As is typical for a government agency, the U.S. Mint has screwed up another good idea.

In their recent press release about the "Braille coin", they crow about making a coin with Braille writing on it, implying that it will make it easier to use for blind people. Of course the writing in Braille, which merely says "Braille" is of no help whatsoever.

Further compounding their stupidity, they say:

It will be the first coin ever minted in the history of our country to contain readable Braille characters

This is in reference to a coin they made earlier in honor of Helen Keller, where they goofed and made the Braille writing on that coin unreadable by the blind.

Here at Shire Silver, we recognize that what makes it hard for blind people to distinguish between coins are things like using base metal alloys instead of pure precious metals. A fine silver coin makes a distinctive tone when dropped on a hard surface - in fact, a listener can hear the difference between fine and sterling silver. A blind person should be capable of determining the amount of money they have by weight and sound; no marking is needed! Having easily "read" markings can help, but only if they are deep and distinct enough.

That's one of the reasons why the Shire Silver design is so straightforward. A fancy design makes it harder for the blind to feel the design. Of course a fancy design makes it cost more as well, but then no one ever accused the government of spending wisely.

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