2015 Kisatchie Quarter: Value, Errors, and Collector Guide

What do you know about the American the Beautiful Quarters program? What about the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana?  

Its area is over 600,000 acres. Truly beautiful landscapes, in honor of which the 2015 quarter Kisatchie was released.

2015 Kisatchie Quarter Overview

It is the only national forest in Louisiana. It was founded on June 10, 1930.  More than half of its territory is occupied by long-leaved pine forests and lowland forests. But what about the coin?

Well. The Kisatchie 2015 quarter was minted at three mints. Most of the coins in circulation are from Denver and Philadelphia. San Francisco has a fairly small circulation and a unique proof issue.

The obverse features a portrait of George Washington. These are the works of John Flanagan. Around the image are inscriptions: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and QUARTER DOLLAR. 

The reverse depicts a wild turkey in flight against the sky. There is grass under it, and century-old pine trees on the left. There are inscriptions around the circle: KISATCHIE at the top, LOUISIANA at the bottom, and E PLURIBUS UNUM at the bottom.

2015 Kisatchie Quarter Value – How Much Is the 2015 Kisatchie Quarter Worth?

The Kisatchie quarter worth depends heavily on the mint mark, grade, and type of issue. Most of this year's undamaged specimens have a small premium over face value, but rare high grads are significantly more expensive.

MS60–MS66

Admission to the collection is inexpensive. Most undamaged copies cost in the range of about $3–$15.

Denver (D) in the lower MS grades is much more expensive than Philadelphia (P). When D coins start at about $5 in MS60, whereas P starts at $3 in MS63. This may be due to the number of copies in circulation. 

San Francisco

If we take San Francisco uncirculated and DCAM proof, then uncirculated coins start from MS64 and remain available until MS67. For MS68, the value reaches $360. 

Even the perfect MS70 is priced at $24. This is much lower than the peak prices of the MS68 business coinage.

Most of the 2015 Kisatchie are low-cost modern coins. Regular undamaged copies usually cost less than $10. 

The main interest of collectors is caused by high grades of MS67–MS68. Especially the copies from the Denver Mint. This is the most valuable position. 

Also, with the app you can identify other quarters. For example, 2015 Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter. 

2015 Kisatchie Quarter Errors and Varieties

Depending on how rare the error is, the price may depend. If you are looking specifically for the 2015 D Kisatchie quarter error, then pay attention also to the general condition of the coin.

The largest margins for MS67–MS68 are for the usual uncirculated variations. The jump is especially noticeable for 2015‑D First Strike. There is a fairly high market interest here. 

In its normal state, the Denver coin had a peak of $600. It also has a higher price than the others. So if you want the rarest coin from this series, then buy it from Denver. Also, if you are interested in other rare items, we recommend that you take a closer look at the 2015 Bombay Hook Quarter. 

LB Treasure Hunt has high average‑grade bonuses. For example, MS64 is $32 and MS65 is $70. This indicates a limited or collectible demand for items with this label.

DCAM proof versions are relatively available in low and medium grades. Prices here are stable and low, but premiums are rising towards MS69–MS70. This means that although DCAMS are desirable, they are easier to find in high grades, so premiums are not comparable to rare circulating stamps.

The silver DCAM version is much more expensive than the clad DCAM. This is especially evident in high grades. This adds to the cost of silver and the collector's mark-up.

"First Strike" as a tag gives a small premium in most cases. But the real value of this mark is confirmed only in combination with its high grade and the rarity of the circulation.

Designation of Terms

First Strike 

This is a marketing and collectible mark that is placed by certification services or dealers. It indicates that the coin was sent to the service for graduation in the first days or weeks after its official release, or that it was received from the first batches of the issue. 

Many collectors believe that early prints could have had a sharper stamp relief or better preservation. Therefore, coins with this mark are sometimes given a small bonus. 

The tag itself does not change the coin. It is not a guarantor of "early coinage" without supporting documents. 

When buying or selling, ask for a receipt and documents, and ask for the date of graduation by the service. Also, avoid overpaying just for a sticker without confirmation.

LB Treasure Hunt

This is a variation and release designation found in price guides and catalogs. It often refers to coins found or selected as part of special "treasure hunt" promotions, limited sets, or packages. 

Such releases are usually limited or sold in small batches, so there may be increased demand and a higher price, even in medium grades. 

Make sure that the seller's description clearly indicates the origin, and request photos of the original packaging or documentation. 

DCAM proof 

This is a type of proof‑chasing with a strong contrast between mirror fields and matte, heavily "frozen" relief elements.  The DCAM effect makes the coin visually attractive and in demand among collectors of proof series. A pronounced DCAM is given a higher premium compared to conventional proof or cameo. 

“The Professional Coin Grading Service employs four classes within their designation system to describe the contrast and frost on Proof coin, from Prooflike to DCAM”.
– unnamed page from January 9, 2023
APMEX Knowledge Center website

You can distinguish the DCAM from a photo inside the lighting. The margins should be mirrored and clean, and the relief should be matte. Usually, early proof coins have a strong DCAM, while mass proof issues have a weaker cameo. 

Silver DCAM proof

Proof‑coins with DCAM effect, made of silver. Such coins were issued in silver proofs or special sets. 

In addition to the collector's premium for DCAM, silver adds value due to the value of the metal. Therefore, silver DCAMS are more expensive, especially in high grades. 

Please specify the silver sample and weight in the lot description. Check the integrity of the original packaging and certificate.

Conclusion

Different varieties can bring different values. Therefore, when evaluating such a beautiful coin, pay attention to everything from condition to errors.

If you are not sure of your own abilities, use the Coin ID Scanner app or send your copy to a professional evaluation service.