Louis Braille commemorative silver $1 coins design images and a prototype of its readable Braille reverse were unveiled today by U.S. Mint Director Moy at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) annual convention in Dallas, Texas. 400,000 commemorative silver coins will be issued in 2009 in both proof and uncirculated versions to honor the bicentennial birth and achievements of Louis Braille.
“The United States Mint is proud to present the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar coin design. It will be the first coin ever minted in the history of our country to contain readable Braille characters,” said Director Moy.
“I am looking forward to presenting the design for this unprecedented coin, and I am pleased that the United States Mint is playing a role in the cause of bringing literacy to all blind and visually impaired Americans.”
The coin was authorized by Congress through Public Law 109-247 in July of 2006 through coin legislation entitled Louis Braille Bicentennial Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act. The legislation includes many of the remarkable aspects of Louis Braille’s life.
According to the Mint, in addition to readable Braille, the 2009 coin will have distinguishing features apparent to the visually impaired community, such as size, weight and reeded edges.
The NFB will receive $10 for each Bicentennial Braille coin sale.
[Editor’s update: The Braille collector proof and uncirculated silver coins were launched Thursday, March 26, 2009. For more information on Braille, the coins and prices, click Braille Silver Dollars: Prices and Images.]
