Vicksburg National Military Park – Mississippi

Vicksburg National Military Park – Mississippi

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 Vicksburg national military park quarter was the the fourth quarter released in 2011.

The reverse depicts the U.S.S. Cairo on the Yazoo River as it would have been seen when it served the U.S. Navy during the Civil War.

Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter – Mississippi 

Honor one of the most decisive campaigns of the American Civil War with the Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter, the fourth release of 2011 in the U.S. Mint’s acclaimed America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This uncirculated collectible commemorates Vicksburg National Military Park, a site that preserves the memory of the Union victory that ultimately secured control of the Mississippi River. For collectors, historians, and admirers of American military heritage, 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, early‑series national park quarters—such as the Vicksburg issue—are quickly becoming premium items in the numismatic community.

Honoring Vicksburg National Military Park – The Key to the Mississippi

Established in 1899, Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of the Siege of Vicksburg, a 47‑day campaign that culminated on July 4, 1863. Led by General Ulysses S. Grant, Union forces encircled the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi, cutting off supply lines and bombarding the city until its surrender.

The fall of Vicksburg was a turning point in the Civil War:

• It gave the Union full control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy in two

• It boosted Northern morale and solidified Grant’s reputation as one of the Union’s most capable commanders

• It occurred just one day after the Union victory at Gettysburg, marking a pivotal moment in the war’s trajectory

Today, Vicksburg National Military Park preserves more than 1,800 acres of battlefield, 1,300 monuments and markers, historic fortifications, and the restored remains of the U.S.S. Cairo, one of the first American ironclad warships.

The U.S.S. Cairo – A Civil War Ironclad Brought Back to Life

The reverse of the Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter features the U.S.S. Cairo, depicted as it would have appeared while patrolling the Yazoo River during the Civil War. The Cairo was part of the Union’s innovative “City‑class” ironclad fleet—armored steam‑powered gunboats designed to dominate the river systems of the South.

Commissioned in 1862, the Cairo played a crucial role in river operations until December of that year, when it became the first armored warship in history to be sunk by an electrically detonated mine (then called a “torpedo”). The ship settled into the Yazoo River mud, where it remained remarkably preserved for more than a century.

In the 1960s, the Cairo was raised, restored, and placed on display at Vicksburg National Military Park. Today, visitors can walk through the reconstructed vessel and view thousands of recovered artifacts that offer a rare glimpse into naval life during the Civil War.

A Reverse Design Celebrating Naval Innovation and Military History

The reverse design of the Vicksburg Quarter captures the Cairo in action, emphasizing its powerful silhouette and armored structure. The design includes:

• The U.S.S. Cairo – Shown gliding along the Yazoo River, representing the technological advancements of Civil War naval engineering

• Riverbank and Vegetation – Evoking the dense, swampy terrain of Mississippi’s waterways

• Historical Accuracy – Reflecting the ship’s appearance during its active service

This reverse design is widely admired for its historical authenticity and its tribute to the often‑overlooked naval operations that shaped the Civil War.

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 Vicksburg Quarter, released in 2011, is part of the program’s foundational years—making it especially desirable for collectors who appreciate the early issues of the series.

Collectors value this quarter for its:

• Strong historical and military significance

• Striking depiction of a Civil War ironclad

• Connection to Mississippi’s heritage

• Premium appeal in uncirculated condition