I stopped by the bank Friday on my way to do laundry and picked up a roll of quarters… coz those machines ain’t free. Far from it, as a s’matter of fact. The big industrial-strength washing machines…which I prefer… now cost $4.50 per load. And putting two loads in those machines nearly wipes out that roll of quarters…right from the git-go. This, of course, is the requisite digression to most any post here at EIP, and far be it from me to change anything in this space. But…back to the subject at hand… I was mildly surprised… and pleased… to find I’d picked up a roll consisting of nothing but New Mexico state quarters, all shiny and new as only fresh-from-the-mint coins can be. Here’s what they look like, just in case you haven’t seen one yet:
The second commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2008 honors New Mexico New Mexico Land of Enchantment Union on January 6, 1912 , becoming our Nation’s 47th state. The reverse of New Mexico Land of Enchantment New Mexico
The second commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2008 honors […]
The New Mexico Coin Commission, appointed by Governor Bill Richardson, solicited and reviewed approximately 1,000 concept submissions from state citizens. The Commission then constructed four narrative concepts that represented the most popular elements submitted by the public and forwarded them to the United States Mint for consideration. The final artistic renderings developed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engravers and artists participating in the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program were then proposed to New Mexico for a final selection process. On April 24, 2007 , Governor Richardson announced his recommendation of the "Zia Symbol over Topographical State Outline" design.
Pretty cool, eh? I’m not collecting the entire set of state quarters, like some people. But I AM saving quarters from every state I’ve lived in; the New Mexico
―:☺:―
One of the bennies of being in the “A” rank of professional athletes… you get the BEST girls. Two cases in point, from the Red Wings… the first being Henrik Zetterberg’s girlfriend (the beautiful and [I suspect] highly talented Emma Andersson, a Swedish TV celebrity):
Teammate Jiri Hudler ain’t one to be outdone, either (Simona Krainova, a Czech supermodel):
It’s not even debatable…it’s obvious: Hockey players have better taste in women than some NFL stars.
(h/t: Kukla's Korner)
Buck, I recently got one of those. You know, as an ex-resident of the Land of Enhancement it was a thrill.
ReplyDeleteI work as an independent consultant and the name of my company uses Zia in the name. As homage to the place of my birth and the first 17 years of life. I took a lot out of the State when I left back in 1974 and I like to think I carry it to this day. I get asked all the time what Zia means and its hard to describe except in the abstract. Deep inside I am still a New Mexican no matter how long I live away from the West Mesa I grew up on.
So, there I am at a Acme Grocery store near a facility I am doing some work. I go through the check-out at one of the U-Scan robots and I pay for my salad and in my change is one of these Quarters. I actually stood there looking at it, taking it in. Fascinated.
A store employee actually inquired is everything was all right, "Did you get the right change, sir?"
I smiled and said simply, "I got the exact change I needed."
I am keeping that one in my wallet and when I need to explain the Zia sign again I'll have one with me.
BT: Jimmy T sends.
I think it's cool that you ended up with a whole roll of new ones from your state....My mother has been collecting them since the beginning, from both mints for my son....he has no idea that she has done this...he should be surprised when she is done and gives it to him.
ReplyDeleteJimmy: I didn't know what the Zia is until I moved here, sad to say. But I learned about it immediately. That's a great story you gave us, and a wonderful way to explain the Zia to those who inquire about it.
ReplyDeleteASW: That's a great thing your Mom is doing for your son... will the collection be a Christmas present? Or something else?
We have all the quarters, up to NM's. Don't have that, Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii. Glad to know yours are available now, at least.
ReplyDeleteNo, we're not picky-finicky collectors. None of ours are "mint" - some are pretty beat up. Just something we decided to do to make sorting change a bit more interesting.
Jenn says: "...I'm sure there are lots with trailer trash looking girls too..."
ReplyDeleteAnd what's wrong with trailer trash may I ask? ;-)
Jim: My mini-collection ain't pristine, either. They're new, but they ain't "mint!"
My girls are collecting the state quarters. They found a NM one just the other day and were very excited. LOL!
ReplyDeleteThey found a NM one just the other day and were very excited. LOL!
ReplyDeleteAin't it GREAT to be a kid... No matter what age you are? I was pretty excited when I opened that roll of quarters, as well. As a matter of fact, I spent about three minutes inspecting the quarters before I started dropping them into the washing machine....
ASW mentioned saving quarters "from both mints." That's important if you want to collect a full set. Be sure to note whether your quarters have a P (Philadelphia mint) or a D (Denver mint), and trade with friends on the opposite side of the country.
ReplyDelete