By Roger Burdette

The MMIX ultra high relief gold double eagle was inspired by the original extremely high relief experimental pieces struck in 1907. Mint Director Edmund Moy commented on several occasions that he wanted the U.S. Mint to right the wrong done to Saint-Gaudens’s design in 1907. He wanted to make this magnificent design available to coin collectors in all its original glory.

The design itself was first shown to President Theodore Roosevelt in December 1906. At the time, Roosevelt ordered the Mint to produce experimental examples exactly following the artist’s models. Mint engraver Charles Barber took his job seriously, and although he and Saint-Gaudens despised one another personally, Barber had considerable respect for the sculptor’s artistic talent and reputation. To a remarkable extent, this was accomplished by Barber during the first week of January 1907, with considerable assistance from Henri Weil. The two not only prepared hubs for a normal 32-millimeter diameter double eagle, but another set that were 27-millimeters in diameter – the size of the current $10 gold eagle.

Experimental pieces in both diameters were intended to determine how many blows it took to fully express Saint-Gaudens’ high relief design. Everyone, including Saint-Gaudens, knew that a coin with such high relief could not be struck with one blow from a normal press, but no one knew how many it would take. Barber hoped that the small diameter pieces would allow more of the force of the press to be concentrated and result in fully struck coins with fewer blows.

During the second week of February fifteen small diameter pieces were struck, although we do not know how many blows it took. Each coin was 27-millimeters in diameter but contained the same gold as a $20 coin. The result was a small, very thick coin with a decided “lump-like” feel. As was common, the mint director, George Roberts, took a couple specimens of normal and small diameter experimental pieces back to Washington. He gave one pair to Mint Auditor (and former Director) Robert Preston, and kept one pair for himself after showing the pieces to the President. (more…)

United States Mint Director Ed Moy will present the Nation’s first coin with readable Braille at 10:00 a.m. on March 26, at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. NFB President Marc Maurer will join in the presentation of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, along with invited guests that include mathematician and inventor Abraham Nemeth; and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Assistant Administrator for Education Joyce Winterton. NFB first Vice President Frederic Schroeder will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. The presentation includes a special videotaped message from U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd, one of the sponsors of Public Law 109-247-the Louis Braille Bicentennial-Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act.

The United States Mint, authorized by Public Law 109-247, is issuing the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar to honor the life and work of the man who invented the Braille method of reading and writing by the blind that has allowed millions of blind people to be literate participants in their societies. The Public Law also provides that a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the commemorative coins is authorized to be paid to the NFB to further its programs to promote Braille literacy.

The 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar features a portrait of Louis Braille on the obverse (heads side). The reverse (tails side) design depicts a child reading a Braille book. The word INDEPENDENCE is displayed on a bookshelf behind the child and the word Braille, abbreviated BRL in Braille code, is featured in the upper field. (more…)

New Coin Goes into Circulation on 200th Anniversary of Revered Leader’s Birthday

HODGENVILLE, Ky. – The United States Mint launched the first redesigned one-cent coin (penny) in 50 years in a ceremony today-the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The redesigned Lincoln penny, released into circulation today, features a log cabin on the coin’s reverse (tails side), emblematic of Lincoln’s humble roots in Kentucky.

“The new Lincoln cent is a milestone moment for the United States Mint and for our country,” said United States Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart. “The coin is a tribute to a humble man who rose to great heights living by principles of honesty, integrity and loyalty, principles that never go out of fashion. More importantly, Americans will forever hold dear Lincoln’s legacy – an enduring Nation, united in the pursuit of equality for all.”

Mr. Brunhart and Kentucky Governor Steven L. Beshear presented thousands of shiny, new one-cent coins to children ages 18 and under in attendance at a ceremonial launch held at the LaRue County High School gymnasium. Following the ceremony, participants exchanged their coins and currency for the one-cent coins bearing the new design.

The log cabin design is the first of four new designs Americans will see on the reverse of the penny this year. Inscriptions on the reverse are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE CENT, as well as the inscription 1809, the year President Lincoln was born. The coin’s reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Richard Masters and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz. (more…)