Launch at Oklahoma History Center – Oklahomans Also Invited to Coin Forum on Eve of Launch

The Oklahoma History Center will be the site of the Oklahoma Quarter Launch on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 2 p.m. United States Mint Acting Deputy Director Dan Shaver and Governor Brad Henry will host the festivities. The public and news media are invited to this free event.

The Oklahoma quarter goes into circulation nationwide the same day. After the ceremony, the public may exchange their bills for $10 rolls of shiny, new Oklahoma quarters at the event. Each child under 18 attending the launch will receive a free Oklahoma quarter. (more…)

400th Anniversary of Quebec City, 200th Anniversary of Fraser River Descent lead first numismatic offering of the Mint’s centennial year

Ottawa, Ontario – January 9, 2008 – One week after turning 100 years old, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today released the first new collector coins and gift products of 2008. In keeping with its mandate of celebrating Canada’s values, history and culture, the RCM has chosen to devote the silver dollar, in proof, brilliant uncirculated and selectively gold plated finishes, to Samuel de Champlain, as a tribute to the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. This figurehead of the RCM’s annual collector coin program is followed by the perennial $100, $200 and $300 face value gold issues featuring themes which resonate from Canada’s East to West coasts, as well as the traditionally anticipated proof, uncirculated and specimen coin sets. The popular annual coin sets featuring a unique painted 25-cent coin are once more available in five different themes, as are annual baby and wedding gift sets.

“Over 100 years, the Royal Canadian Mint has established a global reputation as a leader in the minting industry”, said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “The quality and creativity which are hallmarks of the Royal Canadian Mint shine through in the first new collector coins of 2008. The themes they portray will resonate with Canadian and international collectors alike”. (more…)

NICOSIA, CYPRUS — EU newcomers Cyprus and Malta adopted the euro at midnight last night, bringing to 15 the number of countries using the currency.

When the Mediterranean islands scrap the Cyprus pound and Maltese lira, politicians will be among the first to withdraw pastel euro bills from ATMs.

Nine East European countries are waiting to convert.

The euro has risen more than 11 per cent against the U.S. dollar during the year. It reached $1.4599 yesterday, up 79 per cent from its lowest point of 82 cents in 2000.

“We are in a region that could have some geopolitical surprises,” Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris said. (more…)