Curiously enough, the first American silver coins, issued in 1794, had fifteen stars because by that time Vermont and Kentucky have joined the Union. At that time it was apparently the intention of mint officials to add a star for each new state. Following the admission of Tennessee in 1796, for example, some varieties of half dimes, dimes, and half dollars were produced with sixteen stars. As more states were admitted to the Union, however, it quickly became apparent that this scheme would not prove practical and the coins from 1798 were issued with only thirteen Stars - one for each of the original colonies. Due to an error at the mint, one variety of the 1828 half-cent was issued with only twelve stars. There is also a variety of the large cent with only 12 stars, but this is the result of a die break and is not a true error. Question 31: What is the main topic of the passage? A. Stars on American coins B. The teaching of astronomy in state universities C. Colonial stamps and coins D. The star as national symbol of the United States Question 32: The expression "Curiously enough" is used because the author finds it strange that _____. A. Tennessee was the first state to use half dimes B. Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union in 1794 C. silver coins with fifteen stars appeared before coins with thirteen D. no silver coins were issued until 1794 Question 33: Why was a coin produced in 1828 with only twelve stars? A. Tennessee had left the Union. B. The mint made a mistake. C. There were twelve states at the time. D. There is a change in design policy. Question 34: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as the denomination of an American coin? A. Half nickel B. Half-dollar C. Hall cent D. Half dime Question 35: The word "their" in line 1 refers to _________. A. features B. coins C. stars D. colonies