Andrew Jackson Presidential $1 Coins were launched into circulation Thursday with a ceremonial release at The Hermitage, the home Jackson built and lived in near Nashville, Tennessee.
The Hermitage became a museum in 1889 and has had over 15 million visitors.
Thursday, the museum experienced an influx of new traffic as the United States Mint kicked off the event in front of hundreds of people.
Most notable was the presence of more than 300 children who received a shiny new Jackson $1 coin for free. They not only brought home with them a new coin, but a fresh perspective of history and Jackson.
U.S. Mint Deputy Director Andrew Brunhart commented,
“The Andrew Jackson Presidential $1 Coin is convenient to use in many cash transactions and will help educate the Nation on the achievements of our seventh President.
There are few more important leaders than Andrew Jackson, and we are grateful for President Jackson’s service to his country.”
The obverse or heads side of the Jackson coin was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Artist Joel Iskowitz and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz. The design depicts “Old Hickory”- a nickname Andrew Jackson acquired for his toughness during his service in the War of 1812.
The reverse or tails side of the coin is the same on all Presidential dollar coins, depicting Don Everhart’s portrayal of the Statue of Liberty.
Jackson served two terms in office from 1829 to 1837 and experienced many firsts. He was the first Tennessean to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was also the first person to serve as a U.S. Representative, Senator, and President. And perhaps the biggest first, he was the only President to leave office while there was zero national debt.
On Thursday at noon, the U.S. Mint also began selling bags and rolls of the Presidential $1 coins.
In 2007 alone, the United States Mint produced nearly 1 billion Presidential $1 coins. Production amounts have gone down with each succeeding $1 coin, but more than 50 million Jackson coins are likely to be minted.
