The most dependable route to appearing on a U.S. coin has been becoming President of the United States. Other paths have been far less predictable. This article examines how several people, including two who were not American citizens, came to be depicted on U.S. coins.
Early Reluctance to Put People on Coins
Following the Revolutionary War, Americans associated King George III’s portrait on English coins with the oppression they had overcome and the liberty they had won. The founders did not want their new republic to suggest a monarchy, so U.S. coins instead placed Lady Liberty on one side and an eagle on the other.
The First Individual on a U.S. Coin
Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer, was the first person shown on a U.S. coin, with Queen Isabella of Spain appearing at the same time. On Nov. 19, 1892, commemorative coins honoring each figure were issued for the World’s Columbian Exposition, marking the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the New World.
The U.S. Presidency Moves Into FocusAt the time of original publication, the article described the following:
A president did not appear on a U.S. coin until 1909—the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Though first planned as a special commemorative piece, the Lincoln penny became so widespread that, at this article’s original publication, most examples held limited interest for coin dealers unless they were low-mintage or error coins. The Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, and Washington quarter were similarly situated.
Honored Soon After Death
On Jan. 30, 1946, fewer than twelve months after World War II ended and Franklin Delano Roosevelt died, the dime was issued on what would have been FDR’s 64th birthday. After President John F. Kennedy’s November 1963 assassination, the U.S. Treasury replaced Benjamin Franklin’s image with JFK’s on the 1964 half-dollar.
Notable Women Join U.S. Coins
Nearly 100 years after Christopher Columbus entered circulation, women finally received representation. Women shown on circulating coins include the Susan B. Anthony dollar, minted from 1979 through 1981 and 1999, plus Helen Keller’s portrait on Alabama’s state quarter in 2003.
Pure ChanceAt the time of original publication, the article described the following:
The first living person to appear on a U.S. coin was Alabama Governor Thomas E. Kilby, in 1921. His commemorative half-dollar was issued for the Alabama Centennial. A reputable coin dealer or buyer can help determine whether unusual coins, including an Alabama Centennial example, may carry significant value.
When this article was originally published, Atlanta Gold and Coin was described as a family-owned and operated coin and bullion dealership specializing in selling, buying, and appraising gold, silver, platinum, plus old and rare coins. At publication, readers seeking information about a collection’s value or considering additions to it were invited to call (404) 236-9744 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
