Welcome to the spring 2007 issue of Making Cents, the online newsletter that tells you what's new and striking at the United States Mint. Be sure to check back every 3 months for a new issue.
April Festivities
April is always a big month here at H.I.P. Pocket Change. Among the things you can see and do are these:
- The birthday of the United States Mint: Yes, it was April 2, 1792, that the United States Mint was "born" through a law passed by Congress. Historic Highlights is a timeline you can move and click on to learn about major milestones in the 215-year history of this federal agency
- National Coin Week: This is a time for all Americans to think about our coins, past and present. To help you do this, the H.I.P. Pocket Change Pals have a special National Coin Week page. They will post a new feature every day for you to explore during that week.
- Financial Literacy Month: What is financial literacy, you ask? Good question! And we have a Financial Literacy Month page that will tell you all about it, as well as provide links to games and activities that will boost your own financial literacy.
- Coin of the Month: Just like clockwork, a new Coin of the Month is presented in April: the quarter for the state of Washington. Flip the Mint Seal is your host.
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Sacagawea in Good Company
You've probably heard of the Golden Dollar, the dollar coin that features Sacagawea on the front. The United States Mint has been making this coin since 2000, and will continue to make it for at least the next 10 years. But now this historic coin is in good company, thanks to the Presidential $1 Coin Program.
The Presidential $1 coins will also be made during the next 10 years. Although Presidential $1 coins are golden in color, a Presidential $1 coin is not called a Golden Dollar as the coin is that shows Sacagawea.
The $1 coin featuring George Washington on the front, which came out in February 2007, is to be followed this season by one that honors John Adams. You can learn more in Coin News:
- Click on the Presidential $1 Coin Program to read about who the presidents are, how often new designs will be released, what's special about these coins, and who the lady on the back is (it's someone you probably know!)
- Click on "One-Dollar Coin" to read about the Golden Dollar and about the first United States dollar coins.
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Quarter of the Quarter: Washington
Making Cents turns your attention to the Washington (state) quarter, released in early spring. Its jumping salmon reminds us of the state's fish-rich rivers, which have helped to feed local people for centuries. The "Evergreen State" motto points to the state's lush forests. Mount Rainier brings to mind the other magnificent mountains of the Cascade Range, which runs through the state. (Flip tells you more about Mt. Rainier in April's Coin of the Month.)
Washington is special in other ways as well. For instance, it's the furthest north and west of all the states that touch each other. And it's the only state named after a President. With a little research, you can find out many more things about this state that you didn't know!
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Spring 2007 Crossword
We hope you've enjoyed this issue of Making Cents! Click to see and print out the crossword puzzle. Most of the words in the puzzle are used in this issue, so you should already have a clue!
Check your answers with the answer key.
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