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The U.S. Mint unveiled a commemorative quarter Monday at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary with a new portrayal of its first president.

Washington’s traditional portrait remains on the front of the coin. The reverse depicts him as a soldier—a role he preferred to that of president.

“We wouldn’t have this great country without his leadership,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said.

Mount Vernon President and CEO Doug Bradburn said the Virginia estate offers a window into Washington’s identity and interests.

“Mount Vernon is George Washington’s autobiography,” Bradburn said. “It’s a place he designed; it’s a place he cared about. His joys, his passion, his profession all ran through here.”

Bradburn noted that Washington liked to describe himself primarily as a farmer, making Mount Vernon a place where visitors can better understand who he was.

Beach said the country is approaching its 250th anniversary “with optimism and purpose.” Events planned for later in the year include an IndyCar race in Washington, a UFC match on the White House grounds and a grand Independence Day parade.

A George Washington impersonator welcomed guests and raised a toast to the new quarter during Monday’s ceremony.

The unveiling also included a display of the Washington President Gold Eagle Pattern Coin. Created by Jacob Perkins, it is the only gold coin made in that distinctive pattern and one of roughly 20 surviving pattern coins bearing Washington’s first presidential portrait.