Mount Rushmore National Memorial – South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial – South Dakota

Many of the nation’s collectors and American history enthusiasts seek the added value of a pristine uncirculated quarter from each mint. As circulated quarters continue to be difficult to find, these collections will become a premium item. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial quarter is the fifth quarter of 2013.

The reverse design was inspired by photos of men who are adding the final details to Thomas Jefferson’s face. Mount Rushmore was featured on three 1991 Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Commemorative Coins and on the 2006 South Dakota quarter issued under the 50 State Quarters Program.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter – South Dakota (2013) 

Celebrate one of America’s most iconic landmarks and the extraordinary craftsmanship behind its creation with the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter, the fifth release of 2013 in the U.S. Mint’s acclaimed America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This uncirculated collectible honors the monumental achievement of carving the faces of four U.S. presidents into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills. For collectors, historians, and admirers of American ingenuity, this quarter offers exceptional artistry, historical depth, and long‑term collectible value.

A Premium Uncirculated Quarter for Discerning Collectors

As pristine uncirculated quarters become increasingly difficult to find in circulation, collectors across the nation are turning to mint‑condition examples to complete their America the Beautiful sets. Uncirculated coins retain their original luster, sharp detail, and untouched surfaces, making them far more desirable than circulated pieces. With demand rising and availability tightening, uncirculated national park quarters—especially popular subjects like Mount Rushmore—are quickly becoming premium items in the numismatic community.

Honoring Mount Rushmore – A Monument to American Vision

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most recognizable symbols of American history and national pride. Conceived by historian Doane Robinson and sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln Borglum, the memorial was carved between 1927 and 1941. The massive sculpture features the 60‑foot faces of:

• George Washington – Symbolizing the birth of the nation

• Thomas Jefferson – Representing the expansion of the United States

• Theodore Roosevelt – Reflecting development and progress

• Abraham Lincoln – Embodying the preservation of the Union

The project required extraordinary engineering skill, artistic vision, and physical endurance. Workers used dynamite, jackhammers, and hand tools to remove more than 450,000 tons of granite. Despite the dangerous conditions, no workers died during the construction—a remarkable fact given the scale of the undertaking.

Today, Mount Rushmore attracts more than two million visitors each year and stands as a testament to American determination, creativity, and national identity.

A Reverse Design Inspired by the Final Stages of Carving

The reverse of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter offers a unique perspective rarely seen by the public. Rather than depicting the completed monument, the design focuses on the final stages of carving Thomas Jefferson’s face, inspired by historic photographs taken during the sculpture’s construction.

The design includes:

• Workers Adding Final Details – Highlighting the human effort, precision, and artistry required to complete the monument.

• Close‑Up View of Jefferson’s Face – Emphasizing the scale of the sculpture and the craftsmanship involved.

• Granite Scaffolding and Tools – Representing the engineering challenges and innovative techniques used during the project.

This reverse design stands out in the America the Beautiful series for its behind‑the‑scenes perspective, honoring not only the presidents depicted on the mountain but also the workers who brought the vision to life.

A Legacy in U.S. Coinage

Mount Rushmore has appeared on several U.S. commemorative coins, reflecting its enduring cultural significance:

• 1991 Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Commemorative Coins – Issued to celebrate the memorial’s 50th anniversary.

• 2006 South Dakota State Quarter – Featuring Mount Rushmore as part of the 50 State Quarters Program.

The 2013 America the Beautiful Quarter continues this tradition, offering collectors a fresh and historically rich interpretation of the monument.

A Key Release in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program

Launched in 2010, the America the Beautiful Quarters Program honored 56 national parks and historic sites across the United States and its territories. The Mount Rushmore Quarter, released in late 2013, is part of the program’s middle years—making it especially desirable for collectors who appreciate the full progression of the series.

Collectors value this quarter for its:

• Strong historical and cultural significance

• Unique construction‑focused reverse design

• Connection to one of America’s most iconic landmarks

• Premium appeal in uncirculated condition

• Importance as the fifth release of 2013

Ideal for Collectors, Educators, and History Enthusiasts

This Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter is perfect for:

• National park collectors

• America the Beautiful quarter enthusiasts

• Teachers and students studying U.S. history or engineering

• Families building state or park‑themed coin collections

• Gift‑givers seeking meaningful, educational keepsakes

Its design and historical context make it a compelling addition to any display or educational setting.