New quarter conveys inspiring message

If a quarter can be considered to have an action-packed design, the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park coin is it.

I can feel the energy. Can you?

Guns at the ready, Clark leads his men to victory in 1779 through flooded plains approaching Fort Sackville during the Revolutionary War in what is now Indiana.

A ceremony was held Nov. 14 near the Wabash River in Vincennes, Ind., to mark the official launch of this America the Beautiful quarter.

It was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Frank Morris.

I’ll bet a few more designs like this might convince skeptical collectors that American quarter designs are improving.

Leading the dignitaries at the event was Acting Deputy Director David Motl.

“This new coin is a reminder of the unity of effort and spirit that our predecessors embodied and demonstrated,” he said.

“The foresight, camaraderie and determination of George Rogers Clark and his men are important examples to all of us as to how individuals from different backgrounds are able to come together, work toward achieving the same objective, and create a lasting impression.”

Motl’s words have deep meaning.

We wouldn’t be a free and independent people without Clark and his men.

Also, there is nothing like period costumes and music to get into the proper mood of respect and celebration.

The George Rogers Clark Fife and Drum Corps provided both.

Members of the Vogel Elementary School Choir added their voices.

There were other dignitaries present.

The U.S. Mint reports that Park Superintendent Frank Doughman and City Council Member Dan Ravellette, Regional Director Tony Goben, District Director Brenda Goff and District Director Carol Jones spoke on behalf of U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly and Todd Young, and U.S. Representative Larry Bucshon, respectively.

For coin collectors, uncirculated rolls of the new quarters were sold at face value after the ceremony finished.

In all, 168,000 coins (4,200 rolls) were taken, or $42,000 face value.

The coins available were from Philadelphia.

Overall attendance at the event was 1,800, including 1,100 schoolchildren.

The Mint said 125 individuals had attended its forum the night before.

That is very strong attendance.

Sharon McPike took fantastic photos. Thank you for their use.

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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