Friday, November 18, 2011

United States Postal Service Commemorative Stamp


This official Arizona Centennial Stamp was unveiled on September 16, 2011 at the historic courthouse plaza in Prescott. The display replica was an astounding 10' X 15'. The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled a first-class stamp commemorating Arizona's centennial next year. The stamps designer, Ed Mell, described the stamp as the Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona. The official Arizona Centennial Stamp will be available to the public across the country starting February 14, 2012.
As always visit B.J.'s Stamps and Coins website at www.BJStampsAndCoins.com or call us at 623.878.2080 for more details on stamps, coin, currency, and events.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Eisenhower Memorial Collection

Dwight David Eisenhower, 1890-1969, became commander of the Allied Forces of World War II, and in 1952 was elected the 34th President of the United States. He became a popular hero through his achievements and winning personality, his ability to transform strategic theory into effective action, and his singular diplomatic gifts. The Eisenhower dollar, designed by Frank Gasparro, was issued in 1971 to honor that president and, on the reverse, the first landing on the moon.

Ike Dollar

Denomination:$1.00

Obverse Image: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States.

Reverse Image:1971-1974: Eagle flying over the moon holding an olive branch; tribute to the Apollo 11 mission. 1975-1976: Bicentennial design with the Liberty Bell in front of the moon (all were dated 1776-1976).

Metal Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper

Total Weight:24.59 grams

Comments: All of the silver "Ike" coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1976. These coins were either uncirculated or proof. Uncirculated coins came in cellophane with a blue plastic token in a blue envelope. Proof issues came in a proof set-like plastic case in a fancy brown wood colored box with a gold seal on back. The uncirculated coins are referred to as 'Blue Ikes' and the proofs as 'Brown Ikes'. Coins minted in 1975 and 1976 for the Bicentennial come with the quarter and the half dollar of that year. The uncirculated coins were sold by the Mint for three dollars; the proof version for ten dollars. Two varieties of the dollar were produced in 1976 and can be distinguished by the thickness of the lettering.