|
Yellowstone coin ready for circulation WASHINGTON (AP) - Silver dollars commemorating Yellowstone National Park's 125th birthday will be available July 16. The coin, to be minted at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, celebrates not only the anniversary of the park, in 1997, but also the idea of nationally preserved parks and wilderness areas, according to a press release from the U.S. Treasury. The coin will be available in "proof" and "uncirculated" versions. A proof coin is struck twice to achieve a mirror-like finish. An uncirculated coin is struck only once, to achieve a satin-like finish. The coin, sculpted and engraved by Edgar Z. Steever IV and William C. Cousins, is the last commemorative coin issued this century. The obverse, or "heads," was designed by Steever and depicts a geyser with a tree-lined background. The reverse, or "tails," designed by Cousins, depicts an American buffalo. Proceeds for the coin benefit Yellowstone National Park and the National Park Foundation. Wyoming Sen. Craig Thomas's bill authorizing the Yellowstone coin was passed by Congress in 1995. But various delays in developing a design for the coin and backups in commemorative coin production put the release behind schedule, officials said. Copyright 1999 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|