CoinNews

Artist renderings of three District of Columbia commemorative quarter designs have been prepared by the United States Mint and sent back to D.C. for review. Now the public is being asked to vote for their favorite and help select the final quarter theme.

The winning design will be recommended to the U.S. Mint, and issued next year as part of the District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program.

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The Austrian Mint announces the June 11 release of the third 20 Euro silver commemorative coin within the "Austrian Railways" six silver coin series. The maximum mintage 50,000 proof coin highlights the “Belle Époque” period, featuring locomotive "kkStb 310" and an elegant lady walking the platform of the North Railway Station with its glass roofing and cast-iron pillars.

The “Belle Époque” covers the period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a time when trains dominated land travel and reached new heights of comfort and luxury for those classes of society which had the money and time to travel.

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Arizona quarters were launched into circulation yesterday with the United States Mint release ceremony on the lawn of the state Capital in Phoenix.

The ceremony was full of local excitement with a Mariachi band playing, free mint ice-cream drumsticks and free Arizona quarters for everyone 18 and under. Earlier, United States Mint Director Ed Moy commented,

"Children make up a good portion of the 147 million Americans plugging the coins into their commemorative folios or folders. This has educated a whole generation of Americans in geography and history."

The Arizona state quarter is strikingly attractive with its Grand Canyon and saguaro cactus design theme. Over 4,200 quarter design suggestions from across the state were sent to the 24-member Arizona State Quarter Commission appointed by Governor Janet Napolitano.

Commemorative coins honoring disabled American veterans are almost assured with recent action in the Senate.

House bill H.R. 634, titled American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act, calls for a total of 350,000 silver dollar proof and uncirculated coins in 2010.

The bill easily passed in May of 2007 by a House vote of 416 to 0. It was quickly moved into the Senate for consideration, but in typical legislative fashion it settled soundly in committee awaiting either complete and forever forgetfulness, or action. Action won-over on May 20.

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