How to Identify the 2010 Yellowstone America the Beautiful Quarter
A visual guide to the 2010 Yellowstone quarter, part of the America the Beautiful series, showing Old Faithful erupting with a bison in the foreground.
Read the full 2010 Yellowstone America the Beautiful Quarter encyclopedia entry →
What It Is
The 2010 Yellowstone quarter is part of the U.S. Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters series (2010-2021) and represents Yellowstone National Park, credited as the first national park in the United States, located primarily in Wyoming.
Obverse (Front)
The obverse features the America the Beautiful series' Washington portrait, facing left, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcing above, "LIBERTY" at lower left, "IN GOD WE TRUST" at lower right, and the date below.
Reverse (Back)
The reverse shows the Old Faithful geyser erupting in the background with a bison standing in the foreground. "YELLOWSTONE" arcs above, "WYOMING" appears below the scene, and "2010," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "QUARTER DOLLAR" complete the design.
Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge
The circulating coin measures 24.3 mm in diameter, weighs 5.67 grams in copper-nickel clad, and has a reeded edge. A 5-ounce, 3-inch silver bullion version was also produced for collectors, distinct from the pocket-change quarter in size and weight.
Mint Marks
The mint mark appears on the obverse near the base of Washington's neck. "P" indicates Philadelphia and "D" indicates Denver for circulation strikes, while "S" appears on proof coins struck at San Francisco.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
The geyser-and-bison scene is unique to this issue among America the Beautiful Quarters. At a broader level, the shoulder-placed "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" text on the obverse distinguishes this series from the earlier 1999-2008 State Quarters, which placed that text above Washington's head and beside his neck.
Grading at a Glance
On the obverse, check the cheek and hair curl detail near Washington's ear. On the reverse, examine the bison's fur texture and the fine plumes representing the geyser's eruption; these raised, delicate details wear down before the broader outlines of the animal and geyser.
Authenticity Red Flags
Ordinary clad circulation quarters of this design are common and rarely counterfeited. As with other ATB designs, the large 5-ounce silver bullion version has been a target for counterfeiters; check the coin's diameter, weight, and edge lettering against official Mint specifications before assuming a bullion-sized piece is genuine.
Frequently asked questions
What scene is depicted on the reverse?
Old Faithful geyser erupting in the background with a bison standing in the foreground, both iconic images of Yellowstone National Park.
Which state is credited on this coin?
Wyoming, since Yellowstone National Park is located mostly within its borders, though small portions extend into Montana and Idaho.
How do I find the mint mark?
It's on the obverse, near the base of Washington's neck, below the bust.
Is the Yellowstone quarter the same size as older state quarters?
Yes, the circulating coin is the same 24.3 mm diameter and 5.67 gram weight as all modern clad quarters; only special bullion editions of the design are much larger.