The first United States Mint quarter release for 2017 depicts Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. It is the thirty-sixth issued as part of the Mint’s program of America the Beautiful Quarters® which runs for eleven years until 2021.
The series debuted in 2010 with five new quarter dollars. Each subsequent year, an additional five coins is issued until the final year when the last strike launches.
Here are some important dates and events for Iowa’s 2017 Effigy Mounds Quarter:
- its release into general circulation on February 6, 2017;
- its availability in U.S. Mint-branded rolls and bags at www.usmint.gov, also on February 6, 2017; and
- its official launch ceremony by the U.S. Mint and the National Park Service at Allamakee Community School District High School Gym (1059 3rd Avenue N.W., Waukon, IA 52172) on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. CST.
There are coin exchanges right after release ceremonies. They offer the public an opportunity to swap cash for $10 rolls of new quarters. Kerndt Brothers Saving Bank in Waukon will sponsor the exchange for new Effigy Mounds quarters.
Also, coin forums precede launch ceremonies, offering the public a chance to talk to U.S. Mint officials about current and upcoming coins and products. The forum is held on February 6, 2017 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (CST) at the Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center.
After reviewing 13 design candidates, the Treasury Secretary selected the final design for the national monument. Created by Richard Masters and sculpted by Renata Gordon, it depicts an aerial view of mounds in the Marching Bear Group. Surrounding inscriptions read: "EFFIGY MOUNDS," "IOWA," "2017," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
Both obverse and reverse designs are also featured on a series of U.S. Mint bullion and collector 3-inch diameter, 5-ounce silver coins.
The four later 2017 quarters commemorate:
- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (Washington, D.C.),
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways Quarter (Missouri),
- Ellis Island (Statue of Liberty National Monument) (New Jersey), and
- and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park (Indiana).
Effigy Mounds National Monument information
The Effigy Mounds, located in the Effigy Mounds National Monument of Iowa, are a group of over 200 mounds built by Native Americans. These mounds were used for burial, ceremonies and sometimes lodging. There are 31 mounds that are shaped like reptiles, birds and other mammals where the term "effigy" originates.
Three areas host mounds. The Sny Magill Unit has the most with over 100 but has no visitor facilities. The North and South Units offer both visitor centers and easy access for tourists.
Today, much of the history and meaning behind the mounds has been lost. However, local Native Americans still hold many of them sacred. Effigy Mounds National Monument offers an excellent view of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Also located at this national monument is the first place where European settlers made contact with natives in the area.