Item Description
The 2016 5 oz America the Beautiful Cumberland Gap Silver Coin commemorates one of the most historically significant natural passageways in early American history—Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Issued as part of the acclaimed America the Beautiful program, this large-format silver coin honors the gateway that helped open the American frontier to westward expansion.
Struck from 5 troy ounces of .999 fine silver, the coin is produced by the United States Mint and carries a $0.25 legal tender face value, backed by the United States government for weight and purity. The ATB series is known for its impressive 76.2 mm diameter, giving the artwork exceptional clarity and depth.
The Cumberland Gap served as one of the most important migration routes in early American history. Long before the arrival of European settlers, the gap functioned as a natural corridor for wildlife and Native American tribes moving across the Appalachian region. Later, it became a critical passageway for pioneers traveling west along the Wilderness Road.
Between 1775 and 1810, more than 300,000 settlers passed through Cumberland Gap, transforming it into what historians often call “The First Doorway to the West.” This coin captures that legacy in a powerful design that reflects the spirit of exploration and frontier expansion that shaped the early United States.
Round Highlights
Part of the America the Beautiful
Limited mintage of 75,000 coins
Contains 5 troy ounces of .999 fine silver
Issued with $0.25 USD legal tender face value
Produced by the United States Mint
Large-format coin measuring 76.2 mm in diameter
Honors Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Design Details
Obverse
The obverse features the classic left-profile portrait of George Washington. Designed by John Flanagan, the image was originally introduced on the Washington Quarter in 1932 and is based on a sculptural likeness created by William Cousins.
Reverse
The reverse depicts a frontier settler standing with a long rifle while surveying the landscape of Cumberland Gap. The design captures the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains and symbolizes the determination of early pioneers. The inscription “First Doorway to the West” appears within the design, commemorating the gap’s historic role in opening the American frontier.
