CoinNews

Program Nets Nearly $3 Billion from Increased Quarter Demand over Decade

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint is wrapping up the 50 State Quarters® Program, the national phenomenon that sent Americans searching through their change for the latest quarter to add to their collections.  It is estimated that 147 million Americans have been collecting the coins in the 10-year 50 State Quarters Program, which has honored each state in the order it ratified the U.S. Constitution or was admitted into the Union.  The program, authorized by Congress, kicked off in early 1999 with the introduction of the Delaware quarter and concludes at the end of 2008 with the Hawaii commemorative quarter-dollar coin. 

"This groundbreaking initiative has been the most successful coin program in the Nation's history," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy, who participated in the launch ceremony for the Hawaii quarter on November 10, 2008.  "The 50 State Quarters Program has educated a generation of Americans about the history and geography of the States.  It has also generated tremendous state pride and encouraged citizens to consider which images should symbolize the region where they live."

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All 2008-W American Buffalo Gold Uncirculated coins for collectors have sold out, according to the United States Mint online store.

The one-ounce and one half-ounce gold coins joined the ranks of other fractional sizes, moving to the "product is not available" category over the weekend. Their sales had increased over the previous week by 8.7 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively.

The Mint's gold and platinum coin series has been ablaze in sellouts of late. The American Buffalo gold uncirculated 4-coin set sold out last Monday while the proof quarter-ounce version and the final platinum Eagle uncirculated coins went Wednesday.

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Starter kits containing 45 Slovak euro coins sold like "hot cakes" on Monday, according to The Slovak Spectator. Reports say the coin kits sold out at large city banks and post offices within hours as people waited in long lines. That, despite the inability to spend the money until January 1, 2009, when Slovakia officially adopts the euro.

Some 1.2 million total kits worth 500 korunas (€16.6 euros, $21) are up for sale in an attempt to ease the currency switch. EUbusiness said about half were gone by Monday.

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