Tuesday, February 24, 2009

U.S. Mint Steps to a Hep Beat


In its Statehood series of quarters, the U.S. Mint has finally honored an African American on U.S. Tender, which is worth a whole lot more than .25 cents. Duke Ellington is the first African American ever to appear on our money.

Meanwhile, I haven't found a coin in days! I'm freaking out!

UPDATE: I found a crusty old wheat penny in the mulch around a tree on Chrystie Street this morning. I see more when I walk the dog.

Total haul for the day = .01 and a Duke Ellington Celebration!

TOTAL to date = $19.24

4 comments:

goldsheet said...

First to appear on circulating coinage.

On April 7, 1940, Booker T. Washington became the first African American to be depicted on a United States postage stamp. The first coin to feature an African American was the Booker T. Washington Memorial Half Dollar that was minted by the United States from 1946 to 1951. He was also depicted on a U.S. Half Dollar from 1951-1954. (with George Washington Carver)

Mame said...

Yes, I should've specified that this was the first time an African American appeared on one of the basics such as a penny, nickel, dime, quarter - it's big news!!!

But thanks for the clarification.

Anonymous said...

I don't know if they manufacture metal detector collars for dogs, but I'm pretty sure that would highly increase the chance of finding coins on streets when walking your dog. Wait a minute, that was a good idea indeed, ok I'm gonna patent it before Apple comes up with their iCollar version.

The Numismatist said...

Our parking lot snowbanks are melting here where plows have created large piles. Also, the snow around parking meters is melting. It's dirty money, but hey, it counts.