The US Mint held its release ceremony for the tenth coin in the America the Beautiful Quarters series, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area Quarter. Approximately 300 people, half of whom were students from local schools attended the ceremony in Sulphur, OK.
United States Mint Associate Director for Sales and Marketing B. B. Craig and Chickasaw National Recreation Area Superintendent Bruce Noble hosted the ceremony. Music was provided by the East Central University Clarinet Ensemble, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the 5th Grade Class of Sulphur's Intermediate School. Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham spoke and the Chickasaw Nation Dance Troupe performed. Oklahoma State Representative Wes Hilliard and members of American Legion Post #148 also participated.
After the ceremony students received a coin as a memento of the ceremony, and collectors eagerly exchanged cash for freshly minted quarters.
Designed by Donna Weaver and engraved by Jim Licaretz, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area Quarter portrays the Lincoln Bridge, constructed in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth. Click Here for a Closer Look at the Coin's Reverse!
"When Americans receive this quarter depicting the Lincoln Bridge in their change they will hold a piece of our American story in their hands, this one about the beauty and history of a special place conserved for them in Oklahoma," said Craig.
Despite a brief rain shower at the very start of the ceremony the attendees were enthusiastic, and several were looking forward to attending the next ceremony celebrating the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico.
