A new $1 coin launched into circulation today that honors James Buchanan, America’s 15th commander-in-chief.
The release was commemorated by the United States Mint as it unveiled the James Buchanan Presidential Dollar in a ceremony on the grounds of Wheatland, Buchanan’s home, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The U.S. Mint today also began selling Buchanan $1 Rolls for $35.95.
"In a few short weeks, Americans will begin to see James Buchanan Presidential $1 Coins and will be reminded of his place in history," U.S. Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart said at the ceremony.
The event included commentary on Buchanan’s legacy from Donald Walters, Emeritus Professor of Educational Administration at Temple University. Children 18 an under at the ceremony received a free $1 coin.
James Buchanan Bio Brief
James Buchanan was born near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, on April 23, 1791. He helped defend Baltimore during the War of 1812, was elected five times to the U.S. House of Representatives, served a decade in the U.S. Senate, became Secretary of State under James Polk and then Minister to Great Britain under Franklin Pierce.
Buchanan was the only President who was never married. He served between 1857 and 1861, which was a period of extensive American turmoil. Two days into his single-term presidency, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney delivered the controversial Dred Scott decision that effectively legalized slavery throughout the U.S. The American Civil War began a month after he left office.
Buchanan retired to his Pennsylvania home Wheatland where he died seven years later on June 1, 1868.
2010 Buchanan Presidential Rolls
U.S. Mint-wrapped $25 Buchanan Presidential rolls filled with either Denver or Philadelphia struck dollars are available for $35.95, plus $4.95 for shipping and handling. Information for each may be found at the:
U.S. Mint Product Page for Presidential Coins
Orders may also place by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech-impaired customers may call 1-888-321-MINT (6468).
Phebe Hemphill designed and sculpted Buchanan’s portrait seen on the obverse or heads side of the dollar coin. It also includes the inscriptions "JAMES BUCHANAN," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "15TH PRESIDENT" and "1857-1861."
The reverse or tails side of the coin features a rendering of the Statue of Liberty, which is portrayed on all the Presidential $1 Coins since the series started in 2007. It was designed and sculpted by Don Everhart.
The preceding 2010 dollar portrays former President Franklin Pierce and was released on May 20, 2010.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Dollar will be the final $1 coin issued this year. It launches on November 18, 2010.
[…] The card also includes a 44-cent Flag postage stamp with a postmark of August 19, 2010, Lancaster, PA. That is the date the dollars were released into circulation and also when the Mint began offering them in $25 rolls. […]