The US Mint's release of Quarters with unique designs for each of our 50 States has been a huge success. Every time an American takes one of these coins from circulation, the govenment has made a profit. And since Bush cannot hope for anything more than a gimmick to nudge the Treasury forward, the program has earned nothing but applause. And I must admit, I do enjoy the gimmick myself.
But what is the Mint to do now that we've used up our finite number of states to appreciate? Find something else to honor:
Among the many provisions in the omnibus spending bill passed by Congress this week is one requiring the United States Mint to produce six new designs for the quarter — one each honoring the District of Columbia and five American territories and commonwealths, including Puerto Rico — after the popular 50 State Quarters program ends next year.
And so, new coins will now be struck with special designs for Puerto Rico, D.C., Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands and..... the Northern Marianas Islands.
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