December 2009 Issue

Heading for Parks Unknown

Some little-recognized national parks and historical sites will finally get their due on a new Washington quarter series

by Dom Yanchunas

The Northern Mariana Islands Quarter

They have been a crucial link in the United States’ Western Pacific military defenses since 1947

by Ron Meyer

Book Notes

Some of the coins covered in the books are expensive. The books themselves are all very affordable

by Mike Thorne

Circulation Findings

What coins can young people really discover in circulation? The author’s conclusions may surprise you

by Joe Follman

Coin Capsule: 1696

Great Britain experienced financial chaos and a once-respected trader and sea captain turned pirate

by Jon Blackwell

Presidential Dollars: Zachary Taylor

His victories at war made him a national hero, yet he never won an elective office before becoming president

by Ron Meyer

Margaret Smith Taylor

She was raised in luxury, but she always made a comfortable home for her family in far less attractive settings

by Ron Meyer