The history of any community, be it large or small, lies with the people who made it grow and prosper. The town of Coin grew out of a settlement called "Snow Hill" located approximately a mile north of what is presently Coin.
    The name "Coin" came about in a very interesting way. It is told that a surveyor working on the railroad found a coin and remarked it would be a good name for a town. Thus "Coin" was incorporated on July 30th, 1881 by a vote of 67 to 28. It is noteworthy that the name be associated with the railroad as there were two lines running through the small community. The Burlington Railroad running from east to west and the Wabash Railroad running from north to south. Freight and mail were transferred from one to the other by dray.
    Coin holds the distinction of being the only city with this name in the United States. There is only one other in the world, this being "Coin" Spain. Coin, Iowa is nestled in southwest Iowa near the Missouri border between Shenandoah and Clarinda, Iowa.
    There are a number of Coin natives who deserve recognition for their contribution in their chosen fields. Probably the most recognized would be Forrest L. Buchtel in music. Forrest wrote many of the band marches used in school systems even today. Another prominent native is Dr. Doris (Whitmore) Morehead whose work in the field of science was instrumental in the development of the atomic bomb, which lead to the end of World War II. Dr. Charles Luke, also in the field of science, held a high post in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
    A report would not be complete if the contributions of a black family were not mentioned. Jasper Prince owned and operated a grocery store and was highly regarded for his endeavors during the severe racial conflicts. His sons went on to become great scholars and outstanding citizens.
    An interesting part of the history of Coin would be the mention of the Opera House located on Main Street in the 1930s. A production group called "The Tom Thumb Theater Group" traveled throughout the area offering plays and entertainment which would feature local people being given the opportunity to participate using their talents.
    Possibly one of the highlights of the 1950s were the minstrel shows presented by the Coin Community Club. This proved to reveal the talent of many local residents, proving great entertainment and filling the high school auditorium for several performances.
    The "Sun" Theater played a very important part in the entertainment of young and old alike. Beginning with the "silent movies" with local ladies playing appropriate piano selections to fit the feature. Louise Hines and Fern Chambers were two who filled this most important role.
    A Coin history report would not be complete without the mention of school Superintendent C.H. Keho and his talented wife Kitty Keho. They served as Superintendent and teachers at the Coin Consolidated Schools from 1924 through 1959.
    Much could be said of various people and events that have occurred over the years. One such event was the talented singing sisters Louise and Lois Jean Hines. They road the Burlington train from Coin to Clarinda to sing on radio station KSO as "Bonnie and Betty, the Harmony Twins." They would stay the night in Clarinda and return to Coin by rail the next morning.
    Many stories could be told of the contributions and accomplishments of students and residents. To try to name them all would be impossible.