We were saddened to learn of the passing of Jay Johnson, on Saturday evening, October 17. Jay, who had a brief stint as Director of the Mint during the time that the Sacagawea "golden dollars" were launched, was truly "Mr. Nice Guy." He was warm, friendly, and always eager to talk about coins or anything else numismatic.
After leaving the Mint, he signed on with commercial activities, including promoting gold. He had hopes of regaining the Mint directorship some day, when the position again became vacant. Now that will not happen.
Jay was always eminently interviewable, perhaps from his earlier career as a newscaster and media person. During the preparation of our Guide Book of Washington Quarters he gave some reminiscences concerning the state quarters that surfaced during his administration, including some poignant commentary in particular on the Missouri issue.
Our condolences to his family.