Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, Jr. became the 26th President of the United States on September 14, 1901 following the assassination of William McKinley. Prior to becoming president, Roosevelt was a deputy sheriff in the Dakota Territory, Police Commissioner of New York City, U.S. Civil Service Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Colonel of the Rough Riders for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Roosevelt was elected to the New York State Assembly, Governor of New York, and Vice President of the United State. In fact, his nomination as vice president to run with William McKinley by the Republican Party was to get him out of New York because he was reforming the status quo out of existence.
On September 14, 1901, at 42 years and 322 days of age, Roosevelt became the youngest President when McKinley was assassinated (Kennedy was the youngest elected president when he was inaugurated at 43 years, 236 days). As president he was a trust buster, conservationist, and his slogan of “Speak softly and carry a big stick” set the tone for military and foreign policy that even impacts today’s policies. Roosevelt was the first U.S. citizen and sitting president to win the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the 1905 peace treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War.
Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed the $10 Indian Head gold eagle that was first released in 1907.
Roosevelt initiated the “Golden Age of American Coin Design.” Using his bully pulpit, he held the designs of the U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber in contempt. In fact, Roosevelt had called Barber’s designs “atrociously hideous.” Roosevelt ordered coinage whose designs were more than 25 years old to be redesigned. Roosevelt was a fan of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and asked him to help redesign American coinage.
After Saint-Gaudens died of cancer, Roosevelt continued to look to revitalize U.S. coinage. He seized upon Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday to redesign the small cent. He was steered to Victor David Brenner, whose bust of Lincoln was used as the model for the new Lincoln Cent first issued in 1909. Not only was Lincoln the first president to appear on a circulating coin, but Brenner’s obverse design is still in use today.
Roosevelt called his coinage redesign his “pet crime.”
1991 Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Silver Dollar
Interestingly, the 2013 Mount Rushmore National Memorial quarter that will be released later this year will only show Washington and Jefferson during its sculpture. Lincoln and Roosevelt are not part of this image.
Teddy is now featured on the current one-dollar coin. The coin has a portrait Roosevelt facing to his right that even gives the impression of someone looking into the distance. It is fitting for a man who was always looking forward to preservation of America’s ideals and its place as a world leader.
Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite president for many reasons including his view on coin designs. BULLY!
Credits
2013 Theodore Roosevelt Dollar and 1991 Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Commemorative Silver Dollar images courtesy of the U.S. Mint.
As a result of the the president signed the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law No. 112-152 [TXT][PDF]), the U.S. Mint is required to hold a competition for the design of the obverse (heads) side of the three coins that will be issued as part of the set. The law states:
IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall hold a competition to determine the design of the common obverse of the coins minted under this Act, with such design being emblematic of the game of baseball.
SELECTION AND APPROVAL- Proposals for the design of coins minted under this Act may be submitted in accordance with the design selection and approval process developed by the Secretary in the sole discretion of the Secretary. The Secretary shall encourage 3-dimensional models to be submitted as part of the design proposals.
PROPOSALS- As part of the competition described in this subsection, the Secretary may accept proposals from artists, engravers of the United States Mint, and members of the general public.
COMPENSATION- The Secretary shall determine compensation for the winning design under this subsection, which shall be not less than $5,000. The Secretary shall take into account this compensation amount when determining the sale price described in section 6(a).
Here is your chance to design a coin that will be sold to collectors everywhere and if you create the winning design, you will win $5,000!
The obverse design must represent baseball and include the inscriptions “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” and “2014.”
Your design must be able to look good on a coin about the size of a nickel, which is close to the size of the $5 gold coin.
You must be a 14 years old and older, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to enter. Employees in any area of the Department of the Treasury, current and former members of the Artistic Infusion Program, and contractor to the Department of the Treasury are ineligible.
Your design must not depict any real person, name, logo, stadium, field, etc. from now or in the past. It must be original artwork.
When you are ready to submit your entries, you must submit your line art in black and while (no color) to http://www.batterup.challenge.gov/. This site is not up but will be there, ready to accept your submissions on April 11 starting at noon EDT. Deadline is May 11, 2013 at noon EDT. You can also submit a plaster or plastic model approximately 8-inches in diameter.
Do not procrastinate because the U.S. Mint has said that if 10,000 entries are received prior the May 11 deadline, they will suspend the contest early with 48 hours notice. They also said that the contest will not end before noon EDT of April 26.
If you have an idea give it a try! You do not have to be that artistic because the engravers at the U.S. Mint can translate your design into something that can be struck into coins. They are good, so give it a try!
While we are talking about the design of these coin, will you try to submit a design for this commemorative? Let me know in this week’s poll:
On March 21, the U.S. Mint is scheduled to start selling the 2013 5-Star Generals Commemorative Coins. The program commemorates the United States Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) by commemorating the 5-star generals who attended or taught at the college. The generals that will be depicted on the coins are Douglas MacArthur, George C. Marshall, Henry “Hap” Arnold, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Omar N. Bradley. General Bradley was the last to hold the rank General of the Army.
The 5-Star Generals Commemorative Program includes a $5 gold coin, silver dollar, and clad half-dollar that will be offered in proof and uncirculated options. The U.S. Mint will also offer a three-coin proof set. Surcharges of $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each silver coin and $5 for each clad coin sold will to go the CGSC Foundation to support the college. With mintage limits of the 100,000 for the gold coin, 500,000 silver dollars, and 750,000 clad half-dollars, the program can raise a maximum of $16 million for the CGSC Foundation.
Do you plan to buy any of these commemorative coins? This week’s poll asks which, if any, of these commemoratives you will buy.
Do you plan to buy any of the 2013 commemorative coins?
I don't plan to buy any of these commemorative coins (38%, 13 Votes)
2013 Girl Scouts of the USA Centennial Proof Silver Dollar (12%, 4 Votes)
Last year, I wrote an article suggesting that congress could authorize the U.S. Mint to issue commemorative coins to raise money to fix our national monuments that were damaged by an earthquake. After all, commemorative coins have been used to raise money for various other efforts, why not help the National Park Service and their fundraising efforts.
What about expanding that program to fund other areas of the government? Congress can authorize the commemorative program, the project that will be funded, and whatever money is raised from the sale of the coins will be used for that program. No taxpayer money, just funds from the sales and donations. It has the advantage of not costing the government money and involves citizens in the direct funding of their favorite projects.
What do you think? Let me know in this week’s poll!
Should congress use commemorative coins to pay for federal projects?
Yes, that sounds like a good idea (54%, 14 Votes)
Not sure it will help (35%, 9 Votes)
No, it is a bad idea or a waste of resources (12%, 3 Votes)
Public Law No. 112-201: Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act
To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of Mark Twain.
Sponsor: Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
• Signed by the President on December 28, 2012
See this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr2453
Public Law No. 112-209: March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2012
To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the March of Dimes Foundation.
Sponsor: Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL)
• Passed the Senate on December 10, 2012
• Signed by the President on December 18, 2012
See this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr3187
The 112th Congress formally adjourned just after 12:30 P.M. on January 2, 2013 as one of the least productive in decades. It has been reported that this congress passed 219 bills as compared to 383 bills passed by the 111th congress and 460 by the 110th congress. As a comparison, the 80th congress (1947-48) that President Harry Truman labeled the “Do-nothing Congress” passed 906 bills.
We end numismatic 2012 almost the same way as we began, discussing what to do about the one-dollar coins. The over production lead to a quite a number of bills introduced in congress to try to fix the perceived problem but none ever made it to a hearing, let alone out of a hearing. Rather, the U.S. Mint hired Current Technologies Corp. (CTC) to perform an alternative metals study required by congress.
When the U.S. Mint finally published the report and a summary they made a recommendation to study the problems further because they could not find suitable alternatives to the current alloys used. While reading the summary gives the impression that the request is reasonable, the full 400-page report describes the extensive testing and analysis that the U.S. Mint and CTC performed leaving the reader curious as to why they were unable to come to some sort of conclusion—except that there is no “perfect” solution. This is a story that will continue into 2013 and be on the agenda for the 113th congress when it is seated on January 3, 2013.
The other part of the discussion is whether or not to end the production of the one-dollar Federal Reserve Note. It was the last hearing before the House Financial Services subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology for Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) and the 112th congress that will certainly carry over into 2013.
This does not mean the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is without its controversy. In order to comply with the court order as part of American Council for the Blind v. Paulson (No. 07-5063; D.C. Cir. May 20, 2008 [PDF]) and the subsequent injunction (No. 02-0864 (JR); D.C. Cir. October 3, 2008 [PDF]), the BEP has been working to provide “Meaningful Access” to United States currency.
Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner approved the methods that will be used to assist the blind and visually impaired to U.S. currency on May 31, 2011. In addition to examining tactile features, high contrast printing, and currency readers, the BEP issued a Request for Information for additional information to implement their plan. The BEP will be participating at stakeholder organization meetings to socialize and refine their plans. There will probably be few announcements before the conventions of the National Federation of the Blind and American Council of the Blind this summer.
Another building controversy from the BEP is whether the redesigned $100 notes will find its way into circulation. Introduced in April 2010, full production has been delayed because of folding during the printing process. The situation has to be so severe that the BEP has not announced a new release date and delayed releasing the 2011 CFO Report [PDF] to the end of Fiscal Year 2012 while finding a way to bury the scope and costs of the delays. Will the redesigned $100 Federal Reserve Note be issued in 2013? Stay tuned!
Staying with currency issues, there should be a new series of notes when a new Secretary of the Treasury is appointed. It is known that the current Secretary Timothy F. Geithner wants to pursue other options. If the BEP follows its past practice, notes with the new Secretary of the Treasury’s signature would be Series 2009A notes. There have been no reports as to whether Treasurer Rosie Rios will continue in her position.
As for other products, the BEP will continue to issue specially packaged notes using serial numbers that are either lucky numbers (i.e., “777”) or ones that begin with “2013” as part of their premium products. Of course they will continue to issue their sets of uncut currency.
Another carry over from 2012 will be whether the U.S. Mint will issue palladium coins that were authorized by the American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010 (Public Law No: 111-303 [Text] [PDF]). The law requires that the U.S. Mint study of the viability of issuing palladium bullion coins under the Act. That report was due to congress on December 14, 2012 but has not been made public at this time.
Bibiana Boerio was nominated to be the Director of the U.S. Mint.
One final bit of unfinished business from 2012 is the nomination of Bibi Boerio to be the 39th Director of the U.S. Mint. The former Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Credit and Managing Director of Jaguar Cars Ltd. has recently been a Special Advisor to the President of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce while waiting for the Senate to confirm her nomination. The Senate will have quite a few presidential nominations on its agenda that will he taken up in the new congress.
Other than the higher prices for silver products, the U.S. Mint should not generate controversies for its 2013 coin offerings. There will be no changes for the cent, nickel, dime, and half dollar with the half dollar only being struck for collectors since it has not been needed for circulation since 2002. These coins will be seen in uncirculated and proof sets with silver versions for the silver sets.
There has been no confirmation from the U.S. Mint whether they will strike San Francisco “S” Mint quarters for the collector community as they did in 2012.
American Eagle coin programs will continue with the bullion, collector uncirculated, and proof coins for both the silver and gold. The American Eagle Platinum bullion coin will continue to use its regular reverse while the American Eagle Platinum Proof will continue with the Preamble Series. The Preamble Series is a six year program to commemorate the core concepts of the American democracy as outline in the preamble of the U.S. constitution. For 2013, the reverse will be emblematic of the principle “To Promote the General Welfare.” The U.S. Mint has not issued a design at this time.
Currently, there are no announced special products or sets using American Eagle coins and no announced plan for special strikings such as reverse proofs or “S” mint marks.
This past week, President Barack Obama signed H.R. 3187, the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2012 (Public Law No. 112-209 [TXT] [PDF]).
According to the law, the U.S. Mint will strike no more than 500,000 silver dollar coins in 2015 that “shall be emblematic of the mission and programs of the March of Dimes, and its distinguished record of generating Americans’ support to protect our children’s health.”. The law says that the designs of the coin will “contain motifs that represent the past, present, and future of the March of Dimes and its role as champion for all babies, such designs to be consistent with the traditions and heritage of the March of Dimes.”
As with other silver dollar commemoratives, the sale of this commemorative will include a $10 surcharge that will be paid “to the March of Dimes to help finance research, education, and services aimed at improving the health of women, infants, and children.”
After congressed passed the law, the March of Dimes issued press release thanking Senators Kay Hagan (D-NC) and Susan Collins (R-ME) as well as Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL) and Nita Lowey (D-NY) for their work in getting this bill passed.
Between now and 2015 when the commemorative silver dollar is issued, I am sure the March of Dimes would appreciate as many $10 donations as you can afford. Donations to the March of Dimes are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. It is a good way to save on taxes and do good at the same time!
Last week, the U.S. Mint published their product schedule for the rest of the month and the first quarter of 2013. So for this week’s poll, which 2013 coin are you most interested in?
American Silver Eagle Proof
While I could have allowed more than one answer, I decided to limit you to just one of the programs that change plus the American Eagle coins. For me, I will always buy at least one example of the silver bullion, uncirculated, and proof coins each year to keep my nearly complete collection going—missing only the 1995-W proof.
For the changing programs, the 2013 Presidential $1 Coins will honor the presidencies of William McKinley (the 25th President), Theodore Roosevelt (26th, whose “Pet Crime” gave us better coin designs), William Howard Taft (27th, the only president to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court), and Woodrow Wilson (28th president). Although there are interesting stories about earlier presidents, “modern” United States history is usually taught beginning either McKinley or Roosevelt—which is unfortunate because many people could learn a lot from post-reconstruction politics.
2013 Native American Dollar Reverse Design
One of the most under-appreciated designs have been those for the Native American $1 Coin. Using the obverse of the original Sacagawea Dollar, the reverse has been changing since 2009 to honor the history and other contributions made by native Americans. Aside from honoring their important contributions, the designs have been wonderful. In 2013, the reverse design commemorates the Delaware Treaty of 1778. The design features a turkey, howling wolf, and a turtle as the symbols of the clans of the Delaware Tribes, and 13 stars to represent the colonies. Not only are these great designs but they make wonderful education pieces that should gain more attention when congress does the right thing and eliminates the paper dollar note.
2013 Girl Scouts of the USA Centennial Silver Dollar
The 2013 Girl Scouts of the USA Centennial Silver Dollar honors the organization’s founding by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia on March 12, 1912. Low founded the Girl Scouts a year after meeting Sir Robert Baden-Power, founder of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in England. When Low returned to Savannah, she put the concept in motion. According to the Girl Scouts’ website, “On March 12, 1912, Juliette Low gathered 18 girls to register the first troop of American Girl Guides. Margaret ‘Daisy Doots’ Gordon, her niece and namesake, was the first registered member. The name of the organization was changed to Girl Scouts the following year.” Surcharges from the sales of this coin will be paid to the Girl Scouts for program development and delivery.
Which 2013 coins are you interested in purchasing?
Which 2013 coins are you most interested in?
Any of the American Eagle Coins (30%, 11 Votes)
Native American Dollar (22%, 8 Votes)
5-Star General Commemorative (19%, 7 Votes)
Girl Scouts of the USA Centennial Silver Dollar (14%, 5 Votes)
I am not interested in any of these coins (14%, 5 Votes)
As we come down to the home stretch of the 2012 products, let me put in a word for the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins. Proceeds from the sale of these coins ($35 for the gold coin and $10 for the silver dollar) goes to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to support their bicentennial activities, educational outreach, and preservation and improvement of the sites and structures related to the War of 1812, a war that has been called our second war for independence.
The design of the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coins enhance the depiction of liberty and the fight for freedom that should be the hallmark of U.S. coin designs. The gold coin features a naval battle scene representing the victory in Baltimore Harbor over the Royal Navy in defending Fort McHenry and the reverse has the first words of Francis Scott Key’s poem, “The Defence of Fort McHenry.”
While the gold coin is a nice design, the design of the silver coin is even better. The obverse depicts Lady Liberty waving the 15-star, 15-stripe Star-Spangled Banner flag with Fort McHenry in the background. It is a powerful image representing one of the best designs representing freedom and liberty. The reverse is a modern 50-star flag waving. Images (included below) does not do this coin justice. You have to see this coin in hand to appreciate the design.
The last day to purchase the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin will be on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
It is always fascinating to see how the U.S. Mint works behind the scenes and hear from the designers and engravers. Philadelphia’s WPVI-TV went to the Philadelphia Mint to see how the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coins are made. Here is their report:
In related news, it was announced that the Navy’s heralded Blue Angels will perform in Baltimore for the finale of the War of 1812 commemoration September 12-13, 2014. The Blue Angles will appear during the Star-Spangled Spectacular that will be held September 6-14, 2014 in Baltimore.
Buying the coins will not only add a beautiful coin to your collection but will help support the celebrations of the bicentennial of these important events in United States history. I bought the silver proof coin at Fort McHenry during the launch event.
The Coins:
2012 Star-Spangled Banner Gold Commemorative Obverse depicts a naval battle scene from the War of 1812, with an American sailing ship in the foreground and a damaged and fleeing British ship in the background. Designed by Donna Weaver and engraved by Joseph Menna.
2012 Star-Spangled Banner Gold Commemorative Reverse Depicts the first words of the Star-Spangled Banner anthem, O say can you see, in Francis Scott Key’s handwriting against a backdrop of 15 stars and 15 stripes, representing the Star-Spangled Banner flag. Designed by Richard Masters and engraved by Joseph Menna.
2012 Star-Spangled Banner Silver Commemorative Obverse depicts Lady Liberty waving the 15-star, 15-stripe Star-Spangled Banner flag with Fort McHenry in the background. Designed by Joel Iskowitz and engraved by Phebe Hemphill.
2012 Star-Spangled Banner Silver Commemorative Reverse depicts a waving modern American flag. Designed by William C. Burgard III and engraved by Don Everhart.
Scott’s coin:
Credits
Logo courtesy of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.
Video courtesy of WPVI-TV, Philadelphia.
Coin images courtesy of the U.S. Mint.
Image of Scott’s coin is owned by the author and covered under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 license.
Mark Twain in his gown (scarlet with grey sleeves and facings) for his D.Litt. degree, awarded to him by Oxford University
On Tuesday, December 4, President Barack Obama signed H.R. 2453, the Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act into law. With the president’s signature, the measure is now Public Law No. 112-201 ([TXT] [PDF]).
This law will allow the striking of the Twain commemorative in 2016. The program will be for 100,000 $5 gold coins and 350,000 silver dollars whose designs “shall be emblematic of the life and legacy of Mark Twain.” There will be the usual $35 surcharge for the gold coin and $10 for the silver dollar that will be distributed evenly to:
Even though the Presidential $1 Coins have been relegated to collector coins, numismatists should celebrate the release of the Theodore Roosevelt dollar coin.
Loading ...
