By Jill Westeyn
September 3, 2018
People flocked to Camden County High School auditorium in Kingsland, GA, on August 30, 2018, where the Cumberland Island National Seashore Quarter made its ceremonial debut to the public. The event marks the 44th coin in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program—the fourth quarter of 2018.
David Croft, Acting Deputy Director, United States Mint and Gary Ingram, Superintendent, Cumberland Island National Seashore spoke to the audience of 1,500 about the nation’s newest quarter and how it reflects the significance of Cumberland Island’s place in American history.
About the penultimate quarter for 2018, Croft said, “Just as thousands of migratory birds pass through this wildlife wonderland, so too will these quarters pass from hand to hand, reminding people of the spectacular, natural beauty of Georgia’s Golden Isles.”
United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Member and designer of the Cumberland quarter, Donna Weaver was in attendance and signed rolls of coins at the coin exchange following the event. Southeastern Bank exchanged $16,000 quarters. And while grown-ups were getting their quarters from the bank, children were greeted by Bill the Mint Buffalo!
In addition to the dignitaries, students played an important role in the ceremony. The auditorium was standing room only, with 1,200 students in attendance. Camden County High School Students Jalen Johnson and Nicole Thompson, served as Masters of Ceremonies. Two of the high school’s music ensembles preformed during the ceremony: the trombone trio and Volume One, a choral group. Additionally, elementary school students from across the county shared their reverse design renditions with attendees, which hung along the auditorium’s exterior walls.
A Coin Forum was held on August 29 at Howard Gilman Waterfront Park in Saint Marys, GA Croft spoke to a crowd of 89 attendees, discussing topics including coin designs, edge lettering, the Mint’s education program, and the American Innovation $1 Coin Program.
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