The first 2011 Presidential $1 coin was released into circulation Thursday, February 17. The 17th issue in the series honors the 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson.
Participating banking institutions were able to order bags of the new dollar coins from Federal Reserve Banks since January 27, but could not release them to the public until Thursday’s official release date.
The United States Mint and National Park Service ushered in the dollars at a special ceremony held at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site (http://www.nps.gov/anjo/index.htm).
"Beginning today, millions of Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins will be released into circulation by Federal Reserve Banks across the Nation," said United States Mint Chief Counsel Daniel P. Shaver. "During 2011, they will make their way into the hands and pockets of many Americans, connecting America through coins to Andrew Johnson and his Presidency."
As is tradition in coin release ceremonies, attending children received a new Johnson Presidential dollar for free while adults could swap cash for rolls of the coins.
The obverse or heads side of each of the dollars features a portrait of Andrew Johnson. The reverse or tails side includes an image of the Statue of Liberty. Both sides were designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.
Andrew Johnson Presidential Dollar Rolls
On the day of a ceremony, the United States Mint usually issues rolls of a new Presidential $1 coin and makes them available to the public through its website. However, the US Mint has stated that the Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin Rolls will not be released until Wednesday, February 23. Coins minted from Denver or Philadelphia may be purchased at that time for $39.95, plus shipping and handling. Each roll will include 25 Johnson dollars in circulation quality.
According to the US Mint schedule, the 2011 Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set will be released one day earlier, on Tuesday, February 22, for $19.95. It will include collector proof versions of each of the four coin issues for this year.
For more information on Presidential dollar issues for the year, visit the 2011 Presidential $1 release dates and images page.
Unbelievable we have a coin for the major national embarrassment as a president in Andrew Johnson. Did you do no research at all. Impeachment, tried to overturn the Emancipation Proclamation and still has the record of havIng Congress override him more than any other President. Not to mention blazing drunk and notable loser in history. Someone is way above their pay grade.