MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 21, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Coin collectors now have an easy way to begin or expand their collections of the 50 State Quarters through a new program from the United States Mint. The program will enable collectors to buy rolls of the few remaining never-circulated, first-sale quarters from the first 27 state quarters that have been introduced since 1999. The supply of these coins is very limited. Each roll sold through the program will be packaged in a U.S. Mint-licensed collectible storage system.
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The program is being launched in conjunction with the introduction of the 28th state quarter for Texas. The Texas quarters and quarters from other states that will be introduced in the future also will be available through the program.
This is the first U.S. Mint-licensed collectible storage system for rolls of coins. The coins and storage systems are being distributed by First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE:FHN). The coins can be purchased by calling toll-free (866)400-6468. Banks across the country are being invited to become official participants in the program, and their branches will display samples of the collection system and provide official certificates of redemption that also can be used to order the coins.
There are 139 million avid collectors in the United States, and many of these collectors regularly collect 25 or more quarters from each state. Coins that have never been circulated are more valuable to collectors. "First sale" means that the coins are being sold direct from the U.S. Mint rather than through a collector or reseller.
The 50 State Quarters program began in 1999 and will introduce a new state quarter every 10 weeks until 2008, in the order the states ratified the Constitution or were admitted into the Union.
Each never-circulated roll of 40 quarters from the same state is packaged in a U.S. Mint-licensed collectible storage album that features high-gloss graphics and patriotic symbols with logos from the United States Mint and the 50 State Quarters program. Each roll is enclosed in United States Mint commemorative wrapping and a clear cylinder for protection, and each roll and album are marked with the state that appears on the enclosed quarters. Each roll/album set sells for $25.99 and includes a Certificate of Authenticity and a copy of the full 10-year schedule of the 50 State Quarters release dates.
Matching slipcase storage units are also available for $8.99 to hold five individual storage albums.
"The 50 State Quarters program has proven to be the most popular coin program ever launched," said Patrick McAfee from the United States Mint. "The 50 State Quarters program, featuring a new release every 10 weeks, offers a great collecting opportunity for both the casual and the serious collector."
The quarters available for the first 27 states are the only quarters still available anywhere other than through dealers or other re-sale options, and they are only available in the collection systems. That makes these quarters and the storage systems a particularly valuable option for collectors of 50 State Quarters.
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