2016-S North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt National Park Quarter GEM BU America the Beautiful

Theodore Roosevelt visited the North Dakota badlands in 1883. During that bison hunting trip he fell in love with the rugged lifestyle and the "freedom" of the West. Over time he acquired two large ranches. He enjoyed his time ranching and hunting and detailed his experiences in several articles published in eastern magazines and newspapers. He also detailed his experiences in 3 different books. His experiences influenced the conservation policies he put in place during his time as President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. After his death, in 1919, the badlands were explored to determine possible park sites. Over the next fifty years three units were identified and established as the Theodore Roosevelt National park. The park has scenic drives, foot trails, horse trails, wildlife viewing, back country hiking and camping. They are home to many animals including bison, mountain lions, wild horses, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, prairie dogs and over 186 species of birds.

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.