Philly-born John Mercanti is head of engraving at the Mint. Apprenticed here in 1974. As a sculptor-engraver. "I'm actually the last engraver on staff that did steel carving." Gravers, wood handled tools with hard steel blades are used to cut into hard steel, he explains, showing a rack of about 28 antique tools. Gold, silver carving, too. Bald Eagle print on the wall behind him.
"Myself, I've done over 100 coins and medals in my career." Leif Ericcson coin that won coin of the year in 2002 in an international competition. Statue of Liberty commemorative dollar that came out in 1986. Sculpting and design of the back of a half-dozen 50-state quarters, including the Wright Brothers plane for North Carolina, and state outline of Pennsylvania with image of the goddess Commonwealth.
The dollar program hasn't been successful in the past, he said. "I think this program will change that 180 degrees." They're more collectible, "There's going to be renewed interest every 4 for the next 10 years." Four presidents a year. "It was my job to oversee the design process ... I have a highly talented young staff, and I'm really proud of what they've done."
He picks up a coin, explains the reverse will stay the same. Don Everhart designed it. New: Has the number "$1" ... it's always been spelled out before.And get this: ON THE EDGE OF THE COIN is engraved "In God We Trust ... E Pluribus Unum ... 2007P."
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.
Comments (1)
The best part of Manhattan is Central Park.
Posted by Rachell Gonzales | November 7, 2011 8:26 PM
Posted on November 7, 2011 20:26