Duke Ellinton Quarter released by the US Mint
We may not yet be a state, but we’ve finally got our own commemorative quarter.
The U.S. Mint today rolled out the District’s own 25-cent piece as part of the popular 50 State Quarters Program. Bearing the image of jazz legend Duke Ellington, the quarter was years in the making, requiring an act of Congress and a pitched battle between city officials and the Mint over whether “Taxation without Representation” would appear on the coin. (To our consternation, it doesn’t.)
If you’re planning on running to your local bank to get a coin or two, don’t — the Mint informed us that most banks won’t get a hold of the commemorative piece until next week at least. Collectors can order a two-roll set or a 100-coin bag for $32.95 plus shipping online (or a 1000-coin bag for $309.95, more details here), or you can head down to 801 9th Street NW and use the Mint’s handy change machine to get the quarters $1 or $5 at a time. The Mint’s sales desks in the 9th Street lobby and at Union Station should have rolls of the quarters available starting tomorrow.
We’ve got a few we’re willing to part with. Just send a check for $5 $10 $250 to DCist and we’ll drop Duke in the mail for you.