This is the most comprehensive book ever published about the Denver Mint. It takes readers from the days when gold dust was legal tender in the dusty frontier town of Denver to the present when the Mint is a world-class facility that makes most of our coins. The authors were granted rare access to mint documents and photographs, exclusive interviews, and a special guided tour through the mint. Some of these stories have never been made public before. Thus, it provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the Denver Mint—entertaining stories of colorful characters, controversial coins, and the creative artists behind the nation's coinage.

The book covers everything from workday life at the Mint to tales of gangsters and dramatic gold transfers. It goes beyond the basics, with well-researched slices of information, photos and interviews. Even money-oriented recipes are included (mint brownies, anyone?).

Lisa Ray Turner is an award-winning writer of both fiction and nonfiction. She is the author of three novels, a book of essays (co-authored with Thomas S. Bollard), and many magazine articles for national publications. Lisa graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education and received her master's degree in Music. She teaches writing at Lighthouse Writers in Denver, and humanities at the University of Phoenix. Lisa is an avid coin collector. Unfortunately, as soon as she collects the coins, she spends them.

Long-time Coloradoan Kimberly Field holds a bachelor's degree in Archaeology and a master's in Journalism. Kim has written on western water issues, earthquake prediction, and the influence of volcanoes in impressionist art. Her first introduction to the Denver Mint's products came with the shiny Kennedy half-dollars she received for each "A" on her report card.