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The 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Quarter is part of the United States Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which honors national parks and other national sites across the United States and its territories. Released in 2012, this quarter features the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii, the first national park in the United States to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The quarter was released alongside other coins honoring national parks from each state, and it marks a significant moment in numismatic history as part of a long-running program that celebrates American landmarks.
The Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is renowned for its active volcanoes, including Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which have been instrumental in shaping the island’s landscape. The park is not only a popular tourist destination but also a site of scientific interest due to the ongoing volcanic activity. The park’s unique geological features, rich cultural history, and biodiversity made it a fitting candidate for inclusion in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter immortalizes this incredible location and brings awareness to its natural beauty and significance to the American landscape.
The design of the 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Quarter was selected through a design competition held by the United States Mint. The coin's reverse side features a dramatic image of an erupting volcano with the iconic silhouette of the Kilauea caldera in the background. Lava is seen flowing from the volcano, symbolizing the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the landscape. In the foreground, a native Hawaiian feathered 'I'iwi bird is depicted, a tribute to the park’s diverse wildlife. This design was chosen for its ability to capture the power of nature and the unique ecosystems present in the park. It is a fitting tribute to the volcanic landscapes that make Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world.
The obverse of the quarter features the familiar portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan. This design has appeared on the obverse of all circulating quarters since 1932. The design was slightly updated in 1999 with the addition of a rim inscription that includes the words "Liberty," "In God We Trust," and "United States of America." The 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Quarter, like all quarters in the America the Beautiful series, features these familiar elements on the obverse while highlighting the specific national park on the reverse.
The United States Mint produced the 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter at its San Francisco Mint, which is known for striking proof and uncirculated coins. The "S" mintmark on this quarter signifies that it was minted in San Francisco. As part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, this coin was minted in both circulation-quality (business strike) and proof versions. The 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes Quarter, specifically the uncirculated version, is highly regarded by collectors because it was struck with special care and has a superior finish compared to regular circulation coins. These uncirculated coins were produced in smaller quantities than the regular issue and are highly sought after by numismatists looking to complete their collections of the America the Beautiful Quarters series.
The mintage of the 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Quarter was limited to the number required to meet the demand for collectors, with most of these coins being sold as part of annual coin sets. As an uncirculated quarter, it carries a premium over the face value due to its limited production and collectible nature. While not as scarce as some other coins in the series, the 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter is still relatively rare in comparison to the billions of coins minted for circulation during the year. Collectors who are completing a full set of the America the Beautiful Quarters will place particular importance on obtaining this coin, as it is a key piece of the overall series.
Coin condition is one of the most important factors in determining the value of a coin. The 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Quarter, when graded as uncirculated (specifically in high grades such as MS67 or higher), is highly regarded by collectors. An uncirculated coin refers to a coin that has not been in circulation and retains its original mint luster and surface quality. Coins in this condition typically show no signs of wear and have a sharp, detailed design. For the 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter, uncirculated coins are prized for their excellent appearance, and collectors seek out the best possible examples for their collections. Coins that are preserved in this condition have a higher market value compared to coins with signs of wear or damage.
The 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Quarter is part of a series that has proven to be very popular among collectors and investors alike. The America the Beautiful Quarters Program is designed to celebrate the beauty and history of national parks across the United States, and the Hawai'i Volcanoes quarter represents one of the most visually striking coins in the series. Featuring an active volcano, flowing lava, and native wildlife, this coin embodies the raw power and natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. For collectors, it represents a unique piece of history that combines the art of coin design with the preservation of one of the most famous national parks in the world.
Overall, the 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Quarter stands out for its captivating design, its role in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, and its significance as part of a series dedicated to preserving and celebrating the United States' most treasured national landmarks. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, this coin offers a way to commemorate the stunning geological wonders of Hawaii and the importance of national parks in the U.S. By adding the 2012-S Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Quarter to a collection, collectors can not only enjoy the beauty of the coin itself but also own a tangible piece of the natural history that has shaped the American landscape.