Saratoga quarter debuts

The Saratoga quarter launch ceremony proved on Nov. 17 what a well designed quarter introduced in the right place at the right time can do.

Depicted on the reverse of the final 2015 America the Beautiful quarter is the transfer of a sword from one hand to another, symbolizing the British surrender in 1777.

Had the Americans not won the crucial Revolutionary War battle, the New England colonies would have been cut off from the rest and the revolt against the English king might have ended in failure.

Those in attendance at Schuylerville High School in Schuylerville, N.Y., eagerly exchanged at face value folding money for $27,000 of the new quarters in bank rolls. That works out to a release of 108,000 coins.

The rest of the nation’s collectors had to wait until Nov. 30 to buy the coins directly from the U.S. Mint at premium prices.

Collectors will be able to buy 100-coin bags of the “P,” “D,” or “S” uncirculated coins for $34.95 each.

There is a two-roll set for the “P” and “D” mints priced at $32.95.

Fans of the San Francisco Mint will have the opportunity to purchase a 40-coin roll of S-mint quarters for $18.95.

An uncirculated roll from each of the three mints can be purchased together for $46.95.

The Mint also charges a $4.95 per order handling fee.

Attendance at the ceremony was over 1,400 of which about 500 were students.

The Mint said the auditorium and gym were so packed it was standing room only.

United States Mint Acting Quality Manager Ron Harrigal was on hand with other dignitaries to take part in the ceremony.

More Collecting Resources
• Are you a U.S. coin collector? Check out the 2016 U.S. Coin Digest for the most recent coin prices.
• Keep up to date on prices for Canada, United States and Mexico coinage with the 2016 North American Coins & Prices guide.