The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter is part of the “America the Beautiful” series by the U.S. Mint, created to honor important American landmarks. This quarter, made by the San Francisco Mint, celebrates the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota and features a unique, close-up design that showcases the craftsmanship involved in building the monument. In this article, we’ll discuss the coin’s history, design details, and what makes it appealing to collectors.
About the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter
The Mount Rushmore Quarter was the last design released in 2013 in the “America the Beautiful” series. This series includes 56 coins, each representing a unique national site from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Since its release, the Mount Rushmore Quarter has been popular among collectors because of its unique perspective on the iconic monument.
Key Specifications of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter
Below is a table summarizing the important details of the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 2013 |
| Denomination | Quarter Dollar (25 Cents) |
| Mintmark | S (San Francisco) |
| Mintage | Approximately 1,373,260 |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel outer layer, pure copper inner core |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.30 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | John Flanagan |
| Reverse Designer | Joseph Menna |
| Quality | Business Strike |
Design Features of the 2013 Mount Rushmore Quarter
Obverse (Front) Design
The front of the quarter features a classic bust of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan in 1932. This image has been the traditional face of the U.S. quarter. Key inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” along with the “S” mintmark from the San Francisco Mint near the words “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Reverse (Back) Design
The reverse side of the 2013 Mount Rushmore Quarter is where the design truly stands out. Unlike previous representations of Mount Rushmore, this quarter focuses on a close-up scene of the workers who crafted the monument, showing them chiseling the face of Thomas Jefferson. This perspective honors the skill and labor behind the monument’s construction. Joseph Menna, the designer, added the inscriptions “MOUNT RUSHMORE,” “SOUTH DAKOTA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and his initials, JFM, below the design.
Market Value and Grading Information
Collectors highly value the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter, especially in high grades. Below is a table detailing grading events and top population ratings for this quarter:
| Grading Service | Top Grade | Number of Coins (as of 11/2024) |
|---|---|---|
| PCGS | MS70 | 8 |
| NGC | MS68 | 21 |
| CAC | N/A | No graded examples as of November 2024 |
This quarter earned the prestigious “Coin of the Year, Best Circulating Coin” award in 2014 from Krause Publications due to its exceptional design and creativity, making it a top pick for collectors worldwide.
Why Collect the 2013 Mount Rushmore Quarter?
The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter is a unique coin that tells a story about American history and artistry. The quarter’s close-up design shows the scale of the monument and the effort it took to create it, setting this coin apart from others. Its limited mintage, San Francisco Mint mark, and award-winning design make it a valuable addition to any collection. Whether you’re new to collecting or an experienced numismatist, this quarter stands out as a meaningful piece of U.S. coinage.
FAQ’s
Why is the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter special for collectors?
The 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter is unique because it features a close-up of workers chiseling Thomas Jefferson’s face, highlighting the craftsmanship involved. Its limited mintage from the San Francisco Mint and award-winning design add to its collectible value.
How can I tell if I have a 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter?
Check the coin for an “S” mintmark on the front (obverse) side, near the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR.” This mark indicates it was minted in San Francisco, which produced these quarters in limited quantities for collectors.
What is the highest grade for the 2013-S Mount Rushmore Quarter?
The top grades recorded for this coin are MS70 by PCGS and MS68 by NGC. Coins in these high grades are rare and valuable, making them particularly desirable for collectors.