2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

New Martin Van Buren $1 Coin Debuts on November 13, 2008

New Martin Van Buren $1 Coin Debuts on November 13, 2008

The newest Presidential $1 Coin honoring Martin Van Buren will be available to the public on Thursday, November 13, 2008. Born in 1767 in Kinderhook, New York, Martin Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States (1837-1841).

The son of a farmer and tavern keeper, Van Buren became involved in New York politics and in 1821 was elected to the United States Senate. By 1827, he had emerged as the principal northern leader for Andrew Jackson. President Jackson rewarded Van Buren by appointing him Secretary of State, and viewed him as his most trusted advisor. In 1832, Van Buren was elected Vice President on the Jacksonian ticket, and in 1836 he won the Presidency.

Interestingly, Martin Van Buren was:

• The first president to be born an American citizen (his predecessors were born before the revolution.)
• The only president who did not speak English as a first language (he grew up speaking Dutch.)
• The third president to serve only one term, after John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams.
• One of only two people to serve as Secretary of State, Vice-President, and President (the other was Thomas Jefferson.)
• A key organizer of the Democratic Party and a dominant figure in the Second Party System.
• Defeated for reelection by William Henry Harrison and the Whigs in 1840, Van Buren ran unsuccessfully for President on the Free Soil ticket in 1848. He died in 1862 at his Lindenwald estate in Kinderhook.

United States Mint Unveils 2009 Presidential $1 Coin Designs

United States Mint Unveils 2009 Presidential $1 Coin Designs

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint today released the four new portraits that will appear on the obverse (heads side) of Presidential $1 Coins in 2009.  The coins honor former Presidents William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James K. Polk and Zachary Taylor. 

"We hope Americans not only appreciate the aesthetic qualities of the Presidential $1 Coins, but also remember each President's legacy every time they use the coins in their daily transactions," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy.  "Presidential $1 Coins are convenient to use, save the taxpayers money, and are durable and last for decades."

Beginning with the William Henry Harrison Presidential $1 Coin next year, "In God We Trust" will appear on the obverse of all Presidential $1 Coins.  As a result, the edge lettering of the 2009 Presidential $1 Coins will be slightly different from that of 2007 and 2008.  Where currently there are single dots (delimiters) between the inscriptions, in 2009 there will be three stars between "E Pluribus Unum" and the mint mark and 10 stars between the year of minting and "E Pluribus Unum."

The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 directed the United States Mint to inscribe the year of minting or issuance, and the national mottos "E Pluribus Unum" and "In God We Trust" on the edge of the Presidential $1 Coin.  In 2008, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included a provision directing the Secretary of the Treasury to move the inscription "In God We Trust" from the edge of the Presidential $1 Coin to the obverse (heads side) or reverse (tails side) of the coin.

Designs for the 2009 Presidential $1 Coins are based on official White House portraits, intaglio prints and medal designs.  The first Presidential $1 Coin of 2009, struck in honor of our ninth President, William Henry Harrison, bears an image sculpted and designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.  The second Presidential $1 Coin of 2009, honoring John Tyler, our Nation's 10th President, bears an image designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.  The third coin, honoring the 11th President, James K. Polk, features an obverse portrait designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers.  The fourth coin, honoring Zachary Taylor, our 12th President, features an obverse portrait by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.   The reverse design on all Presidential $1 Coins features a rendition of the Statue of Liberty, designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. 

Launched in 2007, the Presidential $1 Coin Program features a series of designs honoring four Presidents annually, with a new coin issued approximately every three months.  Since the inception of the multi-year program, the United States Mint has minted more than 1.4 billion new $1 coins. 

United States Mint Unveils New 2009 Lincoln Penny Designs

United States Mint Unveils New 2009 Penny Designs

WASHINGTON - The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Plaza was the backdrop today for the unveiling, by United States Mint Director Ed Moy, of four new designs for the circulating 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Coins.  Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Co-Chairman Harold Holzer joined Director Moy for the unveiling. 

Authorized by Public Law 109-145, the four new designs celebrate the bicentennial of President Abraham Lincoln's birth, as well as the 100th anniversary of the production of the Lincoln cent (penny).  The new designs will be issued in approximately three-month intervals throughout the year.  The first redesigned penny, which will honor Lincoln's birth and early childhood, will be put into circulation on February 12, 2009.

"This is a momentous occasion in the history of our Nation's coinage because these designs represent the first change in the Lincoln cent in half a century," said Director Moy.  "These coins are a tribute to one of our greatest Presidents whose legacy has had a lasting impact on our country.  He believed all men were created equal, and his life was a model for accomplishing the American dream through honesty, integrity, loyalty, and a lifetime of education."

The four designs to be featured on the reverse of the Lincoln pennies represent four major aspects of President Lincoln's life:  his birth and childhood in Kentucky, his formative years in Indiana, his professional life in Illinois and his Presidency in Washington, D.C.  The inscriptions on the reverse of the coins will be "United States of America," "E Pluribus Unum" and "One Cent."

The obverse (heads side) of the one-cent coins will continue to bear Victor David Brenner's likeness of President Lincoln, introduced in 1909, and the motto "In God We Trust."  At the end of the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Coin Program, the reverse of the penny will feature a design emblematic of President Lincoln's preservation of the United States of America as a single and united country. 

A Lincoln commemorative silver dollar, authorized by Public Law 109-285, also will be released in 2009.

United States Mint Honors John Quincy Adams with Sixth Presidential $1 Coin

United States Mint Honors John Quincy Adams with Sixth Presidential $1 Coin

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint paid tribute to the Nation's sixth President by releasing the John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin into general circulation on May 15, 2008.  John Quincy Adams had a long and distinguished public service career.  After his Presidency, Adams served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 17 years. 

"$1 coins are great for use in everyday transactions, and the John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin is also an educational tool," said United States Mint Acting Deputy Director Dan Shaver. "As Americans use the coin in commerce, we hope it prompts them to learn about this President's contributions to our great Nation."

John Quincy Adams devoted most of his adult life to public service.  After graduating from Harvard College, he became a lawyer.  He was appointed minister to the Netherlands by George Washington and served in the administration of his father, President John Adams, as minister to Prussia.  He also was elected to the U.S. Senate.  While serving as Secretary of State in the administration of James Monroe, John Quincy Adams arranged with England for the joint occupation of the Oregon country and obtained from Spain the cession of the Floridas.

John Quincy Adams was elected President in 1824 and served one term in office.  John Adams, the Nation's second President, and John Quincy Adams, the sixth President, were the first father and son to be elected President of the United States.

While serving in the House of Representatives after his Presidency, John Quincy Adams worked tirelessly to end slavery in America.  He introduced many petitions to abolish slavery and the slave trade.  He also successfully represented the Amistad Africans before the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that they were being held illegally as slaves because the international slave trade had been abolished, though slavery in America had yet to be ended.

The United States Mint has issued more than one billion Presidential $1 Coins in the order the Presidents served, starting with the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin in February 2007.  John Quincy Adams was the sixth President, and he is being honored with the sixth Presidential $1 Coin.

The design of the John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin, like all of the Presidential $1 Coins, was created to be bold and dramatic.  The inscriptions "E Pluribus Unum" and "In God We Trust," as well as the date and the mint mark, are edge-lettered on the John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin.  Next year, the 2009 Presidential $1 Coins will bear the inscription "In God We Trust" on the obverse (heads side) of the coin. 

The obverse of the John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.  He also designed and sculpted the reverse (tails side) of all the Presidential $1 Coins, featuring a magnificent image of the Statue of Liberty.

The United States Mint inaugurated the Presidential $1 Coin Series with the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin on February 15, 2007, in time for Presidents Day weekend.  The John Adams Presidential $1 Coin followed on May 17, 2007; the Thomas Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin was introduced on August 16, 2007; the James Madison Presidential $1 Coin was introduced on November 15, 2007; and the James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin was released on February 14, 2008.

United States Mint to Issue a Tribute to a Beloved President: James Monroe

United States Mint to Issue a Tribute to a Beloved President: James Monroe
Monroe’s Virginia Home Will Be First Place to Get New Coins

Washington, D.C. - Valentine's Day 2008 will mean more to Americans than chocolate and flowers.  February 14, 2008, is the day the Nation may exchange dollar bills at banks and financial institutions for shiny new Presidential $1 Coins honoring a President who was beloved in his time, James Monroe.

Monroe's Presidency was known as "The Era of Good Feelings," and he was one of the country's most popular chief executives.  Monroe served as the Nation's fifth President from 1817 to 1825 and, accordingly, this is the United States Mint's fifth Presidential $1 Coin.  When President Monroe took office, the War of 1812 had ended, the Nation was expanding beyond the original 13 colonies and there were few political conflicts.  When he was re-elected in 1820, President Monroe won all but one of the electoral votes in every state.  Dozens of towns, cities and counties nationwide are named after Monroe and, of special significance on this Valentine's Day, Monroe's daughter, Maria Hester, was married in the first White House wedding.

"The James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin is a tribute to a great President," said Acting United States Mint Deputy Director Dan Shaver.  "We hope that when people spend this coin, they'll remember that Monroe distinguished himself as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and served his Nation as a U.S. Senator, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and finally as our fifth President.  Above all, he was widely known for his exceptional energy, character, and poise.  President James Monroe made remarkable contributions to our Nation."

On Wednesday, February 13, 2008, the home of James and Elizabeth Monroe, Ash Lawn-Highland, near Charlottesville, Virginia, will become the first place in the Nation where Americans may obtain the new James Monroe Presidential $1 Coins a day before they go into circulation.  There will be a brief ceremony at 11:00 a.m., and a coin exchange will follow. The public and news media are invited.

This year, the Nation will mark the 250th anniversary of President Monroe's birth on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.  James Monroe fought in the Revolutionary War and was painted holding the flag behind General George Washington in the famous work, "Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze. 

President Monroe was the author of the Monroe Doctrine, which became a longstanding tenet of U.S. foreign policy.  The three main concepts of the doctrine - separate spheres of influence for the Americas and Europe, non-colonization, and non-intervention - were designed to signify a clear break between the New World and the European powers.

The design of the James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin, like all of the Presidential $1 Coins, was created to be bold and dramatic.  Edge-lettering draws attention to the inscriptions "E Pluribus Unum" and "In God We Trust," as well as the date and the mint mark.  Next year, the 2009 Presidential $1 Coins will bear "In God We Trust" on the front or back of the coin, as mandated by Congress in December 2007. 

The obverse (heads side) of the James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Joseph Menna.  The reverse (tails side) on all the Presidential $1 Coins is a magnificent image of the Statue of Liberty, designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.

The United States Mint inaugurated the Presidential $1 Coin Series with the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin on February 15, 2007, in time for Presidents Day weekend.  The John Adams Presidential $1 Coin followed on May 17, 2007, the Thomas Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin was launched on August 16, 2007, and the James Madison Presidential $1 Coin went into circulation on November 15, 2007.

United States Mint Reveals What The Four New 2008 Presidential $1 Coins Will Look Like

United States Mint Reveals What the Four New 2008 Presidential $1 Coins Will Look Like
Launching Pilot Program to Increase Circulation of Presidential $1 Coins

WASHINGTON - Jingling in your pockets in 2008 will be Presidential $1 Coins bearing the images of James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren-the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth Presidents of the United States. The United States Mint released photographs of the four coins today.

The United States Mint will be putting a new Presidential $1 Coin into circulation every three months in 2008 beginning with the James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin on February 14. The John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin will follow May 15. Then look for the Andrew Jackson Presidential $1 Coin on August 14 and the Martin Van Buren Presidential $1 Coin on November 13.

"We hope the next four Presidential $1 Coins will not only jingle in pockets but be spent as well," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. "These coins are convenient. Each Presidential $1 Coin weighs less than four quarters, and they're especially useful for vending machines and mass transit."

The United States Mint is launching a business-to-business pilot program in metropolitan Washington, D.C., to increase the use of Presidential $1 Coins and to stimulate business and bank customer demand nationwide.

This local market initiative will focus on key stakeholders within metropolitan Washington, D.C., whose involvement will be pivotal in identifying and overcoming barriers to circulation. The initiative will emphasize that the Presidential $1 Coin is not just for collectors, but also a convenient alternative for many transactions.

"We will be working with several local retailers and banks in a concentrated area to facilitate the increased circulation of Presidential $1 Coins," said Director Moy. "We want to see more of these coins used in daily transactions and given out as change like other denominations."

In 2007, more than 800 million Presidential $1 Coins were ordered by the Federal Reserve and put into circulation. The first four coins, with the images of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, are circulating throughout the economy.

Each Presidential $1 Coin will be shipped to banks and other financial institutions in rolls and small bags, unmixed with other $1 coins. Banks may order and store each Presidential $1 Coin up to two weeks before its introduction so financial institutions will have supplies on hand on the release date. The coins will be available to banks in unmixed rolls and bags for four weeks after their introduction. However, banks may re-order Presidential $1 Coins after the four-week window, in case there are remaining supplies. The special ordering process begins again two weeks prior to the date on which each new Presidential $1 Coin is released. To boost awareness and usage, the United States Mint is offering financial institutions and retail businesses free informational materials about the program at www.usmint.gov/$1coin.

Students, teachers, parents and educational organizations also can download lesson plans and other free educational materials at https://www.usmint.gov/kids/.

Millions Of New Thomas Jefferson $1 Coins Roll Into Circulation

MILLIONS OF NEW THOMAS JEFFERSON $1 COINS ROLL INTO CIRCULATION

WASHINGTON (August 16, 2007) – The Nation is getting a new coin today – the Thomas Jefferson $1 Coin – the third coin in the United States Mint’s new Presidential $1 Coin series.

Thomas Jefferson $1 Coins are available at most banks and financial institutions throughout the country, starting today.  The golden-colored Thomas Jefferson $1 Coins may also be purchased in collector bags and rolls on the United States Mint’s Web site, http://www.usmint.gov/, at noon ET.

The new Thomas Jefferson $1 Coin is the third coin in the series, because Thomas Jefferson was the Nation’s third President.  But a survey released this week by the United States Mint found that only 30% of Americans know that fact.  According to the Presidential $1 Coin Survey, only seven percent of Americans can name the Nation’s first four Presidents in order:  George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.   

“That’s what’s great about the Presidential $1 Coin Program,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. “These dramatic new Presidential $1 Coins provide a perfect opportunity for Americans to learn more about our Presidents and the critical roles they played in some of our Nation’s historic milestones.”

To help Americans brush up on their Presidential history, the United States Mint provides on its website downloadable lesson plans for teachers and parents; background information on the Presidents featured in the Presidential $1 Coin Program; and other fun interactive options. Information and materials are free at http://www.usmint.gov/. 

The United States Mint inaugurated the Presidential $1 Coin series with the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin on February 15, 2007 in time for Presidents Day Weekend. The John Adams Presidential $1 Coin followed in May. The James Madison Presidential $1 Coin will be introduced on November 15, 2007.

“The Presidential $1 Coins not only have educational value,” said Director Moy. “They offer Americans a choice when it comes to their currency.  While the dollar bill is useful in many instances, there are other times when a coin is more convenient, such as at vending machines and transit kiosks.”

More than half a billion George Washington and John Adams Presidential $1 Coins have been ordered by the Federal Reserve for circulation.  Public awareness of the new Presidential $1 Coins has tripled from approximately 18 percent in November 2006, when the designs of the coins were unveiled, to 64 percent in June 2007.  The United States Mint is offering financial institutions and retail businesses free informational materials via http://www.usmintinfo.gov/$1coin.

History of the Presidential $1 Coin Program
Congress authorized and President Bush approved the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005.  The Act requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue Presidential $1 Coins honoring the United States Presidents in the order in which they served, with four new designs annually. 

Each President will be honored with a single Presidential $1 Coin, regardless of the number of consecutive terms he served, except for Grover Cleveland, the only U.S. President to serve non-consecutive terms. He will be honored on two coins. No living, former or current President can be honored on a Presidential $1 Coin.

Unique Designs Honor Historic Figures
The design of the Thomas Jefferson $1 Coin, like all of the Presidential $1 Coins, was created to be bold and dramatic. Edge-lettering also draws attention to the inscriptions “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust,” as well as the date and the mint mark, distinguishing Presidential $1 Coins from all other coins in circulation today.

The obverse (heads side) of the Thomas Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin was designed and sculpted by Joe Menna, a United States Mint Medallic Artist.  The reverse (tails side) on all the Presidential $1 Coins is a magnificent image of the Statue of Liberty, designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.

The new Presidential $1 Coins are identical in color and size to the Golden Dollar featuring Sacagawea, and have the same distinctive rim and tactile features to assist the visually impaired.  The obverse (heads side) of each coin will feature an image of a former President and the years of his term of office. The reverse (tails side) displays an image of the Statue of Liberty and the inscriptions “United States of America” and “$1.”

First U.S. Coin Featuring President John Adams Heads Into Circulation Nationwide Today

First U.S. Coin Featuring President John Adams Heads Into Circulation Nationwide Today
United States Mint Director Travels to Quincy, MA, for Launch of New Presidential $1 Coin

WASHINGTON – Millions of new John Adams Presidential $1 Coins are heading to the Nation’s banks and financial institutions. It is the first time the United States has featured President Adams on a coin. The United States Mint is marking the occasion with a ceremonial launch and coin exchange in John Adams’ birthplace of Quincy, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, May 22.

Those who cannot travel to Quincy may obtain John Adams Presidential $1 Coins at most banks and financial institutions throughout the country, starting today, May 17. Banks that run out of John Adams Presidential $1 Coins are encouraged to re-order them. The public may also order Presidential $1 Coins in bags and rolls at the United States Mint’s website www.usmint.gov.

“John Adams was a great patriot who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and served as Vice President and then President of our Nation in its early days,” said Director Edmund C. Moy. “This new coin provides the opportunity to learn more about our second President and his fascinating life. With the John Adams Presidential $1 Coin, like the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin before it, Americans are discovering that using a dollar coin is more convenient in many transactions.”

John Adams was the second President of the United States, and the coin commemorating John Adams is the second of the Presidential $1 Coin series, now in circulation. The United States Mint inaugurated the Presidential $1 Coin series in New York with the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin on February 15, 2007, in time for Presidents Day.

Nearly half a billion George Washington and John Adams Presidential $1 Coins have been ordered to date by the Federal Reserve for circulation. Public awareness of the new Presidential $1 Coins has tripled from approximately 15 to 20 percent in November 2006, when the designs for the coins were unveiled in Washington D.C., to approximately 60 percent in March 2007.

The United States Mint is offering financial institutions and retail businesses free informational materials via www.usmint.gov/$1coin. Students, teachers, parents and educational organizations can also access lesson plans and other free educational tools on the same website.

Congress authorized and the President approved the Presidential $1 Coins with the Presidential $1 Coin Act (Act) of 2005. The Act requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins honoring the United States Presidents in the order in which they served, with four new designs annually. Along with the George Washington and John Adams Presidential $1 Coins, coins featuring Thomas Jefferson and James Madison will roll out later in 2007.

Unique Designs Honor Historic Figures

The design of the John Adams Presidential $1 Coin, like all of the Presidential $1 Coins, was created to be bold and dramatic. Edge-lettering also draws attention to the inscriptions “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust,” as well as the date and the mint mark, distinguishing Presidential $1 Coins from all other coins in circulation today.

The new Presidential $1 Coins are identical in color and size to the Golden Dollar featuring Sacagawea, and have the same distinctive rim and tactile features to assist the visually impaired. The obverse (heads side) of each coin will feature an image of a former President and the years of his term of office. The reverse (tails side) displays an image of the Statue of Liberty and the inscriptions “United States of America” and “$1.”

Distributed through Banks and Other Financial Institutions

The United States Mint and the Federal Reserve are taking steps to enable businesses and the public to obtain the new John Adams Presidential $1 Coin and all of the Presidential $1 Coins, as they are released.

Like the George Washington Presidential $1 Coins, the John Adams Presidential $1 Coins will be shipped to banks and other financial institutions in rolls and small bags, unmixed with other $1 coins. Banks may order and store each Presidential $1 Coin up to two weeks before its introduction so financial institutions will have supplies on hand on the release date. The coins will be available to banks in unmixed rolls and bags for four weeks after the introduction of each design. However, banks should not hesitate to re-order Presidential $1 Coins after the four-week window, in case there are remaining supplies. The special ordering process begins again two weeks prior to the date on which a new Presidential $1 Coin is released.

Presidential $1 Coin Commemoration

Each President will be honored with a single Presidential $1 Coin, regardless of the number of consecutive terms he served, except for Grover Cleveland, the only United States President to serve non-consecutive terms. He will be honored on two coins. No living, former or current President can be honored on a coin.

For more information on the new Presidential $1 Coins,please visit www.usmint.gov/$1coin.

United States Mint Puts First Presidential $1 Coin Into Circulation

United States Mint Puts First Presidential $1 Coin Into Circulation George Washington to be First in Historic Presidential $1 Coin Series

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint today released into circulation the new George Washington $1 Coin, the first in a series of $1 coins honoring former United States Presidents.

The George Washington $1 Coins are legal tender and can be used for commerce and collecting. All Presidential $1 Coins are designed to work in most coin machines, including parking meters and vending machines.

Modeled after the United States Mint’s successful 50 State Quarters® Program, the Presidential $1 Coin Program will feature systematically rotating designs of former United States Presidents. The George Washington $1 Coin marks the first of four Presidential $1 Coins to be released this year, with John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison to roll out later in 2007.

The United States Mint celebrated the debut of the George Washington $1 Coin with a special Presidential $1 Coin Exchange in New York City featuring a brigade of armored cars delivering the coins to Grand Central Terminal. The United States Mint is offering financial institutions and retail businesses nationwide free informational materials via www.usmint.gov/$1coin. Schools and educational organizations can also access lesson plans and other educational tools on the same webpage.

"Americans will soon be receiving Presidential $1 Coins in their change and will find them convenient to use at retailers, car washes and vending machines. I even suspect the tooth fairy will love leaving these beautiful coins under pillows," said United States Mint Director Edmund C. Moy. "The Presidential $1 Coins will also be educational. Like the 50 State Quarters Program, these coins will invigorate interest in American history."

Presidential $1 Coin Program
The Presidential $1 Coins are being introduced as a result of the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, which requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins honoring the United States Presidents in the order in which they served. According to a study commissioned by the United States Mint, about half of Americans surveyed said they are interested in collecting the Presidential $1 Coins – but according to Director Moy, their appeal does not end with collecting.

"Congress recognized that the 50 State Quarters Program showed how a systematically changing design can spark public interest in a circulating coin, and we’re hoping to build on that success," Director Moy said.

Traditional Subjects, Unique Design
The designs of the coins are bold and dramatic. The traditional inscriptions of "E Pluribus Unum," "In God We Trust," the date and the mint mark are featured on the edge of the coins making the Presidential $1 Coins unique among today’s circulating coins.

The new Presidential $1 Coins are identical in color and size to the Golden Dollar featuring Sacagawea, and have the same distinctive rim and tactile features to assist the visually impaired. The face of each coin will feature an original image of a former President and the years of his term of office. The reverse of the coin shows an image of the Statue of Liberty and the inscriptions "United States of America" and "$1."

Distributed through Banks and Other Financial Institutions
The United States Mint and the Federal Reserve System are working together closely to make it easier for businesses and the public to obtain the new coins as they are released. The Presidential $1 Coins will be shipped to banks and other financial institutions in rolls and small bags, unmixed with other dollar coins. For each new coin, banks may order and store the coins up to two weeks prior to the introduction so they will have supplies on hand on the release date. The coins will be available in unmixed rolls and bags for four weeks after the introduction of each design. When each new Presidential $1 Coin is released, the special ordering process begins again.

United States Mint Unveils Design of Presidential $1 Coins

HISTORIC CHANGE ON THE WAY
United States Mint Unveils Design of New Circulating Presidential $1 Coins
Former Presidents to Be Featured on New $1 Coins, in Order of Service

Washington, DC  (November 20, 2006)  United States Mint Director Edmund C. Moy and other Federal officials provided a first glimpse of a new series of circulating Presidential $1 Coins at a design unveiling ceremony held today at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.  The $1 coins are being introduced as a result of the Presidential Coin Act of 2005, which requires the United States Mint to mint the dollar coins commemorating the service of former United States Presidents in the order in which they served.

Like the United States Mint’s successful 50 State Quarters® Program on which it was modeled, the Presidential $1 Coin Program features a systematically rotating design.    The first four $1 coins will commemorate George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

“The new Presidential $1 Coins are an educational and fun way to learn about former Presidents,” said Director Moy.  “Our research indicates that, like the 50 State Quarters coins, the Presidential $1 Coins will be popular with millions of Americans.”

According to a study commissioned by the United States Mint, about half of all Americans are interested in collecting the Presidential $1 Coins – but their appeal does not end with collecting.

“Congress recognized that the 50 State Quarters Program showed how a systematically changing design can help to pull a coin through the economy, and we’re hoping to build on that success,” Director Moy said.

Traditional Subjects, Unique Design

The designs of the coins are bold and dramatic, with traditional inscriptions moved to the edge to allow for larger images of the Presidents.  These include “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust,” the year of minting or issuance, and the mint mark, making these coins unique among today’s U.S. circulating coins.

The new Presidential $1 Coins are identical in color and size to the Sacagawea Golden Dollar Coins, and have the same distinctive rim and tactile features to assist the visually impaired.  Additionally, the new $1 coins carry the same electromagnetic signature as both the Sacagawea Golden Dollar coin and the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, making them readily acceptable in vending machines that currently accept dollar coins.

The face of each coin will feature an image of a former President and the years of his term of office.  The reverse of the coin shows an image of the Statue of Liberty and the inscriptions “The United States of America” and “$1.”

Distributed through Banks and Other Financial Institutions

The United States Mint and the Federal Reserve System are working in partnership to make it easy for businesses and members of the general public to obtain the new coins as they are released.  The Presidential $1 Coins will be shipped to banks and other financial institutions in rolls, unmixed with other dollar coins.  For each new design, banks may pre-order the coins up to two weeks prior to the introduction so they will have supplies on hand on the release date.  The coins will be available in unmixed rolls for four weeks after the introduction of each design.  When each new Presidential $1 Coin is released, the special ordering process begins again.

Each President will be honored with a single $1 coin, regardless of the number of consecutive terms he served.  Grover Cleveland, the only United States President to serve non-consecutive terms, will be honored on two coins.  No living former or current President can be honored on a coin. 

For more information on the new Presidential $1 Coins, go to www.usmint.gov.