Siphon coins make historic gift
Numbered limited edition in silver nearly sold out
YUMA, ARIZONA - Yuma is celebrating Arizona's Centennial in many ways, but its promotion of a commemorative coin has caused the most stir outside the area.
The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area minted a limited edition of 100 silver medallions, featuring the Arizona Centennial on one side and an image of the Yuma Siphon, which also opened in 1912 and brought irrigation water underneath the Colorado River to 50,000 acres of rich Yuma farmland.
The Siphon commemoration was suggested by Bruce Gwynn, whose grandfather, E.F. Sanguinetti, had produced a similar coin back in 1912 in honor of the opening of the Siphon.
Within weeks of the initial announcement, more than 60 of the silver coins had been sold.
"We have been amazed at the response, not just from here in Yuma, but from collectors all over the country", said Charles Flynn, the Heritage Area's director. "If you want one of this limited edition of the silver medallion, I suggest you act promptly. Fortunately, we also have a much larger number of bronze coins for sale."
The coins were crafted by Yuma master jeweler Paul Bensel of Paul Bensel Jewelers.
The cost of the limited edition silver medallions is $250 each, including a display case. Orders may be placed at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park during business hours, or call 928-783-4771. Click here to download an order form.
The commemorative medallion has also been cast in bronze in an unnumbered edition, and are now on sale for $25 plus tax. The bronze coins are available at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park (1 Prison Hill Road, 783-4771), at the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park (201 N. 4th Ave., 928-783-0071), and at Paul Bensel Jewelers (264 W. 32nd Ave., 928-344-3344).
Net proceeds from the sale of both the limited edition silver medallions and the bronze medallions will be used to help pay for planned Centennial activities sponsored by the Heritage Area.
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Ann Walker, 928-376-0100 (office), 928-210-9044 (cell), ann@visityuma.com
Visitor Information Center: 1-800-293-0071
www.visityuma.com
Yuma Visitors Bureau markets the Yuma area within the travel and tourism industry and to the general public. Direct travel spending in Yuma County totaled more than $566 million in 2010, supported nearly 5,800 jobs and generated $36.3 million in state and local tax revenues.
A longtime favorite with sun-seeking snowbirds, Yuma's population nearly doubles in the winter months, thanks to more than 23,000 spots in RV parks and resorts. The community also offers nearly 4,000 hotel rooms, conference and meeting facilities, and three casinos. For more details about Yuma's year-round attractions, special events - and the rarely "cloudy with a chance of tacos" forecast* - visit www.visityuma.com or call 800-293-0071.
* Yuma hotel guests will eat free every day the sun doesn't shine from Aug. 1, 2011 until July 31, 2012! For more information on our Centennial "free board" promotion, call us.
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