Karsten Lemm

Rob Holsen, Coin Washer

August 11, 2012
August 11, 2012
Rob Holsen, coin wahser at the St. Francis hotel in San Francisco

Here’s a perfectly legal kind of money laundering. Back in the 1930s, when high-society women were typically wearing white gloves, the director of San Francisco’s St. Francis Hotel decided to have every coin washed squeaky clean before it was handed out again. The tradition has been been upheld ever since. The man in charge, Rob Holsen, has been looking after pennies and dollars that are badly in need of a shower for more than 15 years. I met him for a profile in the Financial Times Germany in 2011.

Further Reading

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Climate Action’s Secret Weapon: Smart Farming

What’s the best way to cool the planet down? That’s probably the most urgent question we face, as it’s becoming clear how quickly global temperatures are rising.

High-Flyer From the Lowlands

A fear of heights isn’t ideal if your big dream is to become a stunt flyer. But it’s the perfect premise for a Disney movie, so here