El Yunque National Forest Quarter

The 2012 El Yunque National Forest Quarter is the 11th coin 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).

The obverse (heads) design features the familiar image of George Washington by John Flanagan, used on the quarter since 1932. It has been restored to bring out subtle details and the beauty of the original.

The reverse (tails) 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.

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

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

• Denver
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco

The U.S. Mint released the El Yunque National Forest quarter in circulating, uncirculated, and proof finishes. A five-ounce silver coin was also produced in uncirculated and bullion finishes.

Quarter (Circulating, Uncirculated, Proof):

• Composition: Cupro-Nickel Clad (8.33% nickel, balance copper)
• Weight: 5.670 grams
• Diameter: 0.955 inch (24.26 mm)
• Thickness: 1.75 mm
• Edge: Reeded

Five-Ounce Silver Coin (Uncirculated, Bullion):

• Composition: 99.9% silver
• Weight: 5.0 ounces
• Diameter: 3.0 inches
• Edge: Edge-Lettering