We can all be apostles of coin collecting

Wisconsin gets its time in the spotlight April 11.

That date is when there will be a ceremonial launch of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore quarter.

It has been 14 years since we had our turn during the state quarter program.

Clifford Mishler, Numismatic News columnist, is already planning his drive north from Iola to attend.

If you are a resident of the Upper Midwest, you might want to attend, too.

The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Legendary Waters Resort in Red Cliff.

Northern Wisconsin has some shoreline on Lake Superior.

It is this part of the state that will be particularly celebrated by the ceremony.

The Mint says the Bayfield High School Choir, Red Cliff VFW, Wigwam Express, Red Cliff Youth Drum Group and Washburn High School Jazz Band will perform.

It has always been my hope that this type of ceremony communicates the importance of coinage to the country.

Examining the list of dignitaries provided by the Mint, I conclude that Wisconsin is doing its part.

Take a look:

Rick Peterson, Tribal Chairman, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Mike Wiggins, Tribal Chairman, Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Henry Buffalo, Elder, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Descendant of Chief Buffalo)

Bob Krumenaker, Superintendent, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Marc Landry, Acting Associate Director, Numismatic and Bullion Directorate, United States Mint

Richard Masters, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore quarter designer, United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program

Larry MacDonald, former Mayor of Bayfield, Wis.

Notice anything?

There are no senators or congressmen on the list.

The location is probably too far north of our population centers for them.

Far from objecting, though, I think this is a good thing.

This quarter honors both the natural beauty of Wisconsin and its people.

It is clear that the people who live closest to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore take it seriously.

When Mishler returns, I will ask him about his experience and impressions.

Don’t forget that those who attend will be able to buy rolls of the new quarter for face value – $10 for 40 coins.

That’s a good deal.

Other collectors will have to pay a premium to acquire them on the Mint’s website.

If you are going, the address is Legendary Waters Resort, 37600 Onigamiing Drive, Red Cliff, Wis.

Have a good trip.

Buzz blogger Dave Harper won the Numismatic Literary Guild Award for Best Blog for the third time in 2017 . He is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."

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