Two proof sets of 2015 America the Beautiful Quarters launched last month – one in clad for $14.95 and one in silver for $31.95. This article presents a photo overview of the set of five silver quarters.
Proof coins are very popular with collectors because their frosted design elements attractively contrast against their mirror-like backgrounds. They’re more brilliant and detailed than standard coins for circulation. They’re also produced in the U.S. Mint at San Francisco and have ‘S’ mint marks. Coins found in change are made in either Philadelphia or Denver and have ‘P’ or ‘D’ mint marks. Silver proof sets have added appeal. All their coins are in 90% silver.
This year’s America the Beautiful Quarters have reverse designs that honor Homestead National Monument of America in Nebraska, Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana, Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware, and Saratoga National Historical Park in New York. To follow are a couple of photos showing the reverse or tails side of the silver quarters which bear designs emblematic of these sites.
These next photos show obverses or heads side of the silver quarters with their portrait of George Washington.
All proof sets include a United States Mint certificate of authenticity. The back of certificates displays specifications of the coins.
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Lastly, it’s about impossible to find a visual difference between the proofs quarters in the silver set from those of the clad set. The silver quarters do weight more, 6.250 grams versus the 5.670 grams of a clad. Insert colors in protective lenses are different based on coins they hold. Silver proof sets have lenses with black inserts while those with regular clad coinage are brown. This next photo shows the lens of silver quarters (top) and the clad quarters (bottom).
Proof sets of varying types, including those with more than quarters, are available from the United States Mint right here, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).