El Yunque National Forest, located in Puerto Rico, is the sole tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Despite the forest's relatively small 28,000-acre size, it is significant for its immense biodiversity and is popular with visitors for its year-round tropical climate. More than 1 million visitors from all over the world visit the forest each year to sample its eco-tourism pleasures while developing a greater understanding of its ecological importance by walking along the many beautiful trails. It was first established as a national site on January 17, 1903 (32 Stat. 2029).
The quarter's reverse (tails side) image depicts a Coqui tree frog sitting on a leaf and a Puerto Rican parrot behind an epiphyte plant with tropical flora in the background. The Puerto Rican parrot is a highly endangered species unique to Puerto Rico, and its recovery began with the few birds left in El Yunque. Inscriptions are EL YUNQUE, PUERTO RICO, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Design candidates were developed in consultation with representatives of El Yunque National Forest. Each coin in the series features a common obverse (heads) with the 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan, restored to bring out subtle details and the beauty of the original model. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and QUARTER DOLLAR.
Mintage:
Philadelphia | Denver | San Francisco | Clad Proof | Silver Proof |
25,800,000 | 25,000,000 | 1,679,240 | 1,010,361 | 557,891 |