El Yunque National Forest Quarter

America the Beautiful Quarters

Background

The El Yunque National Forest quarter is the first of 2012 and the 11th overall in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. El Yunque National Forest, located in Puerto Rico, is the sole tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Despite the forest’s relatively small 28,000-acre size, it is significant for its immense biodiversity and is popular with visitors for its year-round tropical climate. More than 1 million visitors from all over the world visit the forest each year to sample its eco-tourism pleasures while developing a greater understanding of its ecological importance by walking along the many beautiful trails. It was first established as a national site on January 17, 1903 (32 Stat. 2029).

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Characteristics

The reverse design depicts a Coqui tree frog sitting on a leaf and a Puerto Rican parrot behind an epiphyte plant with tropical flora in the background. The Puerto Rican parrot is a highly endangered species unique to Puerto Rico, and its recovery began with the few birds left in El Yunque. Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of El Yunque National Forest.

Obverse Inscriptions

  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • LIBERTY
  • IN GOD WE TRUST
  • QUARTER DOLLAR

Reverse Inscriptions

  • EL YUNQUE
  • PUERTO RICO
  • 2012
  • E PLURIBUS UNUM

Mint and Mint Mark

Artist Information

Reverse
  • Sculptor: Michael Gaudioso, Medallic Artist
  • Designer: Gary Whitley
Content last reviewed June 1, 2016

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