2016 2016P - 5oz America the Beautiful Shawnee Silver Quarter - NGC ER SP70 NGC SP-70 (D-14)

Discover the exceptional beauty and numismatic significance of the 2016-P 5 oz America the Beautiful Shawnee National Forest Silver Quarter, graded in the elite NGC Early Releases SP70 condition. This stunning silver bullion coin represents one of the most sought-after releases in the United States Mint's celebrated America the Beautiful Quarters Program, combining exquisite artistry, substantial precious metal content, and perfect specimen-grade quality that collectors and investors covet.

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with the coveted "P" mint mark, this 5-ounce silver coin pays tribute to the natural wonders of Shawnee National Forest in Illinois. The America the Beautiful series was designed to celebrate America's most treasured national parks, forests, and historic sites, making each coin a miniature work of art that captures the spirit and heritage of the United States. The 2016 Shawnee release stands out as a favorite among collectors due to its serene design and limited production characteristics.

Featuring the iconic effigy of George Washington on the obverse and a breathtaking reverse depicting the natural beauty of Shawnee National Forest, this coin exemplifies the highest standards of American minting craftsmanship. The NGC Early Releases SP70 designation guarantees that this particular specimen was among the first struck and submitted for grading, achieving a flawless perfect grade with superior eye appeal and pristine surfaces that show no imperfections even under high magnification.

Whether you are a passionate numismatist building a comprehensive collection of America the Beautiful coins, a silver bullion investor seeking tangible assets with artistic value, or someone looking for a meaningful gift that celebrates American natural heritage, this 2016-P Shawnee 5 oz Silver Quarter offers unmatched appeal. Its substantial silver weight, perfect grading, and historical significance combine to create a truly premium numismatic product.

Coin Specifications

• Year: 2016
• Mint: Philadelphia (P Mint Mark)
• Denomination: Quarter Dollar
• Weight: 5 Troy Ounces
• Purity: .999 Fine Silver
• Diameter: 76.2 mm
• Thickness: 4.064 mm
• Finish: Specimen (SP)
• Grade: NGC SP70 Early Releases
• Design Theme: America the Beautiful - Shawnee National Forest
• Obverse Designer: John Flanagan (George Washington Portrait)
• Reverse Designer: Joel Iskowitz & Phebe Hemphill

Historical Background

The America the Beautiful Quarters Program was authorized by Congress in 2008 as a continuation of the highly successful State Quarter series. From 2010 through 2021, the United States Mint released five new quarter designs each year, honoring a national park or historic site from each state and territory. The program celebrated the 56 federal jurisdictions with designs that highlighted their unique natural beauty, historical importance, and cultural significance.

Shawnee National Forest, located in southern Illinois, was selected as the featured site for the 2016 Illinois release. Established in 1939, this 280,000-acre forest features dramatic rock formations, scenic waterfalls, lush hardwood forests, and diverse wildlife. The reverse design beautifully captures the essence of Garden of the Gods, one of the most photographed areas within the forest, showcasing the towering sandstone cliffs and natural rock formations that have become iconic to the region.

The 5-ounce silver bullion version of these quarters was introduced to provide collectors with a larger format that truly showcases the intricate details of each design. These substantial silver coins quickly became favorites among both numismatists and precious metals investors who appreciate the combination of artistic beauty and intrinsic silver value. The 2016 issues were among the most popular in the entire series due to their high production quality and appealing subject matter.

The NGC Early Releases designation is particularly significant for collectors. Coins bearing this label were received by NGC within the first 30 days of release, ensuring they represent the earliest and often highest quality strikes from the mint. When combined with the perfect SP70 grade, this creates one of the most desirable varieties available to collectors. SP70 coins exhibit flawless surfaces, razor-sharp strikes, and exceptional eye appeal that distinguish them from standard bullion versions.

Owning this 2016-P 5 oz America the Beautiful Shawnee Silver Quarter in NGC ER SP70 condition provides not only a significant investment in physical silver but also a tangible piece of American history and artistry. Each coin tells the story of our nation's commitment to preserving its natural treasures while showcasing the world-class minting capabilities of the United States Mint.