Posted 03/09/2009 12:54 pm
First Day of Issue ceremonies are usually not publicized too well outside of the area that is actually having the release ceremony. These types of events basically started with the State Quarters and have continued with other "commemorative-style" coins. The best way to find out info on the release of a particular coin is to call the US Mint Office of Public Affairs at (202)354-7222. the Pressroom page on the Mint website will also have some info too.
I attended the release of the first new nickel in 2004, the keelboat design. It was held at the foot of the Arch in St Louis on the riverfront. The ceremony kicked off with a keelboat landing by a group in period dress and multiple dignitaries were present, including Ambassadors from Spain and France, US Mint and Dept of Interior officials, and representatives of the tribes that Lewis and Clark encountered on the journey. The finale was the coin release to the public via face value sale. I also plan on attending the Lincoln Professional Life cent release in Springfield later this year.
I attended the release of the first new nickel in 2004, the keelboat design. It was held at the foot of the Arch in St Louis on the riverfront. The ceremony kicked off with a keelboat landing by a group in period dress and multiple dignitaries were present, including Ambassadors from Spain and France, US Mint and Dept of Interior officials, and representatives of the tribes that Lewis and Clark encountered on the journey. The finale was the coin release to the public via face value sale. I also plan on attending the Lincoln Professional Life cent release in Springfield later this year.
