Coin Blog

The US Mint recently released the last of this year's First Spouse Bronze Medals. These medals present a cheap alternative to the pricey First Spouse Gold Coin series. The last medal features Margaret Taylor. On the same day, the US Mint also released the 2009 Five Medal Set, which contains one of each medal issued this year.

Each year since the First Spouse series began, the US Mint has issued a 1-5/16 inch bronze medal duplicate of each gold coin. The design images used on the medals are the same as the gold coins, although many of the inscriptions are removed. In fact, all reverse inscriptions are removed completely, making for a full view and focus of the reverse design.

The First Spouse bronze medals seem to have attracted a sizeable and dedicated following of collectors. Priced at $3.50, several of this years medals have already sold out of their individual options. Some medals from prior years are already selling at prices above their issue price. This year, I took the plunge and ordered one of the five medal sets. I am hoping to receive by Christmas.

Yesterday the third 2009 Lincoln Cent design was released. This design features a young, professional Lincoln standing in front of the Illinois State Capitol building. The release into circulation was accompanied by an official ceremony and opportunities for exchanging coins at face value.

The launch ceremony fittingly took pace at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. The ceremony was attended by United States Senator Dick Durbin, United States Mint Director Edmund Moy, and others.

Following the ceremony, there was a coin exchange where people could switch currency for fresh rolls of the new coins. This opportunity has provided a huge draw for past ceremonies.

The US Mint also hosted coin exchanges at two locations in Washington, DC.

Finally, the US Mint put Two Roll Sets of the new 2009 Lincoln Cents on sale on their website. The sets are offered for $8.95. This is quite a premium, but I guess its the price you have to pay if you can't make it to Springfield or Washington!

On June 3, 2009, the United States Mint Director Edmund Moy and Guam Governor Felix Camacho conducted the official launch ceremony the Guam Quarter. The ceremony was held at Skinner Plaza in Hagatna, Guam.

The launch ceremony takes place about a week after the coins were released into circulation and went on sale at the US Mint in rolls and bags. The Guam Quarter mintage has gotten some attention as being the lowest for the new District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters program to date.

Children who attened the ceremony received a free Guam Quarter. Other attendees had the opportunity to exchange bills for rolls of new coins. A coin forum hosted by Director Moy was held prior to the ceremony.

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The US Mint has updated their product schedule again. Since it was first released, they have periodically added new products or changed vague dates to specific dates.

The latest round of updates includes some great news for anyone looking to get their hands on the 2009 Lincoln Cents. The US Mint will be offering two roll sets of the coins. The first set featuring the Log Cabin design will be offered for sale on March 13, 2009.

The partial US Mint schedule for unreleased products with specific release dates known appears below.

The US Mint will soon offer the 2009 Anna Harrison First Spouse Coins. This will be the first release for the third year of the program created to honor the First Spouses of Presidents. In 2009 there will be a total of five First Spouse Coins issued since John Tyler had a first and second wife.

The Anna Harrison coin features an obverse designed by Donna Weaver and sculpted by Joseph Menna. The reverse was designed by Thomas Cleveland and suclpted by Charles Vickers. The obverse shows a portrait of the First Lady. The reverse shows Mrs. Harrison sharing her love of education and learning with a group of children.

The coins have been limited to a mintage of 40,000 coins and will be offered in both proof and uncirculated versions. The ratio of proof to uncirculated coins will be determined based on customer demand. The coins are expected to remain on sale for approximately one year or until the coins have sold out. The official release date is March 5, 2009.

Each coin contains one half ounce of 24 karat gold. The next spouse to be honored will be Letitia Tyler, which should be released during the spring.