2015-S Delaware Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge National Park Quarter GEM PROOF America the Beautiful

The 16 thousand acre Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge sits on the eastern coast of Delaware, along the Delaware Bay and located along the bird migration route, the Atlantic Flyway. The refuge was established in 1937 to act as a refuge and breeding ground for the migratory and wintering birds that use the flyway. It was purchased from the local owners using funds from the federal duck stamps.

The primary purpose of the refuge is to protect the habitats for waterfowl and other migratory birds, however the tidal salt marsh that makes up the majority of the refuge is a valuable habitat for many other animals. As such, the water levels in the many impoundments on the refuge are carefully manipulated to maintain an environment that is desirable to the many species of plants and animals that call the refuge home.

From 2010 through 2021 the US Mint is issuing commemorative quarters with special reverse designs celebrating National Parks and other National Sites. A park or site is being honored in each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the five US Territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands. Each National Park or National Site was selected for its natural or historical significance. The National Park Quarters are being minted and issued at the rate of 5 designs a year, in approximately ten week intervals. The National Park Quarters are being released in the order that the locations were first designated as National Sites. The Obverse side of the coins feature a smaller restoration of the original Washington Quarter portrait, modeled from designer John Flanagan's 1932 plaster. The Reverse of each coin will feature a representation of the unique character and environment of each State, District, or Territory's National Park or Historic Site.

Circulation strikes will be made at the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) Mints (starting in 2012 circulation strikes were also minted at the San Francisco (S) Mint). The San Francisco (S) mint will strike the Proofs in clad composition and silver. Clad composition strikes contain an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper with a 24.33 mm diameter, 5.67 grams weight, and a reeded edge. The silver strikes will contain 90% silver and 10% copper with a 24.33 mm diameter, 6.25 grams weight, and a reeded edge.