1999 QUARTERS WORTH MORE THAN FACE VALUE

1999 QUARTERS WORTH MORE THAN FACE VALUE

HAWTHORNE, N.J. (Wireless Flash) -- It may not make much "cents" but the U.S Mint is making quarters that are worth 33 cents to collectors. New Jersey-based currency expert Andrew Gause says coin collectors are plunking down 33 cents to buy the quarters, which feature emblems of different U.S. states. At least five different state coins will be available by the end of this year and the Mint plans on issuing coins featuring the rest of the states by 2009. Gause believes anyone who collects a full set of the State coins will make a mint since a similar series of half-dollar coins issued 100 years ago is now worth $70,000. Although sources at the U.S. Mint were surprised to find out the quarters are selling for more than they're worth, a spokesperson says the government isn't worried about coin hoarding.

CONTACT: Andrew Gause, ***1/2; Arrange with Steve Town; Clearwater, FL; (727) 447-4992; Lynn Parrish (U.S. Mint); Washington, D.C.; (202) 874-9696