A Penny for My Thoughts...

Blaine and I had the opportunity to visit the Denver Mint on our recent trip to Colorado. We found this exciting (since we are complete nerds). The artifacts just past the Security gates were amazing. There was so much history including money used in biblical times, fools gold from the Gold Rush and ancient gems which were beautiful.

Did you know that this Mint produces 50 million coins a day? Yes, I said a day. The coin produced the most is the penny. I am not so sure why we still have pennies since the good ole days of penny candy are far from gone...according to my Mom & Dad who probably tromped 10 miles in the 12 inch snow each day (one way) to get to school.

My favorite part of this Mint tour was learning about the newest quarter to hit vending machines soon.

"O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A...where the wind goes sweeping down the plains!!"

As the tour guide described the quarter, I couldn't help but recite this musical in my head. (I think that I learned it in 1st or 2nd grade probably during the Peanut Festival in Marlow.) I was amazed to find out that "Okla" means "red" and "Homa" means "people." Blaine's ears even perked up since he claims to be more Indian than me...which he is not. (He refers to himself as Chief Dirtybutt from the Nowipey Tribe - and would absolutely kill me if he knew I shared that, so let's move on.)

I was able to nab a couple of Oklahoma quarters before they hit the streets. Okay fine, I didn't steal them like they would have on National Treasure...I simply purchased them quarter for quarter. The best investment I think that I have made lately!!

If you haven't been to a Mint, it is worth the time. And that folks is my two cents...