Treasure Hunt by Peter Rexford

As a policy, I'd never suggest a way to profit from someone else's misfortune. Certainly, blindness is not only unfortunate, but those who have sight might consider it an absolute tragedy. Others, however, might have a different take. It's been proven that once a sense is diminished or absent, others increase to help fill the void. For those that are blind, their senses of smell, hearing, touch and even perception may well be heightened. As for it being a "disability," some such as musical wizard Stevie Wonder might argue it's actually an ability. That's a question for the ages.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Mint released a commemorative silver dollar recognizing the invention and implementation of the Braille alphabet that enables the blind to read. Created by Frenchman Louis Braille in the early 1800s, the system revolutionized learning and living for the blind.

The dollar coins — replete with actual Braille lettering on the design — met with good success from collectors. Now, the Mint is offering a specially packaged "Braille Education Set" in a very limited edition of just 25,000 total pieces.

The tri-fold binder sets contain one of the uncirculated 2009 coins along with readable Braille and other educational information. The cost of the Educational Set is $44.95 (plus $4.95 shipping), but the aftermarket just may have the chance to go much higher. That's because the Mint is limiting purchases to "one set per household."

In one sense that is somewhat unfair — if you want to purchase one but someone else at your address already ordered one, you're out of luck. The upside is that the rule prevents dealers or speculators from purchasing blocks of them and cornering the market. Either way, in the past, some issues with such distribution restrictions have jumped in value after all were sold out.

There's certainly no guarantee of future value or profit, but it's something to consider. Those interested should contact the Mint by calling toll-free 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) or logging onto the website at: www.usmint.gov/catalog.

A new quarter may not have the limited-edition or silver value of the aforementioned Braille commemorative dollar set, but it is sure to capture the attention of anyone who's dreamed of white sand beaches and crystal blue waters.

And, with just a few images, the coin reflects a story of both paradise and tragedy.

The quarter honors the U.S. Virgin Islands as the fifth coin in the U.S. Territories Series — a "curtain call" of sorts to the U.S. State Quarters Series of the past 10 years.

The history of the Virgin Islands dates back further than written records allow. Columbus stumbled across them in 1493. Around 50 years later, Spanish forces invaded the island and all but decimated the local Caribe tribes. Denmark laid claim to the islands in the late 1500s and divided the territory with England. Slaves were imported to farm and produce the sugar and cotton grown on the islands.

Now add pirates to that pretty picture. The Virgin Islands were the base for pirates Henry Morgan, Blackbeard and others to attack Spanish galleons and merchant ships. It might all seem less than idyllic, but things began to change in 1848 when slavery was abolished and the pirates were gone.

Without slaves, the plantations fell into an economic decline. In 1917, the U.S. purchased the potion of the islands belonging to Denmark as a strategic port. By 1927, islanders received U.S. citizenship and a governor was elected in 1970. Today, the 125,000 residents are 80 percent black and 15 percent white.

Not surprisingly, the allure of the islands today is tourism comprising much of the island's economy augmented by the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, rum, textiles and electronics. At St. Croix, one of the world's largest oil refineries offers another strategic resource.

The new quarter showcases the beauty of the islands with images of the Bananaquit, Yellow Elder and Tyre Palm, the official bird, flower and tree respectively. The coin also features an outline of the territory's three major islands. Inscribed along with the images are the words, "U.S. Virgin Islands" and "United In Pride and Hope," the official motto of the territory.

The coins were officially released last week at St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, but are being produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints in the United States. They should be showing up in pocket change in the next month or so. Collectors wishing uncirculated rolls can purchase those directly from the Mint via phone or their website.

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the new U.S. Virgin Islands quarter has been sent with this column.

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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