Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins Debut

Officials from the United States Mint and the National Park Service marked the release of the Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin with a special ceremony held today at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.

Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins were released in a public ceremony on Feb. 17, 2011. Designed and sculpted by Don Everhart, the $1 coin obverse features an image of Andrew Johnson with the inscriptions 'Andrew Johnson,' 'In God We Trust,' '17th President' and '1865-1869.'

Andrew Johnson was born in Raleigh, N.C., in 1808.  His mother apprenticed Andrew and his brother to a local tailor following the death of his father, which left the family destitute. 

Shortly thereafter, he and his family moved to Greeneville, Tenn., where he opened a tailor shop and married Eliza McCardle.  Johnson, an adept stump speaker, entered politics and served in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in the 1840s and 1850s.  In 1864, the Republican Party nominated him for vice president.

"Beginning today, millions of Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins will be released into circulation by Federal Reserve Banks across the Nation," said United States Mint Chief Counsel Daniel P. Shaver.  "During 2011, they will make their way into the hands and pockets of many Americans, connecting America through coins to Andrew Johnson and his Presidency."

Joining Shaver to commemorate the coin's release were Daniel Luther and Lizzie Watts from the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and the first grade class of East View Elementary School.  Following the ceremony, attendees 18 years old and younger received an Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin, while adults exchanged their currency for 25-coin rolls of the new coin.

The Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin is the 17th released in the United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Program.

The coin's obverse (heads side) features the portrait of former President Johnson by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart and the inscriptionsANDREW JOHNSON, IN GOD WE TRUST, 17th PRESIDENT and 1865 - 1869.

The coin's reverse (tails side), also by Everhart, features a dramatic rendition of the Statue of Liberty.  Inscriptions on the reverse are $1 and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with E PLURIBUS UNUM, 2011 and the mint mark (P or D) incused on the edge.

Johnson became President following President Abraham Lincoln's death in 1865.  Highlights of his term include the acquisition of the Alaska territory and the Midway Islands.  After leaving office, Johnson went back to Tennessee, remaining politically active.  In 1874, Tennessee returned Johnson to the Senate, making him the only former President to have served in the Senate.  He died a few months later, on July 31, 1875.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

[Coin Collecting News Editor: For additional information, also check out this site's 2011 Presidential Dollars page.]

Related posts:

Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin Release Ceremony DetailsAndrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins Enter Circulation Feb. 17Tagged as: Presidential $1 Coins, United States Mint

View the original article here

Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins Enter Circulation Feb. 17

The 17th release in the United States Mint's Presidential $1 Coin Program-bearing the bold portrait of former President Andrew Johnson on its obverse (heads side)-will enter into circulation on February 17.

Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins enter circulation on Feb. 17, 2011. Designed and sculpted by Don Everhart, the $1 coin obverse features an image of Andrew Johnson with the inscriptions 'Andrew Johnson,' 'In God We Trust,' '17th President' and '1865-1869.'

To mark the coin's release, the bureau will hold a ceremonial launch and coin exchange on the same day, at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, Tennessee.

The coin's obverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart and includes the inscriptions ANDREW JOHNSON, IN GOD WE TRUST, 17TH PRESIDENT and 1865-1869.

The coin's reverse (tails side), also by Everhart, bears a rendition of the Statue of Liberty and the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  The year of minting or issuance, 2011, E PLURIBUS UNUM and the mint of origin are incused on the coin's edge.

Presidential $1 Coins are produced for use in everyday cash transactions.  The coins last for decades, are 100 percent recyclable and can save the country hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

The Presidential $1 Coins will be shipped to banks and other financial institutions in rolls, unmixed with other $1 coins.  For each new design, banks may order and store the coins up to three weeks prior to the introduction so they will have supplies on hand on the release date.  The coins will be available in unmixed rolls for two weeks after the introduction of each design.  The special ordering process begins again when each new Presidential $1 Coin is released.

The ordering period for unmixed quantities of the Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin began January 27.  To order boxes of wrapped rolls ($1,000 minimum order) of the Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin, depository institutions can use FedLine Web® Access Solution.

In addition, local Federal Reserve Bank offices can handle special requests for $2,000 bags of unmixed Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins, orders for $2,000 bags of mixed $1 coins, and orders for Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins after the special order period ends on March 3 (while supplies last).

Presidential $1 Coins can also be collected.  They are educational and fun with four new designs, each featuring an American President, issued each year.  The Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin will be featured in collectible products available for purchase through the United States Mint's Web site at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

[Coin Collecting News Editor: For additional information, also check out this site's 2011 Presidential Dollars page.]

Related posts:

Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin Release Ceremony DetailsAndrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins DebutTagged as: Presidential $1 Coins, United States Mint

View the original article here

Silver and Gold ETF Holdings Decline Amidst Volatile Trading

In a week of volatile precious metals trading, holdings of both the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) and the SPDR Gold Shares Trust (GLD) saw modest declines.

The holdings of the SLV declined by 130.49 tonnes or 1.2% from last week to 11,053.20 tonnes.  Looking at the daily changes, however, provides a a better indication of the volatility in SLV holdings during the week.

The holdings of the SLV hit an all time record high amount of 11,390.06 tonnes on Monday April 25th.  The substantial decline of 336.86 tonnes over the following two days mirrors the volatile price action of the SLV, which declined more than $2 on Tuesday before recovering to all time  highs at Wednesday's closing price.

SLV - COURTESY YAHOO FINANCE

The SLV currently holds 355.4 million ounces of silver valued at $16.1 billion.  The SLV is currently the largest silver ETF and has seen tremendous growth in holdings since the Trust's inception in April 2006, when it held a mere 653.17 tonnes valued at $263.5 million.  According to the Silver Institute, at the end of the first quarter 2011, total holdings held by all silver ETFs was 612 million ounces.

Despite the tremendous appreciation of the SLV, the silver market remains a relatively small market which leads to speculation that silver prices are being manipulated.  Volatility in silver trading over the past week was enhanced by rumors of massive short positions by traders, attempts to corner the market by larger players, and the inability to deliver physical silver on futures contracts.

The recent volatility in silver is likely to continue as additional players are drawn into one of the hottest markets of 2011 and wide price swings may become the norm over the short term.

For long term  investors, the fundamentals of the silver market should overweight any short term volatility.  Sales of Silver Eagles by the US Mint in the first quarter of 2011 was 37% higher than the previous year reflecting continuing investor demand.

GLD and SLV Holdings (metric tonnes)

Gold holdings in the GLD declined modestly by 0.61 tonnes after an increase of 17.29 tonnes for the previous week.  The current holdings of the GLD amount to 39.5 million ounces of gold valued at $59.7 billion.

Gold hit another all time high today, recently trading at $1,531.  The Federal Reserve ignited a sharp rally in gold and silver after releasing details of this week's FOMC meeting. The precious metal markets moved higher after the Federal Reserve said it would continue super aggressive monetary policies despite the June wind down of QE2.  The Fed indicated that it would not reduce the size of its balance sheet and would leave short term interest rates at zero.

The Fed also left the door open to future unconventional policy moves if deemed necessary.  Since the Fed cannot move rates below zero, any additional "unconventional easing" would almost certainly mean additional money printing by the Fed.   The US dollar traded lower on Fed comments and is now threatening to break to new all time lows.

View the original article here

Super Smash Bros Melee

Normally, Nintendo contract players such as Mario, Pikachu, Link, Donkey Kong, Bowser, and Kirby are generally happy and well-mannered, but in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the pleasantries get thrown out and the gloves (except for Mario's) come off. This update of the N64 favorite features these and other video game icons in furious, yet utterly absurd fisticuffs that usually make for a smashing good time. Just make sure you have at least one human opponent to pound on.

Starting off with 14 characters (an additional 11 are waiting to be unlocked), the game has a pretty standard premise--let Nintendo's stars beat on each other until the timer runs out. However, a lot of emphasis is put on knocking opponents off ledges while avoiding the same fate. In typical Nintendo manner, there are quite a few power-ups to assist you in the melee. The actual combat isn't as intricate as in other fighting games; however, the ultra-cartoony layout of the many, many arenas sometimes adds a strategic element not usually found in similar titles.

Super Smash Bros. Melee's strength lays in the mayhem created in four-player fights. The camera does an excellent job of positioning itself so all combatants are constantly visible. Also, Melee sports some of the best visuals seen in a Nintendo product. All the characters are highly detailed, and the movements of each are smoothly infused with personality. Donkey Kong lumbers and Princess Peach fights with grace.

As the multiplayer mode is the key reason for this game's existence, the single-player mode is decidedly weak. The game features an adventure mode that plays somewhat like an old-school, side-scrolling Mario game. Sadly, despite its good looks, its gameplay is rather uninspired. This game is clearly at its best when there are two or more players with controllers in their hands. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• Fantastic graphics and sound keep the action upbeat
• Many new characters and other goodies to unlock

Cons:

• Single-player experience is comparatively weak
• Too cute for a few folks
• Adventure mode is boring

Price: $29.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

US Mint 2011 Silver Coin Release Dates

Some coin collectors focus their attention and acquisitions on silver coinage. For them, the US Mint's recently published silver product schedule offers many new silver coins to track for potential purchase as compared to past years.

The list includes the annual 14-coin Silver Proof Set, which launched on January 25 and features proof versions of all 2011 circulating coins. Additionally, the America the Beautiful Quarters®, Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half-dollar are composed of 90% silver.

Next, on January 31, is the release of the US Army Silver Dollar. It is the first commemorative coin in 2011. The Medal of Honor Silver Dollar, the second commemorative coin for the year, follows almost a month later with a release date of February 25.

The 2010 Silver Quarters Proof Set launches on March 29. It includes this year's quarter-dollars honoring Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, Glacier National Park in Montana, Olympic National Park in Washington, Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi and Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma. The quarters are also the exact same coins that are available in the already discussed 14-coin Silver Proof Set.

The staple, and what will be the most popular silver product this year is the American Eagle Silver Proof coin. The annual issue was first introduced by the US Mint in 1986. The 2010 release sold out just a few weeks ago with 860,000 purchased.

The following is a summarization of the release dates for the above mentioned products:

2011 US Army Commemorative Coin2011 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin2011 America the Beautiful Silver Quarters Proof Set2011 American Eagle Silver Proof Coins

Thanks to the law which authorized the America the Beautiful Quarters® series that debuted last year, the US Mint will also issue five-ounce silver coins featuring the same designs as the quarters.

It is these issues which substantially supplement the Mint's schedule of silver coins. They include the 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Coins and 2011 America the Beautiful Silver Coins, representing a total of 10 coins each minted in .999 fine silver to a diameter of three inches.

Unfortunately, while collectors know they will be issued this year -- the US Mint said the 2010's would come out in the first quarter, they are also the bulk of the coins on the schedule without release dates. (The Mint will also issue the 2011-dated five-ounce bullion versions which are intended for investors. The 2010 bullion issues have already been sold by the Mint.)

Instead of exact release dates, the US Mint has provided a "TBD," or To Be Determined times for these silver products:

Hot Springs National Park Uncirculated CoinYellowstone National Park Uncirculated CoinGrand Canyon National Park Uncirculated CoinYosemite National Park Uncirculated CoinMount Hood National Forest Uncirculated CoinGettysburg National Military Park Uncirculated CoinGlacier National Park Uncirculated CoinOlympic National Park Uncirculated CoinVicksburg National Military Park Uncirculated CoinChickasaw National Recreation Area Uncirculated Coin2011 American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coin

Standing out in the above list is the uncirculated American Silver Eagle. This coin has not been released by the United States Mint since 2008.

The question is whether bullion and collector Palladium Eagles will make their appearance. The law authorizing the new series passed and was signed into law (Public Law 111-303) by President Obama on December 14. However, before their production can begin the US Mint must first submit a marketing study to congress indicating there is enough demand for the .9995 palladium coins so tax payers will not suffer any costs in their production and distribution. As soon as the study is submitted, the US Mint has up to one year before they must be produced and issue them. As such, it seems more likely that 2012 could be the starting point for the new American Palladium Eagles.

Check out the Coin Collecting News US Mint Schedule page for a more complete listing of coins for release this year, including those that are not composed of silver.

Related posts:

US Mint 2011 Schedule of Coin Product Release DatesNew US Mint 2010 Schedule Missing Eagles Release Dates

View the original article here

A Guide Book Of Us Morgan Silver Dollars: A Complete History and Price Guide (Official Red Book)

Americans love to collect the big Morgan silver dollar! No other coin conjures up so much of the romance and history of the United States. In this second edition of his bestselling book, noted numismatic historian Q. David Bowers offers an engaging portrait of the country?s most popular classic coin. You?ll learn what to look for when you buy, how to grade your coins, and tips to become a smart collector. A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars, 2nd Edition also includes a thorough market analysis for each date and mintmark, plus a new section on never-circulated pattern coins. Author: Q. David Bowers

Price: $17.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

Doris Day: Hooray For Hollywood (24 Tracks) [2 VINYL LP SET] [MONO]

MONO 2 VINYL LP SET! Doris Day: Hooray For Hollywood! Orchestra Conducted by Frank DeVol! Original 1958 Columbia Release! 24 Tracks! TRACKS: A1. Hooray for Hollywood; A2. Cheek to Cheek; A3. It's Easy to Remember; A4. The Way You Look Tonight; A5. I'll Remember April; A6. Blues in the Night; B1. It May as Well Be Spring; B2. Nice Work If You Can Get It; B3. Three Coins in the Fountain; B4. Let's Face the Music and Dance; B5. Pennies From Heaven; B6. Oh, But I Do; C1. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm; C2. Soon; C3. That Old Black Magic; C4. You'll Never Know; C5. A Foggy Day; C6. It's Magic; D1. Over the Rainbow; D2. Our Love Is Here to Stay; D3. In the Still of the Night; D4. Night and Day; D5. You'd Be So Easy to Love; & D6. I Had the Craziest Dream.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon