everyday commerce, preserving their pristine condition and ensuring they remain unblemished. Though this route can be more costly, it often results in the acquisition of high-quality and visually appealing coins.
3. U.S. Mint State Quarter Sets: The U.S. Mint offers the most comprehensive option for completing your US State Quarters collection – official mint sets from each year of the program. Each set includes the five US State Quarters released that year in uncirculated condition. Purchasing the official sets, either individually or in a complete 10-set bundle, guarantees the quality and authenticity of the coins, offering an attractive and convenient collecting solution.
Proper evaluation of each State Quarter's condition is a critical aspect of the collecting process. Determining a coin's grade not only affects its value but also impacts its desirability among fellow collectors and investors. Familiarize yourself with the Sheldon Scale, a numeric grading system ranging from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Mint State), to accurately assess each coin's condition.
For those seeking a more professional evaluation, consider obtaining coins graded by third-party organizations such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). These independent organizations provide unbiased assessments of a coin's quality, ensuring confidence in the grade assigned to each piece.
Staying organized and tracking your collection's progress is vital to completing a set of US State Quarters efficiently. As you acquire the various quarters in the series, having a system in place to store and display them is essential. Options include:
1. Coin Folders: Coin folders provide an affordable and straightforward method for organizing and displaying your US State Quarters collection. Typically containing labeled slots for each quarter's unique design, these folders offer a tangible and visual representation of your progress.
2. Coin Albums: Similar to folders, coin albums allow a collector to securely store and display their complete set of US State Quarters. Albums often feature a clear protective cover for each coin slot, ensuring long-term preservation and protection for the collection.
3. Custom Display Cases: For those seeking a more luxurious storage and display solution, consider investing in custom display cases designed specifically for US State Quarters. These high-quality cases often incorporate materials such as wood and glass, creating an elegant and attractive showcase for your collection.
As you become more experienced and passionate about collecting US State Quarters, you may decide to delve into the world of coin varieties and errors. This specialized area of numismatics involves the study and collection of coins featuring mint-made errors or unique design variations. Pursuing these rare and highly sought-after coins can add another layer of excitement and challenge to your US State Quarters collecting journey. Examples of notable State Quarter varieties and errors include the 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse error and the 2004 Wisconsin High Leaf and Low Leaf varieties.
Embarking on the journey to assemble a complete set of US State Quarters provides a fascinating and rewarding experience for collectors of all ages and expertise. Through the process of acquiring each unique quarter, you'll uncover the captivating stories, diverse cultures, and rich history that define the United States.
With your completed State Quarter collection book, you'll hold a beautiful and educational tribute to our nation's indomitable spirit and heritage. Start your journey today, and relish the excitement that awaits in the world of US State Quarters collecting.
