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WASHINGTON — The United States Mint announced today that commemorative quarter-dollar coins honoring Wisconsin, the fifth coin in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters® Program to be released in 2004, will go on sale beginning October 25, 2004, at 12:00 noon (ET), and will be available for purchase during the 10-week release period. The Wisconsin quarter-dollars are available in two-roll sets (40 coins per roll), including one roll each from the United States Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver, and in bags of 100 and 1,000 coins.

On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state to be admitted into the Union. The Wisconsin design depicts an agricultural theme, featuring a dairy cow, a round of cheese, and an ear of corn. The design also bears an inscription of the State motto, “Forward.” Wisconsin adopted the State motto, “Forward,” in 1851, reflecting the State’s continuous drive to be a national leader. Wisconsin produces more than 15 percent of the Nation’s milk and more than 350 varieties of cheese. Wisconsin is also a major corn producer. State corn production contributed $882.4 million to the Wisconsin economy in 2003.

Each coin roll in the two-roll set is wrapped in a specially designed United States Mint paper coin wrap that prominently displays the 50 State Quarters Program logo, a “P” or “D” representing the roll’s mint of origin, “WI” designating the State of Wisconsin, and “$10” representing its dollar value. Two-roll sets will sell for $32.00, bags of 100 coins for $35.50, and bags of 1,000 coins for $300.00. Each bag is marked with the mint of origin and the dollar value of its contents ($25.00 or $250.00). These two-roll sets and bags feature quarters used in regular transactions and are struck on our main production floors at the United States Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver. There is no order limit on these products.

Customers can purchase the Wisconsin quarter-dollars in two-roll sets and bags by using the United States Mint’s secure website, www.usmint.gov, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). As an added convenience, customers can participate in a subscription-ordering program in which specific products, such as two-roll sets and bags, are charged and shipped to the customer automatically as each new quarter is released. For more information about this ordering method, please visit www.usmint.gov. Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders. Quarter bags of 1,000 coins will have an additional charge of $7.95 per bag because of their weight and size.

QUARTER CELEBRATES THE STATE’S AGRICULTURAL TRADITION

WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin - United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore joined Governor Jim Doyle and First Lady Jessica Doyle in launching the Wisconsin commemorative quarter-dollar coin near Milwaukee today. The image on the new quarter-dollar celebrates the State’s pride in its agriculture.

“This new quarter proudly depicts Wisconsin as the dairy land of the Nation,” said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore. “It is a tradition of abundance and a gift from the heartland that the citizens of your great State have provided to enrich the Nation.”

Joining the Director, Governor and First Lady as master of ceremonies at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis was radio personality Wayne Larrivee, the voice of the Green Bay Packers. Students from Colby Elementary School of Colby, Wisconsin, sang the national anthem, and the West Allis Central Band and dancers from Hmong, Latino, African-American and Native American groups also performed. A colorful farmer’s market, featuring Wisconsin products, completed the celebration.

Following the launch ceremony, Director Fore and Governor Doyle distributed shiny new Wisconsin quarters to children attending the ceremony, and adults were able to exchange their coins and bills for rolls of Wisconsin quarters. Peter the Mint Eagle was on hand to celebrate with the crowd.

The Wisconsin quarter is the fifth of 2004, and the 30th in the 50 State Quarters® Program. On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state to be admitted into the Union. The Wisconsin design depicts an agricultural theme, featuring the head a cow, a round of cheese, and an ear of corn. The design also bears an inscription of the State motto, “Forward.”

Wisconsin adopted the State motto, “Forward,” in 1851, reflecting the state’s continuous drive to be a national leader. Wisconsin produces more than 15 percent of the Nation’s milk and more than 350 varieties, types and styles of award-winning of cheeses. Wisconsin is also a major corn producer. State corn production contributed $882.4 million to the Wisconsin economy in 2003.

Lesson plans about the Wisconsin state quarter may be downloaded free from the United States Mint website at http://www.usmint.gov/kids/index.cfm?fileContents=teachers/stateQuarterDay. Teacher, parents and students can also explore the many other teaching aids and the games, puzzles, and stories for kids that show how coins are “history in your pocket.”

The Wisconsin quarter-dollar is available in two-roll sets (40 coins per roll), including one roll each from the United States Mint at Philadelphia and Denver, and in bags of 100 and 1,000 coins, at the United States Mint website at www.usmint.gov. The two-roll sets are $32.00, bags of 100 coins are $35.50, and bags of 1,000 coins $300.00.

What: United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore will join Governor and Mrs. Jim Doyle to officially launch the Wisconsin state quarter near Milwaukee on Monday, October 25, 2004. Director Fore will be available for phone interviews this week. She will also participate in a “Coin Collectors Forum” Sunday night at the Hefter Conference Center – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in which coin enthusiasts are invited to share their ideas about future United States Mint products.

A farmers market featuring state products will highlight the ceremonial release of the new quarter, which honors Wisconsin’s proud agricultural tradition. The distinctive quarter design reflects the fact that Wisconsin is known as America’s dairy land and is renowned for its cheeses. Wisconsin is also one of the top five producers of corn for grain in the country.

Children will receive shiny new Wisconsin quarters at the launch and adults may exchange their coins and bills for rolls of Wisconsin quarters. The Wisconsin quarter is the fifth of 2004, and the 30th quarter of the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters® Program.

Who: Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and First Lady Jessica Doyle

Radio Personality Wayne Larrivee, voice of the Green Bay Packers

Choir from the Colby Elementary School, Colby, Wisconsin

Dance performances by Hmong, Latino, African-American and Native American groups.

When: Monday, October 25, 2004

8: 30 a.m. – Gates open; farmers Market opens.

9:30 a.m. – Pre-program begins

10:00 a.m. – Launch Ceremony

11:00 a.m. – Director Fore and Governor will hand out quarters to children; quarter exchange for adults begins

Where: Exposition Center, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, Wisconsin

Note: Interviews may be scheduled this week by calling the United States Mint at 202-354-7222.

Coin Collectors Forum: Sunday, October 24, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hefter Conference Center near Lake Drive and Hartford Ave. – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 3271 N. Lake Drive, Milwaukee. Street parking only. Public and news media welcome.

For a digital image of the Wisconsin quarter, go to: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=photo#SQ2004

004 Proof Platinum, Lewis & Clark and Edison Commemoratives and Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Featured

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint today announced that the 2004 United States Mint Collection catalog, featuring the new reverse design for the American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins, will be available by mail and online beginning September 16, 2004.

“Celebrating our Nation’s strength, ingenuity and passion for exploration through United States Mint coins is a fitting way to mark this year – both in the history of our country and for the important milestones in your life,” said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore. “We invite you to select from our brilliant 2004 collection.”

A rendition of “America” by Daniel Chester French is the new design that adorns the reverse of the 2004 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins, complementing the portrait of Liberty that graces the obverse of these 99.95% pure platinum masterpieces. Prices range from $210 for the tenth-ounce coin to $1,345 for the one-ounce coin, and $2,495 for the complete four-coin set.

The Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative Coin celebrates the genius of one of our country’s greatest inventors, featuring uncirculated and proof silver dollars for $33 and $37, respectively. A new limited-edition Thomas Alva Edison Collector’s Set showcases Edison’s many accomplishments, featuring the uncirculated silver dollar in a fun and informative presentation case that illuminates when opened. Only 25,000 sets are available at $49.95 each.

With the anticipated sell-out of the recently released Lewis & Clark Coin & Pouch Set likely in the near future, collectors will have their final opportunity to obtain the limited number of individual proof and uncirculated Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollars still available.

The Westward Journey Nickel Series™ is featured with four new Coin and Die Sets, including a completely defaced die and one of the first nickels struck with that die, for either the Peace Medal or Keelboat design, from the United States Mint at Philadelphia and Denver, priced at $39.95 each. And the 2004 Westward Journal Nickel Series™ Coin Set brings collectors all six nickels produced this year – offering two uncirculated “P” and two uncirculated “D” nickels, and two proof “S” nickels in a protective case for only $12.95.

This year’s catalog also features medals of the United States Mint honoring President George W. Bush, President Thomas Jefferson, President Ronald Reagan, social and civil rights activist Dorothy Height, and the popular National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial medals featuring the Eagle design in 1½-inch bronze duplicate.

Other annual sets and special products featured in the 2004 United States Mint Collection catalog include the following: 2004 United States Mint Collection Products Price 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set™ $37.95

2004 United States Mint Proof Set® $22.95

2004 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set® $16.95

2004 United States Mint 50 State Quarters Proof Set™ $15.95

Legacies of Freedom Set – A 2003-dated uncirculated American Eagle Silver $1 Coin and a 2002-dated uncirculated Britannia Silver £2 Coin from the United Kingdom $49.99

50 State Quarters Coin and Die Sets $34.95

50 State Quarters Greetings from America Portfolio $29.99

50 State Quarters Greetings from America State Card Sets $27.99

American Eagle Silver Proof Coin $27.95

50 State Quarters Official First Day Coin Covers $19.95

American Eagle Gold Proof Coins – In 1/10-ounce, 1/4-ounce & ½-ounce denominations and the Four-Coin Set. * The individual one ounce denomination is sold out. $90.00 to $1,175.00

Delivery by December 24 is guaranteed on any in-stock item, anywhere in the United States, for orders received before deadline. Order deadlines are December 6, 2004, for standard delivery, and December 13, 2004, for express delivery.

To order online, visit the United States Mint’s secure website at www.usmint.gov. To order by mail, simply complete and send in the order form enclosed in your mailing to: United States Mint, P.O. Box 382610, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-8610. To order by telephone, call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).

UNITED STATES MINT HELPS CELEBRATE IOWA’S “FOUNDATION IN EDUCATION”

DES MOINES - As the nation’s children prepare for the new school year, United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore and Iowa Governor Thomas J. Vilsack launched the new Iowa quarter-dollar coin at the State Capitol here, celebrating a “Foundation in Education.”

“This will become our ‘Education Quarter,’ declared Director Fore. “As students head back to school, they will carry in their pockets a reminder that from a one room school house in Iowa, we have created an educated nation.”

The Governor, Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack and Director Fore were joined in the celebration by Lt. Governor Sally J. Pederson and Anita Walker of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. The 34th Army Band of the Iowa Army National Guard and the Isisirettes Drill and Drum Corps provided the musical entertainment, and actor Tom Milligan portrayed renowned artist and Iowa native Grant Wood. Peter the Mint Eagle greeted children in the audience, and each received a free, new Iowa quarter-dollar. Adults participated in a quarter exchange after the ceremony.

The Iowa quarter-dollar is the fourth of 2004, and the 29th in the 50 State Quarters® Program. On December 28, 1846, Iowa became the 29th state to be admitted into the Union. The Iowa quarter-dollar design features a one-room schoolhouse with a teacher and students planting a tree, and the inscriptions “Foundation in Education” and “Grant Wood.” The design is based on “Arbor Day,” a painting by Grant Wood, who was born near Anamosa, Iowa.

Iowans have had a commitment to education since the state’s earliest days. When Iowa became a state in 1846, it already had a number of rural country schools in each of its counties. Iowa established its first high school in the 1850s, although high schools generally did not become widespread in the United States until after 1900. Private and public colleges also quickly took root in the new State.

The Iowa quarter-dollar is available in two-roll sets (40 coins per roll), including one roll each from the United States Mint at Philadelphia and Denver, and in bags of 100 and 1,000 coins, at the Mint website at www.usmint.gov. The two-roll sets are $32.00, bags of 100 coins are $35.50, and bags of 1,000 coins $300.00.

What: As the nation’s children prepare for a new school year, United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore and Iowa Governor Thomas J. Vilsack will launch the Iowa state quarter, celebrating Iowa’s “Foundation in Education.”

The 34th Army Band of the Iowa Army National Guard and the Isisirettes Drill and Drum Corps will provide the musical entertainment. Actor Tom Milligan will depict renowned artist and Iowa native Grant Wood. Peter the Mint Eagle will greet children in the audience, and each child will receive a new Iowa quarter free. Adults may exchange their coins and bills for rolls of Iowa quarters.

The Iowa quarter is the fourth of 2004, and the 29th in the 50 State Quarters® Program. On December 28, 1846, Iowa became the 29th state to be admitted into the Union. The Iowa quarter design features a one-room schoolhouse with a teacher and students planting a tree, and the inscriptions “Foundation in Education” and “Grant Wood.” The design is based on “Arbor Day,” a painting by Grant Wood, who was born near Anamosa, Iowa.

Who: United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore

Iowa Governor Thomas J. Vilsack and First Lady Christie Vilsack

Lt. Governor Sally J. Pederson

Anita Walker, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs

State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald

Students from Capitol View Elementary School

When: 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 3, 2004

Where: Iowa State Capitol, East 9th and Grand, Des Moines, Iowa.

For a digital image of the Iowa quarter: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=photo#SQ2004

Iowa Quarter Launch Satellite B-Roll Feed:

Friday, September 3, 2004 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. (EDT) AMC 9-Transponder 22

WASHINGTON — The United States Mint announced today that commemorative quarter-dollar coins honoring Iowa, the fourth in the 50 State Quarters® Program to be released in 2004, will go on sale beginning August 30, 2004, at 12:00 noon (ET), and will be available for purchase during the 10-week release period. The Iowa quarter-dollars are available in two-roll sets (40 coins per roll), including one roll each from the United States Mint at Philadelphia and Denver, and in bags of 100 and 1,000 coins. The quarter two-roll sets and bags are also available as part of the United States Mint’s popular online Subscription Program.

On December 28, 1846, Iowa became the 29th state to be admitted into the Union. The Iowa quarter design features the inscriptions “Foundation in Education” and “Grant Wood” and a one-room schoolhouse with a teacher and students planting a tree. The design is based on “Arbor Day,” a painting by Grant Wood, who was born near Anamosa, Iowa. He spent his career as a proponent of small-town values, which he celebrated in the iconic images of plain folk and verdant Midwestern vistas for which he is world-renowned.

Iowans have had a commitment to education since the State’s earliest days. When Iowa became a state in 1846, it already had a number of rural country schools in each of its counties. Iowa established its first high school in the 1850s, although high schools generally did not become widespread in the United States until after 1900. Private and public colleges also quickly took root in the new State.

Each coin roll is wrapped in a specially designed paper coin wrap that prominently displays the 50 State Quarters Program logo, a “P” or “D” representing the roll’s mint of origin, “IA” designating the State of Iowa, and “$10” representing its dollar value. Two-roll sets will sell for $32.00, bags of 100 coins for $35.50, and bags of 1,000 coins for $300.00. Each bag is marked with the mint of origin and the dollar value of its contents ($25.00 or $250.00). These two-roll sets and bags feature quarters used in regular transactions and are struck on our main production floors at the United States Mint at Philadelphia and Denver. There is no order limit on these products.

Customers can purchase the Iowa quarter-dollars in two-roll sets and bags by using the United States Mint’s secure website, www.usmint.gov, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). As an added convenience, customers can participate in a subscription-ordering program in which specific products, such as two-roll sets and bags, are charged and shipped to the customer automatically as each new quarter is released. For more information about this ordering method, please visit www.usmint.gov. Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders. Quarter bags of 1,000 coins will have an additional charge of $7.95 per bag because of their weight and size.

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint announced today that it will begin selling the 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set™ on July 22, 2004, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time (ET).

The 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set features versions of the five 2004 commemorative quarter-dollar coins in the 50 State Quarters® Program, as well as the Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half-dollar, all minted in lustrous 90 percent silver (and 10 percent copper), historically known as “coin silver.”

The set also includes proof versions of the other 2004-dated circulating coins – the Lincoln cent, the Peace Medal and Keelboat nickels from the Westward Journey Nickel Series™, and the Golden Dollar – for a total of 11 coins in all, the most inclusive United States Mint Silver Proof Set ever.

Each of these beautiful silver proof coins has a distinctive cameo appearance created by the contrast of a finely detailed frosted foreground against a mirror-like background. Produced at the United States Mint at San Francisco, the coins bear the “S” mint mark. The sealed cases containing the coins are inserted into a specially printed sleeve and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Because we expect demand for the 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set to be high, customers are encouraged to place orders early. The 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set is available for $37.95. The United States Mint reserves the right to limit quantities and may discontinue accepting orders at any time.

Customers can purchase the 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set online through the United States Mint’s secure website at www.usmint.gov, or by calling toll-free 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) 8:00 a.m. to midnight ET, seven days a week. Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468) 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Austin, Texas – It is said that everything is bigger in Texas, and today’s launch of the Texas commemorative quarter-dollar coin was no exception. Staged around the 35-foot-tall bronze Lone Star sculpture in front of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in downtown Austin, the kick-off for the 28th commemorative quarter-dollar of the popular 50 State Quarters® Program was a larger-than-life Texas celebration with mariachis and free barbecue. Each child who attended the ceremony received a shiny, new Texas quarter, and adults exchanged their bills with local celebrities who handed out rolls of new quarters.

“Today, we are ALL Texans,” United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore told the crowd. “This strong lone star carries the pride of Texas. It is instantly recognizable with the distinctive outline of your State. The eyes of the Nation are on the Texas quarter.”

The Texas quarter is the third of 2004 and the 28th in the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters Program. The quarters are issued in the order the states were admitted into the Union. On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state to be admitted into the Union.

“The Texas quarter will serve as a timeless representation of our state’s proud and storied history,” said Governor Rick Perry. “When Americans reach into their pockets, this quarter will remind all of the proud and rich history of the state that was once its own sovereign nation.”

The Texas quarter’s reverse (tails side) incorporates the distinctive outline of the State with a superimposed star and the inscription, “The Lone Star State.” The lariat encircling the design is symbolic of the cattle and cowboy history of Texas and the frontier spirit.

Nearly 2,600 candidate design concepts were submitted in response to a statewide contest authorized by the Texas Quarter Dollar Coin Design Advisory Committee. From those design concepts, 17 finalists were selected by the Texas Numismatic Association and presented to the Texas Quarter Dollar Coin Design Advisory Committee to review. The Committee further narrowed the submissions to the five designs that were most emblematic of the state. Governor Rick Perry submitted the preferred design, which was approved by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Texas quarters in two-roll sets and bags are available on the United States Mint’s website at www.usmint.gov and by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Lesson plans about the Texas quarter and the 27 previous quarters can be downloaded free from the website.

Launched in 1999, the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program is a 10-year initiative that honors our Nation’s states. The initiative is the most popular coin program in United States history, with more than 130 million Americans collecting the 50 State Quarters coins. Each quarter is produced for about 10 weeks and will never be produced again.

Created by Congress in 1792, the United States Mint is the manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the United States. The United States Mint also produces proof and uncirculated coins, commemorative coins and medals for sale to the general public. Additionally, the United States Mint manufactures and sells platinum, gold and silver bullion coins. In FY 2003, the United States Mint manufactured approximately 11.4 billion coins and contributed about $600 million to the U.S. Treasury General Fund.