Effigy Mounds National Monument Quarter release ceremony draws a large audience in Waukon

Master of Ceremonies Jerry Gallagher

The official release of the Effigy Mounds National Monument Quarter was held Tuesday morning at Waukon High School. The quarter is part of the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program.

The America the Beautiful Quarters Program began in 2010. The 12-year initiative includes 56 quarters featuring designs depicting national parks and other national sites. The U.S. Mint will issue five new quarter designs per year, with one final design in 2021. The Effigy Mounds quarter is the 36th coin of the American the Beautiful Quarters Program and the 1st to be introduced into circulation in 2017.

The ceremony was led by KWWL News Anchor Jerry Gallagher and featured several guest speakers including a videotaped message from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut and  Iowa native Peggy Whitson from aboard the International Space Station. In addition, representatives read letters from U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, and U.S. Congressman Rod Blum. Artist and Effigy Mounds National Monument Quater designer and fouth-generation Iowan Richard Masters was in attendance and received special recognition as well.

NASA Astonaut Peggy Whitson addressed the audience from the International Space Station

United States Mint of Philadephia Plant Superintendent Mark Landry and Effigy Mounds National Monument Superintendent Jim Nepstad

Effigy Mounds National Monument quarter designer Richard Masters

A large audience gathered for the ceremony