As we as nation approach the 244th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence I thought of a subject which seemed appropriate and connected to the words written on those cherished sheets of paper. As I looked at the fifty-six names on the bottom for inspiration, several names suddenly became linked to the creation of our financial system. Three of which represented on our coinage, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington on the two current coins and Benjamin Franklin on the former half dollar. In an instant the latter became the subject of research for this weeks topic and wow, what a fascinating brilliant individual Franklin was. One would think, as I had, that it be about the half dollar or his connection to the Continental Dollar, it is not.    Enjoy!