His pregnant wife calls ... They allow cellphones in here? Yes, but no camera, he says. No CD or DVD burners on these computers. Says security at the Mint is wary of all kinds of techy devices, like the laptop I'm using. Our security escort says it wouldn't be allowed if he weren't here.
On Menna's computer is scanned-in copy of his original pencil drawing of Washington. "We were provided with very specific references materials from the U.S. Mint headquarters in D.C. In this case it was a Gilbert Stuart portrait." His design was also chosen for the front of the Jefferson dollar, third in the series. The unveiling of his Washington design took place in Washington right next to the actual Stuart painting at the National Portrait Gallery. "That was bizarre," he says. His cubicle has pictures of scultpures he's done. Considers this work fine art. Taught sculpture and drawing in Trenton for four years ...
He's excited about this job ... We're doing things here no one else is doing on the planet, he says. ... 36, lives in Bordentown, N.J.
Handling the technical issues can be overwhelming, he says. Coin has to be able to be reproduced millions of times, stand up to constant use by the public. Not meeting Congressional deadlines is "breaking the law" he says.
5 staff artists and 10 outside master artists were eligible to submit designs for the dollar coins. "Ironically, Washington, I really didn't think I had a shot at." He was assigned to submit a Madison portrait, but his Washington and Jefferson ones were chosen. "Which is fine by me."
THIS IS THE FIRST COIN that he designed and sculpted himself, after he'd been here only six months. He's a bit in awe. "Yeah, it was great," he says. "I might work here another 20 years but this was really a unique opportunity." First coin in a flagship series. "I had a good first year."
Got a lot of support from Mercanti, he says.
Inquirer reporter Mike Jensen is the college basketball columnist for the Inquirer. Each year, he gives a special insight into the tournament.
Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane is the beat writer for Temple. He will pick the tournament.
Inquirer reporter Tom Fitzgerald will blog about Hillary Clinton's Pa. visits March 10 &11.
Inquirer reporter Larry Eichel will post updates on Bill Clinton's March 7 visit to Media.
Inquirer reporter Tim Panaccio will write about National Hockey League trade talk. 
Inquirer reporter David Aldridge will live-blog the week before the NBA's trade deadline. 
Peter Mucha began this blog, before moving on to other writing duties.
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