United States Mint Launches Saratoga National Historical Park Quarter

SCHUYLERVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Mint (Mint) joined the National Park Service today to launch the Saratoga National Historical Park Quarter.

The quarter's reverse (tails side) depicts a close-up of the moment British General John Burgoyne surrendered his sword to American General Horatio Gates, a turning point many believe marked the 'beginning of the end of the American Revolutionary War.'  Inscriptions are "BRITISH SURRENDER 1777," "SARATOGA," "NEW YORK," "2015," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."

"This new coin honors the patriots who fought so bravely to defend our fledgling nation and whose victory forever changed the face of the world," said Mint Acting Quality Manager Ron Harrigal.

Hundreds of schoolchildren were on hand, with several of them participating in the ceremony which was live-streamed to the public.  Additional event participants included Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Barbara Fox, designer of the coin's reverse; Saratoga National Historical Park Superintendent Amy Bracewell; Park Ranger and Historian Eric Schnitzer; and Matt Scollin, regional director for U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik. 

Event attendees were among the first in the Nation to get newly minted Saratoga National Historical Park quarters during the coin exchange held after the ceremony.  Collectible bags and rolls of circulating quality Saratoga National Historical Park quarters will be available for purchase from the Mint starting on Nov. 30 at noon Eastern Time at https://www.usmint.gov/catalog and 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).

The Saratoga National Historical Park quarter is the 30th release in the America the Beautiful Quarters^® Program, a 12–year initiative to honor 56 national parks and other national sites authorized by Public Law 110–456.  Each year, the public will see five new national sites depicted on the reverse (tails side) of the America the Beautiful Quarters coins.  The Mint is issuing these coins in the order in which the sites were officially established. 

About the United States Mint

The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873.  It is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins.  The United States Mint's numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Free lesson plans based on the America Beautiful Quarters Program are available at http://www.usmint.gov/kids/teachers/.
• Images of the Saratoga National Historical Park quarter are available at http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/?action=photo#AmericaTheBeautiful.
• Information about the United States Mint and the America Beautiful Quarters Program is available at http://www.usmint.gov/.   

SOURCE United States Mint

Related Links

http://www.usmint.gov