Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter
The 2012 Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter will feature views the intriguing structures of ancient pueblo peoples. The park was selected for depiction on the reverse design of the quarter for New Mexico.
Several candidate designs have been distributed by the United States Mint. These were reviewed by the Commission of Fine Arts, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, the Secretary of the Interior, the governor of New Mexico and others. Based on the feedback and comments provided, the Secretary of the Treasury will select the final design.
From 850 AD to 125 AD, this area of what is now northwestern Mexico was a major cultural center for the Ancient Pueblo Peoples. The Chacoans assembled major complexes which became a hub of ceremony, trade, and administration. The foundations and other remnants of these buildings still exist today, within the boundaries of the park.
The Chaco Culture National Park Quarter is scheduled as the twelfth release in the overall series. The coins will be released into circulation during early 2012 and likely available in collector products from the United States Mint earlier in the year. An America the Beautiful 5 ounce silver bullion coin bearing a duplicate design of the quarter will also be available during the year.