WASHINGTON — The 17th release in the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program–bearing the bold portrait of former President Andrew Johnson on its obverse (heads side)–will enter into circulation on February 17. To mark the coin’s release, the bureau will hold a ceremonial launch and coin exchange on the same day, at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, Tennessee.
The coin’s obverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Sculptor–Engraver Don Everhart and includes the inscriptions ANDREW JOHNSON, IN GOD WE TRUST, 17TH PRESIDENT and 1865–1869. The coin’s reverse (tails side), also by Everhart, bears a rendition of the Statue of Liberty and the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The year of minting or issuance, 2011, E PLURIBUS UNUM and the mint of origin are incused on the coin’s edge.
Presidential $1 Coins are produced for use in everyday cash transactions. The coins last for decades, are 100 percent recyclable and can save the country hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
The Presidential $1 Coins will be shipped to banks and other financial institutions in rolls, unmixed with other $1 coins. For each new design, banks may order and store the coins up to three weeks prior to the introduction so they will have supplies on hand on the release date. The coins will be available in unmixed rolls for two weeks after the introduction of each design. The special ordering process begins again when each new Presidential $1 Coin is released.
The ordering period for unmixed quantities of the Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin began January 27. To order boxes of wrapped rolls ($1,000 minimum order) of the Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin, depository institutions can use FedLine Web® Access Solution. In addition, local Federal Reserve Bank offices can handle special requests for $2,000 bags of unmixed Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins, orders for $2,000 bags of mixed $1 coins, and orders for Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coins after the special order period ends on March 3 (while supplies last).
Presidential $1 Coins can also be collected. They are educational and fun with four new designs, each featuring an American President, issued each year. The Andrew Johnson Presidential $1 Coin will be featured in collectible products available for purchase through the United States Mint’s Web site at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or by calling 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468).
The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.