-
Inventory:
18 In Stock
- Product ID: 29719
Checkout
The 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park quarter is part of the United States Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters series, which features national parks and other national sites from around the United States. The quarter was issued in 2012, marking the 14th release in the series. The coin honors Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. This quarter is especially significant as it represents the volcanic landscapes and rich cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, is home to the active Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, both of which are among the world’s most active and fascinating geological features. The park attracts visitors from all over the world who come to witness the power and beauty of these natural wonders.
The design of the 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter was selected through a design competition and features a striking image of Kīlauea's eruption. The reverse of the coin showcases an erupting volcano with a plume of smoke and lava flow in the foreground. A stylized lava rock, which represents the volcanic terrain, is also depicted. The words “HAWAII VOLCANOES” appear above the main design, with the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “2012” below. The overall design was intended to reflect both the majesty and the danger of the volcanoes, as well as the park's role in preserving the natural environment for future generations. The obverse of the coin features the traditional George Washington portrait, designed by John Flanagan, which has been used on all quarters since 1932.
The 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and bears the "P" mintmark, signifying its place of production. The coin was struck as part of the regular circulation series, but it was also made available in other forms, including uncirculated and proof versions, for collectors. The coin was part of the third year of the America the Beautiful Quarters series, which ran from 2010 to 2021 and featured five new quarters each year. A total of 25 different sites were featured, with each quarter representing a distinct national park, historical site, or landmark within the United States. The Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter was one of the five releases in 2012, following the releases for other parks, such as the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico and the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.
The mintage of the 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter was substantial, as it was issued for general circulation. The exact mintage numbers for the 2012-P coin are in the millions, as is typical for the U.S. Mint's circulating coinage. However, for collectors, the uncirculated version of the coin, which is typically available through the U.S. Mint’s official outlets or included in sets, has additional appeal. This version was struck with special care to preserve its quality, providing collectors with a pristine example of the design. The uncirculated coins are often purchased as part of complete sets or individually by collectors who are interested in completing their America the Beautiful Quarters collections. These coins are highly prized for their quality and detail, as well as for their connection to American history and the natural wonders represented in the series.
The 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter is considered a valuable piece for collectors, especially in higher grades such as Gem Uncirculated or MS (Mint State) 65 and above. In these grades, the coin exhibits a brilliant, unblemished finish and minimal wear or imperfections. Collectors seek out these higher-quality versions for their portfolios, as they represent a well-preserved piece of U.S. Mint history. While the coin was issued for general circulation and can still be found in rolls or through coin dealers, the demand for uncirculated and proof versions remains strong due to the coin's historical and cultural significance. Many collectors also focus on acquiring the full set of America the Beautiful quarters, which makes the 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter a critical piece in that collection.
The condition of the 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter is one of the most important factors in its value. Uncirculated coins, like the 2012-P version, are typically available through coin shops or the U.S. Mint itself. These coins retain their original luster and details and show little to no signs of wear or handling. Coins in lower grades, such as Fine or Very Fine, may have more visible signs of circulation, including surface scratches, discoloration, or wear on the high points of the design. While these coins can still be of interest to collectors, those in higher grades like MS65 or higher command a premium due to their superior condition and aesthetic appeal. Grading agencies like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) offer authentication and grading services to determine a coin's exact condition and help buyers and sellers establish a fair price for the coin.
The release of the 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter also symbolizes the U.S. Mint's continued efforts to promote American heritage and national parks. The America the Beautiful Quarters program has brought attention to the importance of preserving these sites and recognizing the cultural and natural history they represent. By featuring national parks and historical sites across the country, the U.S. Mint has provided an opportunity for citizens to connect with these places in a new way, through the medium of coinage. For collectors, the series has created a collectible record of American landmarks that will continue to hold cultural and historical significance for generations to come.
The design of the 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter continues the Mint's tradition of featuring iconic imagery on its coinage. The depiction of the erupting volcano on the reverse captures the raw power and beauty of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The quarter serves not only as a commemorative piece but also as an educational tool, bringing awareness to the natural world and the importance of volcanic activity in shaping the Earth's landscape. With its attention to detail and connection to American history, the Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter stands out as one of the most memorable coins in the America the Beautiful series.
Overall, the 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter holds a special place in both the hearts of collectors and the legacy of the United States Mint. It represents the grandeur of Hawai'i's volcanoes, which have shaped the island's geological and cultural history, while also being part of a larger series that celebrates the national parks and landmarks of the U.S. Whether for its beauty, historical significance, or rarity in higher grades, this quarter remains a treasured collectible. Its connection to both the U.S. Mint and Hawai'i’s natural heritage ensures that the 2012-P Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter will continue to be valued by collectors and history enthusiasts alike for many years to come.