Contact Information: American Eagle Foundation Web Site: http://www.eagles.org E-mail: Phone: 865-429-0157
Celebrity Eagle "Challenger" Earns Historic Place on New U.S. Half-Dollar Commemorative Coin -- Now On Sale
Proceeds Benefit Future Bald Eagle Care & Preservation Efforts
| Source: American Eagle Foundation
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - May 1, 2008) - Ewire -- Eagle images and emblems have
graced United States coins since the founding of our nation. However,
"Challenger," an internationally known Bald Eagle ambassador with nearly
two decades of educational public service, has become the first bird or
animal in American history to have both its personal likeness and name
featured on a legal tender coin.
It's a special honor and distinction that many other iconic animals -- such
as Lassie, Secretariat, Flipper, Gentle Ben, Rin Tin Tin, Ling Ling or
Shamu -- have not had, according to the not-for-profit American Eagle
Foundation (www.eagles.org), caretaker of the trained 19 year-old
free-flying eagle.
This rare first in U.S. coinage history gives both serious and novice
numismatic enthusiasts a worthy and compelling reason to purchase one of
the 750,000 limited edition Challenger coins before they sell out,
according to the conservation group.
"This beautiful collectable coin makes a wonderful and lasting gift for our
children and grandchildren," AEF President Al Cecere said. "And a portion
of the sales price from each coin will help protect the Bald Eagle, a
precious national treasure, for generations to come."
The recently minted Challenger eagle commemorative coin went on sale on
January 15th and will be available for purchase from the United States Mint
(www.usmint.gov) until December 31, 2008 or until it sells out, whichever
comes first.
The reverse (back) side of the coin features Challenger's portrait and
name, while the obverse (front) side has the image of two downy sibling
eaglets snuggled against an unhatched egg.
For the full release please follow this link:
http://www.ewire.com/display.cfm/Wire_ID/4693