Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve 2020 Uncirculated Five Ounce Silver Coin

The America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin™ – Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is composed of 99.9 percent silver. It is the final release of 2020 in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program.

The reverse (tails) design depicts a skyward view of a Regal Fritillary butterfly against a backdrop of Big Bluestem and Indian grasses, iconic to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Inscriptions are "TALLGRASS PRAIRIE," “KANSAS," "2020," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."

Encompassing nearly 11,000 acres, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located in the heart of the Flint Hills—the largest expanse of tallgrass prairie remaining in North America. It is the only unit of the National Park Service dedicated to the rich natural history of the tallgrass prairie. Established in 1996, part of its mission is to interpret the region’s ranching legacy; a portion of the preserve is still grazed by cattle.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is an incredibly diverse ecosystem and is home to more than 500 species of plants. Prominent grasses—including Big Bluestem, Indian, and Little Bluestem—appear to dominate the plant community, although they are far outnumbered by the diversity of herbaceous plants (wildflowers). Wildlife ranges from large grazing animals, such as deer, bison, and cattle, to a multitude of birds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.

The entire preserve—including the Spring Hill Ranch, representing the transition of the open range in the 1800s—is designated a National Historic Landmark.