stefan
06-11-2008, 10:19 AM
New quarter would showcase Utah national parks
By Lindsey Hough
The Salt Lake Tribune
WASHINGTON - The ancient red rock arch, so emblematic of Utah's wilderness, may grace the back of a quarter.
The congressman behind the popular state-themed quarters is now proposing a new batch of specialty coins honoring national parks and other historic sites from every state in the union.
If passed, Utah's five national parks would have to fight for the honor.
Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., who hails from the only state to not have a National Park, announced the bill Tuesday, saying: "Kids collect them, adults enjoy them and indeed it's something that's been beneficial to everybody," said Castle.
The Philadelphia Mint would produce the first national park quarters in 2010, in consultation with state governors. Five new coins would be produced every year.
Castle estimates the new program would raise an additional $5 billion from coin collectors. Because it costs 4 cents to make a quarter, a 21-cent profit is made every time someone decides not to spend it.
"We're not taxing people, we're not charging fees, and it's something people will enjoy doing," he said.
By Lindsey Hough
The Salt Lake Tribune
WASHINGTON - The ancient red rock arch, so emblematic of Utah's wilderness, may grace the back of a quarter.
The congressman behind the popular state-themed quarters is now proposing a new batch of specialty coins honoring national parks and other historic sites from every state in the union.
If passed, Utah's five national parks would have to fight for the honor.
Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., who hails from the only state to not have a National Park, announced the bill Tuesday, saying: "Kids collect them, adults enjoy them and indeed it's something that's been beneficial to everybody," said Castle.
The Philadelphia Mint would produce the first national park quarters in 2010, in consultation with state governors. Five new coins would be produced every year.
Castle estimates the new program would raise an additional $5 billion from coin collectors. Because it costs 4 cents to make a quarter, a 21-cent profit is made every time someone decides not to spend it.
"We're not taxing people, we're not charging fees, and it's something people will enjoy doing," he said.