Candidate designs for new 2012 Acadia National Park Quarter

U.S. Mint art for the top contenders for the Acadia National Park quarter design.

U.S. Mint art for the top contenders for the Acadia National Park quarter design.

Five candidate designs for the reverse of the third 2012 National Park quarter were submitted to the U.S. Treasury, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee for consideration. Scheduled for release in June 2012, the 13th coin in the series will honor Acadia National Park.

Some of the proposed designs feature Acadia’s famed rocky coastline, while others depict the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Built in 1858 and automated in 1974, Bass Harbor Head stands out as one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses.

Both the Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee recommended designs featuring the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. The CFA chose a view that also shows a wide view of the lighthouse on a rocky ledge, while the CCAC preferred a closer view.

These designs were created to honor the natural beauty and scenic views of Maine’s Acadia National Park, established in 1916.