Monthly Archives: January 2010
US Mint 2009 Annual Report Released, Bullion Coin Revenue Hits Record
Gold Rises for Second Day, Silver Retreats Below $17
US Mint Gold Buffalo and First Spouse Coin Price Cuts
America the Beautiful Quarters, CCAC Dropped the Ball… AGAIN!
While catching up on the weekend's reading I came across an article Debate rages in coin world: Theodore Roosevelt or George Washington on new quarter? The article is about how the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee debated whether to recommend that Teddy Roosevelt be placed on the obverse of the new America the Beautiful Quarters.
Introduced in 1932, the Washington Quarter was intended to be issued as a one-time circulating commemorative to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. The quarter was born of controversy when Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon chose John Flanagan's depictions over what had been determined to be a more artistic version by Laura Gardin Fraser. Although Mellon was a collector of great fine art that was later donated to the National Gallery of Art, many knew he was a sexist and refused to consider that a woman's work was better than a man's.
As the Great Depression deepened, no quarters were struck in 1933. Toward the end of the year, US Mint director Nellie Tayloe Ross was asked by the Federal Reserve to produce more quarters for circulation. Rather than use a new design, Ross ask the Treasury Secretary William Woodin for permission to continue to use Fraser's design. Since Ross and Woodin did not want to undergo a new design competition, the Fraser designed continued until it was "updated" in 1999 for the 50 State Quarters Program.
ACCG Board Election Nominations Close Feb 15
BEP Offers Uncut Currency Sheets
Royal Australian Mint Launches Australia Day 2010 Coins
In the lead-up to Australia Day, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, announced the design of the newest coin to go into the hands of Australians.
Australian Day 2010 coins: 50 cent circulating coin and collectible gold-plated coin for collectors (Click image to enlarge)
Commemorating and celebrating Australia Day and designed by the Royal Australian Mint in consultation with the National Australia Day Council, this 50 cent coin marks the spirit of this significant national celebration and will soon be available around the country.
Australian cricket great and National Australia Day Council Chairman Adam Gilchrist welcomed the newest coin to go into the hands of Australians.