The United States Mint (Mint) will officially release the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coin honoring Weir Farm National Historic Site (NHS) on April 6, 2020. The Mint began the America the Beautiful series in 2010. The 12-year initiative includes 56 quarters featuring national sites in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. This is the second quarter of 2020 and the 52nd coin overall in the program. The coin will be released into general circulation, and the Mint will release collectible rolls and bags containing Weir Farm NHS quarters later this year.
Weir Farm NHS is thrilled to represent Connecticut on this stunning new quarter,” stated Superintendent Linda Cook. “The design perfectly captures the feel of the cultural landscape of the state, and how Weir Farm is connected to it though art, creativity and nature.
Weir Farm NHS is the only national park dedicated to American Painting, and was home to America’s most beloved Impressionist, Julian (J.) Alden Weir. The reverse (tails) design of the quarter representing this site portrays an artist, wearing a painter’s smock, painting outside Weir’s
studio. It is inspired by varios images of the studio and Weir’s paintings created on the property, as well as descriptions of Weir and his fellow artist’s creative inspiration from the rural environment. The inscription “A National Park for Art” appears in the lower right field. The coin was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Artist Justin Kunz and sculpted by Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill, who are both credited with the artistry of several coins issued by the Mint.
The obverse (heads) of the Weir Farm National Historic Site quarter, like all those issued through the program, features the familiar 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan, restored to bring out subtle details and the beauty of the original model. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
For more information about the program or to purchase via the Mint’s online catalog:https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/america-the-beautiful-qua... or or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468)
