I have to do a 6 minute speech for speech class that has to be on domestic politics. I thought I'd do it on the legislating of coins. This isn't suppose to be a how-to speech, but a informative speech. I know the design changes are started in congress then when they pass the mint will change the coin. I have a couple questions: 1. How does the idea of chaning the coin start? does a senator wake up one day and say, "hey I don't like the quarter design, lets change it"? Or does is start with the citizens calling their senator and asking for a proposed change in the design? If it is by citizens, do people have to call a senator on a special committee or just call their representing senator? 2.What design changes are currently being thought about, and do you have any links to pictures or articles? I'll post more questions when I get them.
Well proposed coin design changes get started in Congress in recent years, but that's not how it used to be nor is it supposed to be. There was a law enacted in 1890, still in force, that gives the Secretary of the Treasury the right to change coin designs. The law states that as long as the design of a coin is 25 yrs old or older - the Sev Treas can change the design at his whim. In today's world, proposed design changes can be intiated by anyone asking their Congressman or Senator to introduce legislation or the Congressional member may start it all on his/her own. Many times it is intiated by special interest groups as well. You can read about any proposed coin legislation at the following - CLICK HERE
Sorry about that - I should have checked it Yes - go the Thomas home page - HERE. Under the topic Congressional Record, click on the Browse by Date or Key Word link. Then when the search window opens just type in the word coin and hit your enter key.
