The Christmas Coin Massacre

My daughter, Adriana, was born in 1996. Three years later my Father-in-Law informed me that he was starting a collection of the State Quarters series for each of his grandchildren. He told me that he had bought a map display board for each child, and would give them the coins once the series was complete. At the time there were four kids, but the crew grew to five as my Brother-in-Law's brood grew.

Mr. and Mrs. T gave the kids their state quarter collections this Christmas Day. Each child got a map and a plastic bag of coins, which needed to be inserted into the slots in the maps.

As a coin collector, I was really happy with the quality of coins that Mr. and Mrs. T gave the kids. These were business strikes, nothing special. This was really important because the kids were not interested in the real numismatic value of their newly acquired collections. They were interested in the pictures on the reverse of the coins and where they went in the maps.

As is typical with folders, from whatever manufacturer, the coins were quite difficult to put into the appointed slots. And unless the coin is soundly snapped into place it is likely to come loose and fall to the floor. Fingers on the coins were something I expected. I was totally unprepared for what happened next.

First, my daughter placed the map on the floor and decided to stomp a coin into its slot. I was horrified, but then I saw the enthusiasm in the kids' eyes. The stomping stopped when they realized they might scratch the coins with grit on the bottoms of their shoes. But the kids soon decided that a butt bouncing up and down on a carefully placed coin might force it into place. Finally one of the kids brought in some screw drivers, and using the rounded butt end of the handles the coins were pressed into the proper locations.

I'm pretty certain there weren't any gems there before the Christmas Coin Massacre. And afterwards I can assure you that had there been any gems they weren't that way anymore. But there are five kids who now have a bit more interest in coins -- and maybe in collecting them.

Thanks

Sales Start for Puerto Rico Quarters Bags / Two-Roll Sets

I received this notification concerning sales of the Puerto Rico State Quarter this morning. I have noticed that many of the US Mint's products have been selling out quickly recently, so if you are accumulating these it would be a good idea for you to act early!

The reverse design features a view of the sea from a sentry box in Old San Juan. Pictured at right is the hibiscus, the official flower of Puerto Rico. The reverse was designed and sculpted by Joseph Menna.
The inscriptions read “Puerto Rico,” “Isla del Encanto” (which translates to English as "Island of Enchantment"), “E Pluribus Unum,” and the date.
Mintage:53,000,000-Philadelphia, 86,000,000-Denver.

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2009 Silver Quarters Proof Set from US Mint

I received this notification from the US Mint this evening. I include it for your consideration. If you're collecting the State Quarter series it's a great opportunity!


The United States Mint 2009 District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Silver Proof Set contains six new quarter-dollar coins honoring the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories, each struck in lustrous 90% silver. Enjoy the unique character of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands as portrayed on these beautiful works of art. These coins are a shining embodiment of the United States Mint’s commitment to quality and excellence. Click Here To Go To The US Mint Site.