Forget the fragile cherry blossoms and cuddly panda bears. The District has decided to seek a tougher message on its new commemorative quarter: a protest of its lack of full voting rights. The only question is whether the U.S. Mint will go along.

Yesterday, the District submitted three ideas for its quarter, part of a popular program that has produced coins representing each of the 50 states. One would feature the three stars and two bars of the D.C. flag; another would portray Benjamin Banneker, the 18th-century abolitionist who helped survey the city; and another would depict jazz great Duke Ellington, a D.C. native.

Each design would include the inscription “Taxation Without Representation” or “No Taxation Without Representation.” Read Full Story

WASHINGTON - Collectors won’t want to miss placing their orders for the 2008 United States Mint 50 States Quarters Silver Proof SetTM at noon (ET) on February 25. What makes this year’s set of five commemorative state quarters so special? The set is composed solely of proof quarters honoring the last states in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program®-Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii-all struck in 90% silver. Priced at $25.95, it is still one of the best deals around.

The term “proof” refers to a manufacturing process in which specially-treated coin blanks are struck multiple times using specially-polished dies. Proof coins-unlike coins produced for general circulation-are extraordinarily brilliant, with sharp relief and a mirror-like background. A frosted, sculpted foreground gives these coins a special cameo effect.

Each proof coin in the United States Mint 50 State Quarters Silver Proof Set bears the “S” mint mark denoting production at the United States Mint at San Francisco. The coins are sealed in a case that is housed in a specially printed box accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Collectors can order the 2008 United States Mint 50 State Quarters Silver Proof Set and other genuine United States Mint products at our secure website, www.usmint.gov. Orders are also accepted at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.

By Doug Heye - The Morning Call

This Presidents Day, the U.S. Mint is releasing the fifth in its new series of presidential dollar coins. Featuring the mug of James Monroe, the Mint is hoping that this coin will finally convince Americans to replace their greenbacks with cumbersome hunks of metal.

That’s a safe bet. Demand for dollar coins is through the roof. That’s why a distributor partnering with the Mint, World Reserve Monetary Exchange, is giving them away for free.

That’s right. The presidential dollars are so unpopular that the Mint’s partner has resorted to throwing them in with the purchase of a $28 ”commemorative collectors’ frame.

In other words, our government is employing sales tactics normally reserved for infomercials. But instead of, say, an extra week’s supply of weight-loss pills or a custom-grip filet knife, you’re getting legal tender. Read Full Story

Ash Lawn-Highland, the estate of President James Monroe in Charlottesville, Virginia, will be the first place in the Nation to obtain James Monroe Presidential $1 Coins, a day before the coins are officially placed into circulation nationwide.

In a brief ceremony before the coin exchange, the new James Monroe Presidential $1 Coins will be presented to the American people, with a ceremonial “pour” of hundreds of shiny, new coins. The Acting Deputy Director of the United States Mint, Dan Shaver, will join Ash Lawn-Highland’s Executive Director, Carolyn Coggin Holmes, James Monroe Memorial Foundation President G. William Thomas Jr. and James Monroe re-enactor Dennis Bigelow for the event.

The news media and public are invited to the ceremony and coin exchange at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2008. There will be no entrance fee at Ash Lawn-Highland until noon. (more…)