Owner Comments:
This is the second oz. ATB collectors "P" series coin out for 2012 It is graded in a perfect SP70 with early release status from NGC. Overall it is the 12th or 13th (depending if you have the Grand Canyon light finish that is also in the collectors series) coin issued in the series of the ATB, 5oz., "P" coins struck buy the US Mint
The 2012 Chaco Culture America the Beautiful 5 oz Silver Coins honor Chaco Culture National Historical Park of New Mexico with a design showcased on their reverse. Each Chaco Culture America the Beautiful 5 oz Silver Coin is struck from five ounces of .999 fine silver to a diameter of three inches.
These silver coins are actually produced by the US Mint as part of two different series - the America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins™ and the America the Beautiful Five Ounce Uncirculated Coins™. Both feature nearly identical imagery which is actually initially created for a third US Mint series, the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program.
This similar imagery also includes the obverse of each coin. All of the America the Beautiful related strikes, including these 5 oz silver coins and the quarters like the Chaco Culture Quarter contains a portrait of George Washington on their obverse. This image of Washington was designed by John Flanagan for the 1932 circulating quarter dollar.
The reverse of each coin is reserved for the design emblematic of the selected site of national interest - in this case Chaco Culture National Historical Park of New Mexico. The US Mint describes the reverse of the related quarter (and thus these 5 oz silver coins) this way:
'The reverse of the second quarter of 2012 illustrates a view to the west of two elevated kivas that are part of the Chetro Ketl Complex. The design also shows the north wall of Chetro Ketl and the north wall of the canyon. Inscriptions are CHACO CULTURE, NEW MEXICO, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The reverse was designed by AIP Master Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill."
The 2012 Chaco Culture Silver Uncirculated Coin, on the other hand, are created for collectors and sold directly to the public by the US Mint. As is standard with US Mint numismatic products, a much larger premium is attached to the uncirculated coins in comparison to their related bullion strikes.
Five 2012 America the Beautiful 5 Oz Silver Coins will be released by the US Mint in each series. These five include this Chaco Culture 5 oz Silver Coin released as the second strike of the year as well as:
The associated Chaco Culture Quarters are typically struck for general circulation. However, the US Mint also strikes some for numismatic purposes which are sold directly to the public. Also produced by the Mint are America the Beautiful Quarters struck from 90% silver. These silver quarters are only included in special annual coin sets like the 2012 Silver Proof Set and the 2012 Quarters Silver Proof Set.
Coins Specifications & Information
Mint Facility: Philadelphia
Face Value: $.25
Date: 2012
Condition: Bullion, Uncirculated
Composition: .999 silver
Standard Weight: 5 ounces
Standard Diameter: 3 inches
Edge: edge inscribed
Authorizing Law: 110-456, 31 U.S.C. §5111(a) (3)
Obverse Design: John Flanagan
Reverse Design: Donna Weaver / Phebe Hemphill