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The 2016-D Cumberland Gap (KY) Uncirculated Quarter is part of the United States Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which began in 2010. This program honors national parks and other national sites across the country, and the Cumberland Gap Quarter, released in 2016, specifically commemorates the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Located at the border of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, the park is historically significant as the site of the Cumberland Gap, which served as a primary passageway for settlers moving westward into the Appalachian Mountains during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The Cumberland Gap Quarter is the 36th coin in the America the Beautiful series, with a total of 56 coins planned to be released over a period of more than a decade. The series has become highly popular among coin collectors and is widely regarded for its beautiful designs, which celebrate the natural and cultural landmarks that make up America's rich heritage. The 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter specifically honors the role of the gap in American westward expansion, making it a key piece for both collectors of U.S. history and numismatics enthusiasts.
The obverse of the Cumberland Gap Quarter features a classic design that includes the portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan. Washington's likeness has appeared on U.S. quarters since 1932, and it is a standard feature for the America the Beautiful series. The reverse design of the Cumberland Gap Quarter, however, is what sets this coin apart. The reverse shows a dramatic view of the Cumberland Gap, with a depiction of the mountain pass as seen from the westward side of the Appalachian Mountains. The image also includes a frontiersman standing with his rifle, symbolizing the pioneers who crossed the gap in search of new lands. This historical representation is meant to capture the spirit of exploration and settlement that defined the American frontier during the 18th century.
The design of the Cumberland Gap Quarter was created by artist Joel Iskowitz and engraved by Michael Gaudioso. Their vision was to illustrate not just the geographical features of the gap, but also the cultural significance of the passageway as a gateway to the western frontier. In particular, the inclusion of the frontiersman on the reverse emphasizes the role of the Cumberland Gap as a vital route for migration and expansion. The coin's design is both detailed and evocative, capturing the landscape that played such a crucial role in American history.
The 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint, as indicated by the “D” mintmark located on the obverse of the coin. The Denver Mint is one of the U.S. Mint’s primary facilities for coin production, and it has been in operation since 1906. The Denver Mint is known for producing both circulating coinage and coins for collectors, making it an integral part of the U.S. Mint system. The mint’s involvement in producing the Cumberland Gap Quarter speaks to the high standards of the U.S. Mint in creating coins that honor American history.
In terms of mintage, the Cumberland Gap Quarter was issued as part of the U.S. Mint’s regular circulating coinage. While the total number of coins produced varies each year, the Cumberland Gap Quarter had an estimated mintage of over 160 million coins for circulation. These coins were made available to the public through the Federal Reserve banks across the country. In addition to these circulating coins, the U.S. Mint also produced a number of uncirculated and proof versions of the quarter for collectors. The uncirculated version, like the 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter, is particularly prized by collectors for its fresh, sharp details and absence of wear or damage that may occur with coins in circulation.
The condition of a coin is a key factor in determining its value and appeal to collectors. The 2016-D Cumberland Gap Uncirculated Quarter is often found in near-perfect condition, with a crisp, clean surface and all design elements clearly visible. Coins in this condition are considered to be “Uncirculated” because they have not been used in everyday transactions and thus exhibit minimal signs of wear. The term “Uncirculated” also implies that the coin was freshly minted and has retained its original shine and details. Collectors highly value coins in this condition, as they are ideal for preservation in collections or for future investment purposes.
While the 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter was widely distributed for circulation, it is important to note that coins in uncirculated condition tend to be less common, as they have not been subjected to the typical handling and wear associated with everyday use. The uncirculated version of this quarter has a higher appeal to collectors, particularly those who focus on high-grade specimens. As a result, these coins often carry a premium over their face value, depending on their quality and the demand from collectors. Additionally, the design and historical significance of the Cumberland Gap Quarter make it a highly sought-after coin for those interested in American history, as it commemorates a key moment in the nation’s expansion and development.
The 2016-D Cumberland Gap Quarter is a significant coin within the America the Beautiful Quarters series, as it represents a pivotal point in American history. The coin’s design, which reflects the role of the Cumberland Gap as a passageway for settlers, is not only historically accurate but also artistically striking. As with other coins in the America the Beautiful series, the Cumberland Gap Quarter is both a valuable collector’s item and a representation of the nation’s heritage. Its design highlights the spirit of exploration and adventure that defined the early years of the United States, making it a meaningful addition to any collection.
Collecting the Cumberland Gap Quarter is an opportunity to own a piece of history. As part of the ongoing America the Beautiful Quarters program, it serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that shaped the United States during its formative years. The 2016-D Cumberland Gap Uncirculated Quarter is particularly prized for its sharp details and excellent condition, making it an ideal piece for any collector seeking to commemorate the American frontier. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, this quarter represents a significant chapter in the nation’s past and is a fitting tribute to the people who crossed the Cumberland Gap to forge new lives in the expanding American frontier.