Q: I’m collecting the presidential gold dollar coins for my grandchildren. The set started in 2007 and could be bought at banks for face value. This is the sixth year of the set and now they can be bought only from the U.S. Mint, and the cost has increased. Why do I now have to order them straight from the Mint at more than what I was paying?
—Charles Kenneth Lester, Dunwoody
A: The U.S. Mint is cutting its production of the presidential coins because there are $1.4 billion in surplus dollar coins sitting in Federal Reserve vaults, USA Today reported in December, saving the Treasury Department about $50 million a year. "We shouldn't be wasting money on money," Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said. Presidential coins released this year include Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland (first term), Benjamin Harrison and Cleveland (second term). "And as it will shock you all, the call for Chester A. Arthur coins is not there," Vice President Joe Biden joked. The coins will continue to be offered through the U.S. Mint's website.
Q: Is Georgia's “stand your ground” law different from the one in Florida?
—Gerald Carrington, Marietta
A: Georgia and Florida have "virtually identical" laws, which are similar to 23 other states, the AJC reported. The "stand your ground" laws for both states have been on the books for more than 100 years.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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