Block Island quarter introduced

The new 2018 Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter, the latest in the America the Beautiful series.

The final introduction ceremony for a 2018 America the Beautiful quarter occurred Nov. 15 in Charlestown, R.I.

There, the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter was formally launched before 325 members of the public, including 100 schoolchildren.

An approaching snowstorm perhaps kept attendance down, but it did not keep Mint Director David J. Ryder from presiding over the event.

“Coins are symbols of our past, our present, and our future,” said Ryder. “This new coin will stand as a tribute to the National Wildlife Refuge – a safe haven for migratory creatures and a testament to what dedicated humans can do to protect our world.”

Other dignitaries at the event included James Kurth, deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Janet Coit, director of the Department of Environmental Management, spoke to the crowd on behalf of Governor Gina Raimondo.

Charlie Vandemoer, manager for the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge, which oversees the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, was present.

From left, the four participants in the traditional coin pour at the debut of the Block Island quarter were Margaret Everson, Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; James Kurth, Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Janet Coit, director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management; and David J. Ryder, Director of the United States Mint. (U.S. Miint photo)

The Chariho High School Student Choir, students from Chariho Middle School, and members of Boy Scout Troop #15 also participated in the event, the Mint reported.

The customary coin exchange rounded out the event.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, which began at 10:30 a.m., the public was able to buy rolls of the new quarters for their $10 face value.

Exchanged were $12,000 worth of quarters dated 2018-P.

Participants also enjoyed refreshments while they were able to ask the Mint director for an autograph.

Coin designer Chris Costello, a Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist, also signed autographs.

This article was originally printed in Numismatic News Express. >> Subscribe today

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