Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Quarter Launch Ceremony Highlights

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On Wednesday, Nov. 6, quarters honoring Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho were officially introduced to the public.

Charles Mark and David Ryder
David Ryder, Director, United States Mint, presents Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness quarters struck on the first day of production to Charles Mark, Forest Supervisor, Salmon-Challis National Forest during the Nov. 6 ceremony. The coin is the 50th release in the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. U.S. Mint photo by Jill Westeyn.

Around 1,500 people, including some 1,200 students, attended the launch ceremony hosted by officials from he U.S. Mint and U.S. Forest Service. Children aged 18 and under received a free Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness quarter to commemorate the event.

Crowd at Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Quarter Ceremony
A crowd of 1,500 people attended the Nov. 6, 2019, ceremonial launch of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness quarter at Salmon Jr/Sr High School in Salmon, Idaho. U.S. Mint photo by Jill Westeyn.

Ryder handing out quarters
U.S. Mint Director David Ryder passes out new quarters to students attending the launch ceremony. U.S. Mint photo by Jill Westeyn.

The quarter’s reverse (tails side) depicts a piloted drift boat on the rushing river encompassed by the trees and rock formations of the wilderness.

The quarter "serves as a reminder of the essence of the Wilderness — more than two million acres of prehistoric mountains, fertile conifers and commanding rivers but flourishing with stories of heritage and wonder," remarked U.S. Mint Director David J. Ryder.

Guest speakers included Mike Simpson, U.S. Representative of Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District; Larry LaRocco, former U.S. Representative of the 1st Congressional District; Kathryn Hitch, Regional Director for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo; Amy Taylor, Regional Director for U.S. Senator James Risch; Charles Mark, Supervisor of Salmon-Challis National Forest; and John Burns. Former Forest Supervisor of Salmon National Forest served as master of ceremonies.

Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Quarter Launch Ceremony speakers
Emcee John Burns glances at U.S. Mint Director David Ryder, Salmon-Challis National Forest Supervisor Charles Mark, former U.S. Representative Larry LaRocco and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson during the quarter launch ceremony. U.S. Mint photo by Brian Martin.

Other ceremony highlights included the presentation of colors by the American Legion Lloyd Shaw Post 67 and performances by the Salmon High School Legacy Choir.

Members of the Salmon High School Legacy Choir
Members of the Salmon High School Legacy Choir performing the National Anthem during the quarter launch ceremony. U.S. Mint photo by Jill Westeyn.

Members of the American Legion Lloyd Shaw Post 67
American Legion Lloyd Shaw Post 67 presented the colors during the ceremony. U.S. Mint photo by Jill Westeyn.

ceremonial coin pour
U.S. Mint Director David Ryder, U.S. Representative Mike Simpson, along with Salmon-Challis National Forest, Forest Supervisor Charles Mark, participate in the ceremonial coin pour during the launch ceremony. U.S. Mint photo by Brian Martin.

Many of those who attended the launch ceremony took part in the traditional coin exchange with quarters provided by East Idaho Federal Credit Union. About $14,500 quarters were swapped for cash.

Coin exchange
East Idaho Credit Union employees help attendees exchange cash for rolls of the new quarter following the event. U.S. Mint photo by Jill Westeyn.

Another highlight for 48 collectors and local enthusiasts was a coin forum held on the evening before the ceremony where attendees listened to and asked questions of U.S. Mint officials.

Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness quarters started entering circulation on Monday, Nov. 4. On the same day, the U.S. Mint released them in rolls and bags. Available products include quarters struck at the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco Mints at prices ranging from $18.95 to $46.95.

The U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program debuted in 2010 and will honor 56 national parks and other sites through 2021. The latest quarter is the 50th released since 2010 and the last of the five unique 25-cent designs for 2019.

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El Guapo

Nice design.
Too bad the 5 oz introduction had to be at the same time as the coming ASE internet crash.
Does anyone know if the numbered COE’s are going to be standard on all new releases in the future, or just this particular ASE?