If you're like us, you love the National Parks. From Yellowstone to Yosemite, there's a lot of natural beauty in the USA. And if you're looking to collect some cool coins, the National Parks quarters are about as great as it gets. Officially known as the "America the Beautiful" quarters, this set of 56 coins shows a National Park, historic landmark, or natural marvel from each of the 50 states, plus Washington, DC and five territories.
Some of these beautiful coins, minted between 2010 and 2021, can be worth thousands of dollars. The value depends on a few important factors, including rarity, condition, and minting location. Before you slide one of these quarters into the parking meter, take a sec to give it a closer look.
Most Valuable America the Beautiful Quarters
Even though they aren't that old, some of these National Parks quarters are worth a pretty penny. These are some of the highest-value examples from the series, according to auction records.
| National Parks Quarter | Value |
|---|---|
| 2020-W Salt River Bay National Historical Park | $6,600 |
| 2019-W Lowel National Historical Park | $5,040 |
| 2019-W San Antonio Missions National Park | $1,260 |
| 2010-D Yellowstone National Park | $1,140 |
| 2016-P Theodore Roosevelt National Park | $1,020 |
| 2014-P Shenandoah National Park | $1,020 |
2020-W Salt River Bay Quarter
One of the hardest coins to find in pristine condition, this 2020 National Park quarter's value can be in the thousands. The back side of this coin shows a red mangrove tree growing in water and commemorates the Salt River Bay National Historical Park in the US Virgin Islands. Although over 1 billion were minted, only about 2 million of these coins came from West Point. A lot of those show wear, which means an uncirculated one is worth a lot. One sold in 2024 for $6,600.
2019-W Lowell National Historical Park Quarter
Another valuable example from the West Point mint, the Lowell National Historical Park quarter was mostly minted in other locations. Finding one from West Point with no wear is a treat, and this is one of the highest-value coins in the series. This quarter is for the state of Massachusetts and features a 19th-century woman working at a power loom. It's a unique and pretty design. One example of this coin sold for $5,040 in 2024.
2019-W San Antonio Missions National Park Quarter
This Texas quarter, commemorating the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, is one of the rarest coins in the series. Like many others, the West Point mint coins are among the most valuable if they're in uncirculated condition. The design on the back is partially inspired by a Spanish Colonial real coin and features an image of the San Antonio Mission bell tower, as well as waves, wheat, and a lion. What's exciting about this coin is that a few examples were accidentally released six days early. If you find one of those, it can be worth more. An example sold for $1,260 in 2024.
2010-D Yellowstone National Park Quarter
The second release in the America the Beautiful quarter series, this is also one of the rarest. The Yellowstone National Park quarter, which is for the state of Wyoming, has a bison and Old Faithful on the back. Examples from the Denver Mint are very hard to find in good condition, so if you've got one, hang onto it. One sold in 2017 for $1,140.
2016-P Theodore Roosevelt National Park Quarter
North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park makes an appearance on the 2016 quarter, which has a portrait of the famous president on horseback. Although there were over 231,000 of these minted in Philadelphia, they're not easy to find in pristine shape. One clad example sold for $1,020 in 2018.
A clad coin has multiple types of metals in it with an outer layer that makes it shinier or more durable. Generally, clad coins aren't worth more than regular issue coins, but if they are rarer, that can be different.
2014-P Shenandoah National Park Quarter
Commemorating the beautiful national park at one end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Shenandoah National Park Quarter shows a hiker at the top of a mountain trail. It honors the state of Virginia. Clad coins from the Philadelphia Mint can be valuable if they are in great condition. One sold for $1,020 in 2018.
Tips for Finding Valuable National Park Quarters
The America the Beautiful series is fun to collect, whether you're thinking about value or just trying to get all 56 coins issued. The coins worth the most tend to have a few things in common, however. Keep these tips in mind.
- Look for earlier coins. When the series first began in 2010, fewer coins were issued in each design. Watch for quarters from 2010, 2011, and 2012.
- Keep an eye out for the West Point Mint. While not all years have coins minted at West Point, those that do tend to have the fewest coins from that location. Look for a W next to the year.
- Check condition carefully. Watch for crisp details, shiny surfaces, and minimal wear. Coins that are clad or haven't seen circulation are worth the most.
- Watch the finish. 2010 had some satin-finish coins, and these are rarer and more valuable.
Related: 10 Most Valuable Quarters Coin Collectors Dream About
An Exciting Series for Your Coin Collection
Although they might not be as valuable as some of the other quarter series out there, National Parks quarters can actually be worth quite a bit. Just look for anything a little out of the ordinary and for rarer years and designs. This is a really exciting series to collect, too, so look for quarters in great condition to keep in your coin collection.
