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First Coin with Readable Braille Launches on March 26
Filed Under: Commemoratives, Just Released - New Coins, Mint News, Modern US Coins, US Mint
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.
WHAT: Presentation of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar
WHO: United States Mint Director Ed Moy
Senator Christopher J. Dodd via videotape
National Federation of the Blind President Marc Mauer
National Federation of the Blind First Vice President Fred Schroeder (Master of Ceremonies)
American Mathematician and Inventor Abraham Nemeth
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Assistant Administrator for Education Joyce Winterton
WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 2009, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: National Federation of the Blind Headquarters
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
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About the Author
Since Congress created the United States Mint on April 2, 1792 the primary mission of the United States Mint is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the nation. As a self-funded agency, the United States Mint turns revenues beyond its operating expenses over to the General Fund of the Treasury.Other responsibilities, include: Maintaining physical custody and protection of the Nation's $100 billion of U.S. gold and silver assets, Manufacturing and selling platinum, gold, and silver bullion coins,Overseeing of production facilities in Denver, Philadelphia, San Francisco and West Point, as well as the U.S. Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
