James Buchanan Presidential Dollar
The James Buchanan Dollar marked the fifteenth release overall for the Presidential Dollar coin series, and the third release during the year 2010. Although his presidency is not considered to be a success, his place in history is remembered with the issuance of this coin.
Prior to his presidency, Buchanan had a successful law career, served as a state legislator, and was elected to the House of Representatives and Senate. He was also the Secretary of State under President James K. Polk and the minister to Russia and Great Britain. Two days before his inauguration, the Supreme Court made the Dred Scott decision, which legalized slavery and propelled the nation to civil war.
The official circulation release date for the James Buchanan Presidential Dollar was August 19, 2010. On the same date, a launch ceremony was held on the grounds of Buchanan’s former home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Attendees of the ceremony included US Mint Deputy Director Andrew Brunhart and Emeritus Professor of Educational Administration of Temple University Donald Walters, who gave a speech on Buchanan’s legacy.
The obverse of the coin includes a portrait of the one term President, designed and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions include “James Buchanan”, the motto “In God We Trust”, “15th Presidency” and the year’s of his Presidential term “1857-1861″.
The reverse of the coin will feature an image of the Statue of Liberty designed and sculpted by Don Everhart. This is intended to represent the concept of Liberty. The reverse inscriptions include “United States of America” and the denomination “$1″. Incuse edge lettering includes the date, mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum”, separated by thirteen stars.
Circulating coin production occurred a the Philadelphia and Denver mint facilities with a combined 73,360,000 pieces struck. This represented the lowest mintage for an issue of the series to date. Numismatic products available from the United States Mint incorporating the coin included annual sets, numismatic rolls, Presidential $1 coin and medal sets, and First Day Coin Covers.
James Buchanan Presidential Dollar Coin Specifications:
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Weight: 8.1g
- Thickness: 2.0 mm
- Edge: Lettered
- Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel
- Mintage: 36,540,000 (Philadelphia), 36,820,000 (Denver)
