letter to Congressional representative that includes changing the law.
 

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Subject:
Time for a Change in our Change
 
To: Senator or Representative
 
Date
 
Dear Sir -
 
Director of the Mint, Henrietta Fore has recently forwarded a request for the approval of
new designs of United States coinage to the Secretary of the Treasury, Paul O'Neill. Mr.
O'Neill has publicly responded - "In the spirit of how things ought to be done in this
country, it's worthwhile to pay attention to people who have a view about these things," "I
can't imagine my telling people we're not interested in their opinions. I don't expect to
exercise my statutory authority without consulting with the appropriate people." He has further stated that he intends to discuss this matter with the President and Congress. Now Mr. O'neill is no longer the Secretary, but I have little doubt that his successor will do the same.
 
Well the President and Congress are obviously the appropriate people. But then, so are the
citizens of this great nation. And since I am privileged to be one of those citizens, I
felt it my duty to voice my opinion as well. It is my sincere hope that you will give your
support and approval to this request for a change in the design of United States coinage.
 
Sir, we have been stuck with the same design on our 1 cent coin for almost 100 years - our
5 cent coin for almost 65 years ( and if the folks in Virginia have their way - it will be
forever ) - our 10 cent coin for 56 years and our half dollar for 38 years. Luckily the US
Mint has changed our quarter & dollar coins. But it is beyond time to change the others. In
the words of Senator Phil Gramm - US coin designs "may be improved to signify the
distinction and greatness of our Republic."
 
Throughout our nations history our coinage designs have changed - repeatedly. This has kept
an interest in our coins worldwide and prevented stagnation in that interest. Our coins are
a way for the United States to make a statement. To present a piece of our history, our
culture, our very way of life; not only to our own citizens - but to the citizens of the
world.
 
Furthermore, I think we as a nation have an opportunity here. We have an opportunity to not
only promote a change in our stagnant coin designs; we have an obligation to see to it that
we do not fall into the same rut of stagnation again. I propose that we ask Congress to
amend the current law written over a century ago - The Secretary may change the design or
die of a coin only once within 25 years of the first adoption of the design, model, hub, or
die for that coin. I propose to make it mandatory that our coin designs are changed every
25 years.
 
And as George Washington himself said - "I am certain it will be more agreeable to the
citizens of the United States to see the head of Liberty on their coin, than the head of
presidents."
 
It is time for a Change in our Change !

Sincerely,