Mines coin idea that’s worth mint

KELLOGG, Idaho – The sound of real silver coins may once again ring out in the Silver Valley.

Customers will now have the option of receiving real silver as change from their purchases, even though the silver is not official currency.

Sterling Mining Co., based in Wallace, is working with area businesses to put real silver back into circulation with the $10 Sterling medallion. The valley encompasses the rich Coeur d’Alene mining district, started when Noah Kellogg found silver there in 1885.

Promoter Paul Robinson of KWAL Radio said that Shoshone County would become the first community in the nation to bring back silver as a means of exchange.

“We should have done this a long time ago,” Robinson said. “Silver is what we are all about.”

Sterling President Ray DeMotte, Bunker Hill Mine owner Bob Hopper and the Silver Valley Mining Association presented the idea to the local chamber of commerce earlier this week.

“Why shouldn’t we be the first in the nation?” asked Marlene Young, executive director of the Silver Valley Mining Association. “After all, we are the biggest silver producer in the world.”

Several business owners expressed concern that they could end up losing money if they take in a medallion as part of a transaction.

But the intention behind the Sterling, DeMotte said, is not to have it come back to businesses in payment for goods and services. Instead, DeMotte said he envisions the silver either being purchased outright as souvenirs or being offered as part of a customer’s change when they receive $10 or more back from a purchase.

Five hundred medallions have been minted so far, he said.