Why was the Surrender at Saratoga chosen to represent New York state for the U.S. Mint's "America the Beautiful" quarters program?

In my opinion, it was a no-brainer. The 1777 Battles of Saratoga were the turning point of the American Revolution. Burgoyne's Surrender marked the beginning of the end for the British. The Americans defeated a major a British army and forced them to lay down their arms. This opened the avenues for essential foreign recognition, primarily from France, whose support greatly contributed to America's winning the war.

Where can the public obtain Saratoga quarters?

They were first offered to the public at face value (two roll limit) at the U.S. Mint's coin launching ceremony held at Schuylerville High School on Nov. 17, 2015. The Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank & Trust Company handled the initial distribution of Saratoga quarters. They are available at these banks and at Adirondack Bank & Trust Company. Most other banks have them, too.

Will these Saratoga quarters be valuable in the future?

Some people who bought these 25-cent rolls at face value ($10) on launch day (Nov. 17, 2015) immediately tried to sell them on eBay for $20. Some people sold to buyers who simply wanted to possess the issue or collectors who had to acquire them on or shortly after launch day. New York's "Surrender at Saratoga" quarter is the 30th one in the series, which began in 2010. Rolls of quarters depicting other states ($10 face value) are being sold to collectors for anywhere from $11 to $14. So there is no great demand.

However, I believe the Saratoga quarter could end up being more valuable than the others in the future. We have the history of Saratoga's locale, the popularity of our wonderful city and the famous summer racing season. It would be a good idea for local businesses here to obtain rolls now and hold onto them for summer time use. Collectors want sealed rolls. So in time, sealed rolls could be worth $25-$35 each.

What do the tiny initials "BF" and "RG" on the coin stand for?

Barbara Fox drew and designed this coin's reverse. Renata Gordon is a U.S. Mint sculptor - engraver. She created the model used to make theeventual coin dies from Barbara Fox's chosen drawing. Thus the creators' initials appear on the coin. The design depicts General Burgoynesurrendering his sword to General Gates.

To read the complete article, see:
Five questions for Anthony Swiatek (www.saratogian.com/lifestyle/20160131/five-questions-for-anthony-swiatek)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
COIN TELEMARKETING PIONEER STANLEY APFELBAUM : The Swiatek-Breen Commemorative Book (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n03a19.html)