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.

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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.

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The Jefferson Era

Thomas Jefferson, architect of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States, 1801 to 1809. Founder of the 'Virginia Dynasty' which governed for almost a third of a century, Thomas Jefferson was truly a universal man. Scholar, intellectual, inventor, gourmet, artist, humanist...his interests and influence were everywhere. He designed his beloved home, Monticello, and filled it with such wondrous inventions and innovations as the 'dumb waiter'. In 1938, the Treasury authorized the Jefferson Five-Cent piece as a worthy successor to the famous Buffalo nickel. Recent changes in the design of Jefferson's appearance are now being minted. In 1942-1945 nickels were 35% silver. The reason for this was due to a needed supply of nickel for ammo during the war. These are highly collectable for the silver content.

The Jefferson Nickel

The original Jefferson Nickel was designed by Felix O. Schlag. A left-facing portrait of the former President is shown on the obverse with required inscriptions “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, and the date. The reverse features an image of Jefferson’s historic home known as Monticello with inscriptions “E Pluribus Unum”, “United States of America”, “Monticello” and “Five Cents”.

Metal Composition:75% copper, 25% nickel

Total Weight:5.00 grams

Comments: The 1938 through 1942 D versions of the nickel are also made of the same composition, but generally are sold for a premium over their melt value due to rarity.

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.

The John F. Kennedy Story

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States from January, 1961 to November, 1963, was the youngest man to be elected to the nation's highest office. As President, he launched "The New Frontier" program. Its goals included stronger laws for civil rights, greater medical care to protect the aged, a new minimum wage law and the enduring good fellowship of the unique world-wide Peace Corps. JFK was assassinated in Texas in 1963-the fourth President to be assassinated.

Kennedy Half Dollar

Gilroy Roberts, former Chief Sculptor of the Mint, designed the obverse of the Kennedy half dollar. The reverse, which uses the presidential coat of arms for the motif, is the work of Frank Gasparro. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was composed of 90% silver- 10% copper. From 1965 to 1970, the coin was struck in 40% silver- 60% copper-nickel. From 1971 on, the coin has been composed of copper-nickel.

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.