The 2013-S Mount Rushmore America the Beautiful Quarter is a unique coin that represents South Dakota and is part of the U.S. Mint’s series that celebrates national parks and landmarks. This quarter features the iconic Mount Rushmore, a well-known symbol of American pride and history. Released as part of the 2013 coin series, this coin is an important piece for collectors and coin enthusiasts.
History of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter
The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter is the 20th coin in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which began in 2010 and continued through 2021. This series honors national parks and historic landmarks across the United States, with each coin featuring a special design. The Mount Rushmore quarter is part of the 2013 series and features a unique perspective on the monument, making it stand out among other coins in the collection.
Coin Design
Obverse (Front) Design
The front of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter shows a portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. This design is based on the work of John Flanagan, who originally created the U.S. quarter design. Here are the key features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Portrait | George Washington facing left |
| Text | “LIBERTY” to the left and “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the right |
| Mintmark | “S” for San Francisco Mint located above the “R” in DOLLAR |
| Other Details | The phrase “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” wraps around the top; “QUARTER DOLLAR” is at the bottom. |
Reverse (Back) Design
The back of the coin depicts a unique close-up view of Mount Rushmore, showing workers chiseling the faces of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. The design highlights the effort of the sculptors, with two workers clearly visible in action.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Scene | Workers carving Jefferson’s face on Mount Rushmore |
| Text | “MOUNT RUSHMORE,” “SOUTH DAKOTA,” “2013,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” around the coin |
| Designer Initials | Joseph Menna’s initials appear near the scaffold above “DAKOTA” |
Why Collectors Love the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter
Collectors are drawn to this quarter due to its limited mintage and the unique perspective of Mount Rushmore’s design. Only 1.37 million of these coins were minted, making them valuable for collectors. The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter was the recipient of the 2014 Coin of the Year Award, recognizing its exceptional design.
Market Value of the Coin
The value of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter can depend on its condition. Coins graded at higher levels are worth more. For example, coins that receive a MS70 grade (the highest possible quality) can be sold for several hundred dollars. Meanwhile, lower-grade coins are still worth more than regular circulating quarters. The following table outlines the grading and values of the coin:
| Grade | Population (as of 2024) | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS70 | 8 | $300+ |
| MS68 | 21 | $100+ |
| MS67 | Multiple | $20–$50 |
| MS66 | Multiple | $5–$10 |
Key Specifications
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 2013 |
| Denomination | Quarter Dollar (25 cents) |
| Mintmark | “S” for San Francisco Mint |
| Mintage | 1,373,260 |
| Alloy | Copper-nickel (outer layers) and pure copper |
| Weight | 5.67 g |
| Diameter | 24.30 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Designers | John Flanagan (obverse) & Joseph Menna (reverse) |
Conclusion
The 2013-S Mount Rushmore America the Beautiful Quarter is a must-have for collectors. With its unique design and limited release, this quarter holds significant value in the world of coin collecting. Featuring a special perspective of Mount Rushmore, it’s not only a beautiful tribute to American history but also a valuable piece of U.S. coinage. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, this quarter is an essential addition to your collection.
FAQ’s
What is the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter?
The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful Quarters series, issued by the U.S. Mint to honor national landmarks. It features a unique design showing workers carving Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
How many 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarters were minted?
Only 1,373,260 of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarters were minted, making it a limited and collectible coin.
What is the value of a 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter?
The value depends on its condition. Coins graded MS70 can be worth over $300, while lower-grade coins are valued between $5 to $50.