The San Francisco branch, opened in 1854 to serve the goldfields of the California Gold Rush, uses an S mint mark. It quickly outgrew its first building and moved into a new facility in 1874. This building, one of the few that survived the great earthquake of 1906, served until 1937, when the present facility was opened. It was closed in 1955, then reopened a decade later during the coin shortage of the mid-60s. In 1968, it took over most proof-coinage production from Philadelphia, and since 1975, it has been used solely for proof coinage, with the exception of the Anthony dollar and a portion of the mintage of cents in the early 1980s. (These cents are indistinguishable from those minted at Philadelphia.)

So keep an eye on that pocket change!

Ok, I know most of you reading this are not children. But, last year when I got into learning about coins I needed “children talk.” So, check out this really cool article explaining proof. circulated and uncirculated coins. Have fun!

George Washington Carver-Obverse

George Washington Carver-Reverse

I am totally in awe with the  historical stories I am learning about coins. George Washington Carver is a clear example of a coin many folks do not know about.

But STOP! What is a commemorative coin?

The USmint.gov site provides the following explanation:

Congress authorizes commemorative coins that celebrate and honor American people,  places, events, and institutions.  Although these coins are legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation.  Each commemorative coin is produced by the United States Mint in limited quantity and is only available for a limited time.

As well as commemorating important aspects of American history and culture, these coins help raise money for important causes.  Part of the price of these coins is a surcharge that goes to organizations and projects that benefit the community.  For example, surcharges on the Capitol Visitor Center commemorative coins will help build a new visitor center under the U.S. Capitol’s East Plaza.

Since the modern commemorative coin program began in 1982, the United States Mint has raised over $418,000,000 in surcharges to help build new museums, maintain national monuments like the Vietnam War Memorial, preserve historical sites like George Washington’s home, support various Olympic programs, and much more.

Now we can go back to George Washington Carver.

Here is the story:

The George Washington Carver Commemorative coin was design by an African American designer named, Isaac Scott Hathaway. It shows the busts of both Booker T Washington and George Washington Carver. Both men were  influential Africans  Americans who made powerful contributions.

Booker T Washington was a lecturer, educator and principal of Tuskegee Institute.  George Washington Carver was an agricultural chemist who worKed to improve the economy of the south.

Of course there is soooo much more to know about these great men. I am leaving some more links on this site. But what I was shocked to find out was the controversy surrounding this coin.

The reason America struck this coin was to provide funds to promote “FREEDOM OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL.” You will notice  the big word “AMERICANISM” on the reverse of the coin. This coin is the only U.S.A. coin to bear that word.

In 1951 there was a political fear that Communists were an influential presence in the African-American population of America. Congress authorized the striking of the Half Dollar in the “interest of national defense.” As with the Booker T. Washington Half Dollar, all three mints struck this one (1951 through 1954).

Look at the Reverse of the coin:

Read more about this coin on the links below:

Coin Talk

BTW Society

US Rare Coins Investments

Most certainly, this coin is worth adding to your collection if you don’t already have one.

PS I did not give even a nano summary of the rich history of these two historical giants. Most certainly, I encourage you to read about them.

Article by Dr. Sol Taylor

I also encourage you to read this engaging article about the  designer Issac Scott Hathaway

I shared this information with my hubby, who is an artist. Mr. Hathaway had a purpose and a vision for his sculpture.

Someone probably opened some proof sets and spent them.

These coins look great. Notice the details that show because the strike is not a BUSINESS STRIKE  but a PROOF STRIKE.

Notice that the mint mark is an S. That means it was minted in San Francisco.

Coin errors are not easy.I usually refer to a few error books like the Cherrypickers’ Guide This book comes in two volumes and extensive guide on errors.
I also simply love Strike It Rich with Pocket Change

Be sure to get a magnifier with at least 7x up to see some of this errors.  It can be relaxing to look at each coin. So come along with me on this journey of learning. Remember, I am using this site to share some of the things I am learning. I hope it is helpful.
Now get out those new Lincoln pennies. If you don’t have any yet you can get them at your local coin dealer, Ebay or directly from the mint. As of this writing some of the rolls are sold out but you can get them in the 2009 Proof set.

The Mint News Blog has an insightful article about possible double die errors on the 2009 Lincoln Formative years cent. The Lincoln Formative Years cent is the second in the four new coins released this year. Be sure to read the engaging comments at the end of the post.

A bootstrap error has been reported on the Lincoln Formative Years Series. This was featured on a CoinLink. It appears that you may not need a high magnification to see this error.

I will revisit this later I am sure. Meanwhile, I will keep learning so if I see one in pocket change I will know what I am looking at. Please share anything you might know with this babyboomer. Thanks

I don’t have the money for investing but sure will keep an eye peeled for coins in my pocket change.

Here is an article I just read about 10 Valuable Error Coins that just might be in your pocket change. So read the article and start looking.