Shawnee National Forest – Illinois

Shawnee National Forest – Illinois

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 Illinois Shawnee National Forest is the first quarter of 2016.

The reverse depicts a close view of Camel Rock with natural vegetation in the foreground and a red-tailed hawk soaring in the sky overhead.

Shawnee National Forest Quarter – Illinois 

Celebrate the dramatic rock formations, ancient woodlands, and natural beauty of southern Illinois with the Shawnee National Forest Quarter, the first release of 2016 in the U.S. Mint’s acclaimed America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This uncirculated collectible honors Shawnee National Forest, a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological activity and home to some of the Midwest’s most striking natural landmarks. For collectors, hikers, and national park enthusiasts, 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 early‑year releases like the Shawnee Quarter—are quickly becoming premium items in the numismatic community.

Honoring Shawnee National Forest – A Geological and Ecological Treasure

Established in 1939, Shawnee National Forest spans more than 280,000 acres across southern Illinois, nestled between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The forest was created during the New Deal era, when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) restored lands damaged by decades of farming and logging. Their work laid the foundation for the thriving forest ecosystem that exists today.

Shawnee National Forest is renowned for its:

• Towering sandstone formations, sculpted over millions of years

• Dense hardwood forests, home to oak, hickory, maple, and dogwood

• Diverse wildlife, including white‑tailed deer, red‑tailed hawks, bobcats, and migratory birds

• Popular recreation areas, such as Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, and Bell Smith Springs

The forest’s unique blend of geology, ecology, and history makes it one of the Midwest’s most beloved outdoor destinations.

A Reverse Design Featuring Camel Rock and a Red‑Tailed Hawk

The reverse of the Shawnee National Forest Quarter features a dramatic and visually striking scene centered on Camel Rock, one of the most iconic formations in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. This sandstone structure, shaped by millions of years of erosion, resembles the profile of a resting camel and is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Illinois.

The design includes:

• Camel Rock – A towering sandstone formation that showcases the region’s ancient geological history.

• Natural Vegetation – Representing the forest’s rich plant life, including native shrubs, grasses, and hardwood trees.

• A Red‑Tailed Hawk in Flight – Symbolizing the forest’s thriving wildlife and the freedom of the open sky.

The red‑tailed hawk, one of North America’s most recognizable birds of prey, adds a sense of movement and vitality to the design. Its presence highlights the forest’s importance as a habitat for raptors and other wildlife species.

This reverse design is widely admired for its bold composition, natural realism, and ability to capture the rugged beauty of southern Illinois.

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 Shawnee National Forest Quarter, released in early 2016, 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 geological and environmental significance

• Striking and dramatic reverse design

• Connection to Illinois’s natural heritage

• Premium appeal in uncirculated condition

• Importance as the first release of 2016

Ideal for Collectors, Educators, and Nature Enthusiasts

This Shawnee National Forest Quarter is perfect for:

• National park collectors

• America the Beautiful quarter enthusiasts

• Teachers and students studying U.S. geography and geology

• 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.