The Andrew Jackson Presidential Dollar Gets Poured!
Today was the big day for the Andrew Jackson Presidential Dollar! It was officially released at a ceremony at Andrew Jackson's famous plantation mansion, the Hermitage.
Rather than have historical reenactors this time, the U.S. Mint opted to go for a ceremonial coin pour. U.S. Mint Deputy Director Andrew Brunhart, Andrew Jackson the Sixth, and Hermitage official Richard Cowart all convened in front of a table covered in black velvet and proceeded to pour out a canvas bag full of Jackson Presidential Dollars. Although most of the coins behaved and gathered into a nice golden pile, a few went rolling off in various directions for the kids to scurry after. Following the pour (and the obligatory speeches,) the 300-odd kids who were present each got a free Jackson Presidential Dollar coin.
The Jackson Presidential Dollar is certainly one of the more well-executed designs in the series. The portrait of Jackson, designed by AIP Master Designer Joel Iskowitz, sparkles with the light and charisma Jackson certainly possessed in life (although I would have preferred to see Jackson smiling a little.) Jackson stood over 6 feet tall and had an unruly shock of bright red hair rising above his piercing blue eyes, but his hair was well into graying by the time he became president. Iskowitz has captured Jackson's character very effectively, even though that same old tired and overused portrait of Jackson that appears on the $20 bill was probably his main guide.
Andrew Jackson's life reads like an adventure novel. When I was researching his background to do the article about his coin, I had to struggle to omit interesting facts and details, rather than struggle to find interesting stuff to include, as I've had to do for some of the other Presidential Dollars I've done articles for. Jackson's life was a thrill a minute, although he suffered his share of setbacks and tragedy. Easily the greatest tragedy of his life was losing his beloved wife, Rachel, on the eve of his greatest triumph, winning the White House. I think you'll enjoy learning more about the man on the coin; I know I really enjoyed researching it!
United States Mint image.
Comments
Jackson essentially started the Democratic party and was often portrayed as a jackass.
However unknown to many he was the most popular president elected prior to his first term starting in 1829.
Those who knew Washington and all the other presidents preceding Jackson said that by far he was the most popular president. 10’s of thousands would line the streets or river banks as Jackson passed by just to get a glimpse of him.
Even after he had passed away circa 1846 citizens still voted for Jackson for many years to afterward.
His nick name was “Old Hickory” in recognition of his resolve and determination.
It is unforutate the mint did not reproduce a replication of Rachael, Jackson’s life long love and wife. but under Congressional mandate only a living wife, at the time of her husband’s presidency could be reproduced under the presidential spouses series. Jackson would have been outraged at this slight.
Scholar and renowned historian Robert V. Remini published the life of Jackson in 3 volumes within the last several years and if you take the time to read the 1,500 pages it will change your view of life in the early American frontier forever.
BB
I found a error on the edge of Jackson coin!! What should i do know?
Troy
2Troy I need this one in my collection!
Troy,
Would you describe the error?
H