New to the United States Mint’s product lineup today, April 17, 2012, is the Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarters Three Coin Set. With a price tag of $9.95, the set is $5 cheaper than past 2010- and 2011-dated releases, having benefited from United States Mint cost savings that have been applied to several America the Beautiful Quarter and Presidential $1 Coin products which get released annually.
Before getting into details of the Three Coin Set, it may be purchased from the United States Mint online catalog at http://catalog.U.S.mint.gov/ or by the toll-free at 1-800-U.S.A-MINT (872-6468). The standard $4.95 shipping and handling fee applies to all domestic orders.
Like the past eleven issues in the America the Beautiful Quarters Three Coin Set series, the release includes three quarters as the product name implies. The latest set honoring the national park in New Mexico features Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarters, including:
- 2012-P Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter in uncirculated quality
- 2012-D Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter in uncirculated quality
- 2012-S Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter in proof quality
Unlike those delivered into circulation via local banks or provided within United States Mint quarter rolls and bags — these events occurred on April 2, 2012, the three coins are collector versions. They are manufactured using a more detailed minting process which results in the proof or uncirculated finishes, and deeper coin details are seen since Mint presses strike them two or more times.
With special handling, all three quarters are then placed within a durable plastic card with an attractive photo of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. On the backside of the card is a description of the national park and a United States Mint Certificate of Authenticity.
The quarter’s reverse design, by Donna Weaver, depicts a view to the west of two elevated kivas that are part of the Chetro Ketl Complex. Also shown is the north wall of Chetro Ketl and the north wall of the canyon. Inscriptions include CHACO CULTURE, NEW MEXICO, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.