- 04.03.2009
Baucus, Tester introduce palladium coin bill
Senators Say Collectors’ Coin Will Help Create Good-paying Jobs, Boost Mont. Economy
(Washington, D.C.) – Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester introduced legislation to establish a $20 collectors’ coin that will help boost Montana’s economy. The new coin will be uniquely composed of palladium from the Stillwater Mine in Montana – the only palladium mine in the U.S.
The new Double Eagle palladium coin will help create and sustain jobs at the Stillwater Mine in Columbus, Montana. Palladium is precious metal similar to platinum in composition and appearance that is used to make fine jewelry as well as catalytic converters.
“This is about putting Montana’s palladium on the map,” Baucus said. “Palladium is unique to the Big Sky state. Producing this coin will help create good-paying jobs and help steer us out of this economic downturn.”
“The national economy is making for tough times in Montana,” said Tester, a member of the Senate Banking Committee. “This bill could be a real shot in the arm for Montana’s mining industry and will help rebuild our economy by supporting good-paying jobs.
The coin design is based on the 1907 Double Eagle, a coin often described by collectors as the most beautiful coin ever produced. The original 1907 Double Eagle coin was made of gold and designed by famed artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
The Senate bill introduced by Baucus and Tester will go before the Senate Banking Committee for its consideration.