Item Description
The United States Mint us government opened its 2016 America the Beautiful Silver Coin Program with Illinois as the first featured release in the program’s seventh year of production. As with every issue in the series, each coin honors a nationally significant park, forest, or monument. For Illinois, the selection is Shawnee National Forest, Illinois national forest commemorated on this substantial 5 oz silver coin.
Round Highlights
- Limited mintage of 105,000 coins
- Contains 5 troy ounces of .999 fine silver
- Bears a face value of $0.25 USD, backed by the United States government
- Individually packaged in protective capsules
- Struck by the United States Mint at the Philadelphia or Denver Mint
- Features a distinctive design honoring Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest
Situated at the southernmost tip of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest spans approximately 265,000 acres across the Ozark and Shawnee Hills regions. The forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and was officially established in September 1939 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Much of the land initially incorporated into the forest consisted of depleted farmland. Restoration efforts carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps introduced widespread pine reforestation, rebuilding soil integrity and significantly reducing erosion. These initiatives played a critical role in shaping the forest into the natural landmark it is today.
Design Details
Reverse
The reverse features a detailed depiction of Camel Rock, a renowned geological formation within Shawnee National Forest. The formation derives its name from its resemblance to a seated camel, complete with a clearly defined head and hump. Native vegetation fills the foreground, while a red-tailed hawk flies overhead, adding depth and movement to the scene.
Obverse
The obverse displays the standard America the Beautiful design: George Washington first US president, a design originally introduced on U.S. circulating quarters in 1932. This enduring image provides continuity across the entire America the Beautiful series.
