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 Replies: 15 / Views: 1,442 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2724 Posts |
As we grow nearer the "dead" president series slated for 2006 along with the first lady coins, I thought that I would share a few facts.
There have been 42 men to serve as president. Of course, Stephen Grover Cleveland served non-consecutive terms so hw will get TWO coins honoring him.
Under the current history, George Washington is considered the first president. There were others who were called President under the Constitution, but we as Americans do not like to consider all of our history.
William Henrey Harrison served 03/04/1841-04/04/1841
Zachary Taylor served 03/05/1849-07/09/1850
James Abram Garfield served 03/04/1881-09/19/1881
Warren Gamaliel Harding served 03/04/1921-08/02/1923
Richard Milhous Nixon served 01/20/1969-08/09/1974 Resigned
Andrew Johnson served 04/15/1865-03/03/1869 First President to face impeachment proceedings.
William Jefferson Clinton served 01/20/1993-01/20/2001 Second President to face impeachment proceedings.
Several had no wife to serve as first lady:
Thomas Jefferson (daughter), Andrew Jackson (niece of wife), Martin Van Buren (daughter in law), William Henry Harrison (daughter in law), John Tyler (daughter in law), Zachary Taylor (daughter), James Buchanan (niece), Andrew Johnson (daughter), Chester Alan Arthur (sister).
Other neat facts:
Gerald Ford was the only President that was not elected to either the Presidency or the Vice Presidency.
Franklin Pierce was the only President to Affirm rather than Swear the oath of office.
Martin Van Buren was the first President to be born as a U.S. Citizen.
William Harrison gave the longest inauguration speech, caught pnuemonia and died 1 month later.
John Tyler was called "the accidency" to refer to him as to how he got to the Presidency.
James Buchanan was the only President to have never been married.
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was referred to as "His Fraudulency" because of the alleged "stolen" election of 1876.
Herbert Clark Hoover refused to take a salary for the Presidency.
I think that all will agree that "some" of these men certainly do not need to be etched into history in the form of a coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
980 Posts |
Hi ND,
Your post reminded me of a couple of historical tidbits about our presidents, one of which I actually learned in school (I have a bit of bitterness towards educational decisions made by the Wayne County school board circa 1976- I am poor at forgetting acts such as theirs which led to an entire county school system, in a county with a population of approximately 100,000, where no HS offered calculus!)
Often folks have an idealized view of how politics worked in times of yore. In the 19th century in the US, it went like this:
"Blaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine, continental liar from the state of Maine"
Grover Cleveland's political operatives
"Ma, Ma, Where's my pa- gone to the white house ha, ha, ha."
Rejoinder from the Blaine camp, referring to rumors that Cleveland had fathered a child out of wedlock
(although the situation was complex- allegedly the woman in question was involved with several married men in addition to Cleveland, who was reportedly a "stand-up" guy and as the only bachelor in the group, paid child support). Even though he was in many aspects a mediocre president, Cleveland also wins a place in my pantheon of heros for his statement
"What is the use of being elected or re-elected unless you stand for something?"
- when told that his opposition to high tarrifs gave the political opposition an effective campaign issue.
And even though he was a poor president, Andrew Johnson got a raw deal by being impeached. He acted constitutionally and with integrity- merely had the misfortune to be from the minority party and defy the wishes of the majority in the house.
I don't cite biblical scripture here very often, but Ecclesiastes seems appropos:
"What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun"
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
While I am just dumbfounded that this series ever got off of the ground words can not express my disapproval of the Spouses in gold program. You don't have to go back to many years to find the First Ladies proper place at the White House to see it was far different back then. A few years ago I actually held and read a cookbook by "Virginia's Most Noteable Ladys" that held receipts from Senators and Congressmens wives! It was hilarious as they described the skinning, gutting and proper preparing of a squirrel. A pinch on this and a tab of that! My only regret is not buying the huge old library that I was standing in! When the lady died the history that filled that room disappeared as no one in that family had a clue what they were setting on. Wouldn't be surprised to hear they burnt them all to clean out the house! Anyway, back not to long ago the spouse in the White House was just that...an UNELECTED lady of the house...and to put them in gold is the single greatest farce I have ever seen concerning our coinage in this country! I can only hope that upcoming elections will remove the individuals from office that were involved with this outlandish stupidity as this thought process does not deserve to be in public office.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2724 Posts |
Even with the removal of these swift minded people, more are waiting in line. Today it is all about keeping the job instead of doing the job. As sad as is it, you can see this same type of action in every industry and form of government. When did we become a nation of "follow" the leader?
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
I wish I could answer your question ND but I can't. Some where along the line the men and women of this country were both forced to work to make a living to support a family and that need to make the almight dollar took many people away from what was going on in the U.S. and the world around them. Taking up the collecting of the Euro in 2002 and then moving on to world coins has really opened my eyes to the history and culture around us. I found out very quickly that people all over the world are just like us with the same hopes and dreams. All we ever got from school and from the media, for the most part, is what someone, somewhere wanted you to get and I assumed most of it was correct and the way it was. I was wrong! We are surrounded by great peoples all over the world and they to must endure the POLITICS of government while they go about their everyday pursuit of the items needed to survive in this world, which for the most part, governements and religion have created. Does the average individual really have any say? He who controls the keys to the kingdom controls the kingdom?
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Forum Mom
 United States
5877 Posts |
Overall, most people follow rather than lead because it's easier. Whereas the schools used to promote original thinking, now they only promote "acceptance" into the norm. Any behavior or thought that is original or unique in any way is beaten down. Many of the school districts are still recommending medications for children who don't need it, just because they don't conform to everyone else's view of "normal". Quite frankly, from what I've seen of "normal", I never want my kids to be that way. The loss of original thinking is what is "dumbing down" society. The presidential/spouse coinage bill is just another example of nobody taking a minute to come up with an original idea!  |
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
Couldn't agree with you more Susan! I guess when one feels no one is listening, sooner or later, they tend to give up. If you continue to push it is very easy for the powers that be to label you an extremist or radical and once you are wholeheartedly discredited it is very tough to get any one to notice your efforts again. As you said it becomes very easy to follow, or for that matter, just not to care any longer. It doesn't matter where you are in the world there is someone dictating what you should believe and how you should live!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1203 Posts |
crystalk64 quote:
Some where along the line the men and women of this country were both forced to work to make a living to support a family.
Think back and you will find that it was the late 50’s and early 60’s when the women’s rights groups started organizing and promoting themselves. They went into the work force to show their equal and/or superior job skills as compared with men and from that time on things haven’t been the same in most families. It was after this that they went for equal pay for equal work etc. quote:
All we ever got from school and from the media, for the most part, is what someone, somewhere wanted you to get and I assumed most of it was correct and the way it was. I was wrong!
Thought about this the other day when I read something ND said about accepting ones own responsibilities. From the time a child enters school they are told : what ever happens isn’t their fault’, and the NEA will fight you tooth and nail to keep it that way. What chance does a parent have any more to either correct or discipline a child, when he is threatened with disclosure to the authorities for child abuse. Thanks to all these bleeding heart liberal educators in the NEA. Educators should be shot for the job they have done on our young people, cheating then all the way through school. quote:
Does the average individual really have any say?
I would like to change your last statement to the following: He who controls the keys to the gun cabinet, controls the way he lives and when he dies. Terry Edited by OldDan
06/09/2005 11:04 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1091 Posts |
As a special series, I think the $1 president series will be good.  It should encourage a lot of American history buffs to collect the series. This is a great way for kids to learn American history. Of course once the series is finished, I believe, the coins should have "Liberty" on them,  like the early American presidents would have wanted, without the Hero worship of presidents as Royalty. The First Ladies series is a "politically correct" action just to avoid the American political system being seen as sexist. Considering that besides the wives there are Nieces, daughters in laws, and sisters being portrayed on these coins, I’d agree it is high farce. As they say…. “Behind every great man there is a woman….” Feminists are saying that the support that a woman gives to her man is what has made the man great. Therefore taking all the credit and glory to the woman. They should quote the complete version of that sentence… “ Behind every great man there is a woman who is trying to take the credit and bask in the glory of the man’s achievements.”. But that’s not politically correct is it?[:p] LOL  Edited by toast
06/10/2005 02:22 am
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New Member
Australia
28 Posts |
This looks to be a great set, and as stated - a good way to enhance history (I'll have to get a set). On another track - I understand that some vending machines used to have a penny with a card that relayed the similarities between Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy. Do these cards still exist?
Edited by Gregk
06/10/2005 06:34 am
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
Hey Old Dan, I may be better off than I thought as I got the keys to the gun cabinet and the ammo!!!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2724 Posts |
quote:
Originally posted by toast
As a special series, I think the $1 president series will be good. It should encourage a lot of American history buffs to collect the series. This is a great way for kids to learn American history.
There has never been a dollar coin that has made significant circulation here in America. Let me share a prediction with you. Keep in mind that you heard it here first. 2006 will see 4 coins rushed into circulation because the bill has not passed the Senate as of today. So like the 2003 Nickel that was supposed to be changed, this dollar coin will go through a rush to mint scenerio. The Mint in its glory will crank these coins out in the 300 billion range. The first 4 will fly off the shelves as they are representing the founding fathers. 2007 will see sharp reductions in mintage numbers are the market is becoming flooded with the other small dollars (Sac and SBA). This is the number 1 fear of congress. 2008 will see the end of the dollar coin for circulation as too many are sitting in Treasury vaults. You have to remember that the Fed Reserve estimates that they have 200 million currently in Sac and SBA dollars. The Mint will jack up the price of the rolls offered ONLY to collectors and in Mint Sets, Proof Sets. The dollar rolls will see a $29.00 price tag, and the Mint sets will also be over $30 taking the Proofs over $40. While on paper this looks like a good idea, (so did the others) there will be NO successful dollar coin in the United States while a dollar bill is still available. MY PREDICTION: 2 to 2 1/2 years before the coin goes to "collector" only. |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1091 Posts |
The only thing I can predict is that "I can't predict the future". [:p]LOL ND Your insight into the situation is very interesting. It raises a couple questions in my mind and I'd be interested in your opinion for the following questions. Thanks. 1. As there are 200 million Sac & SBA in the federal reserve why would the mint produce 300 Billion of the presidents coins? (over zealous?) 2. Why would the market become flooded with other small dollars (Sac & SBA)? Are you talking about the two hundred millon in reserve? Perhaps they will remelt the SBA dollars. Will they still make Sac dollars during this series? 3. Is it possible that this is the introduction to the end of the $1 bill? 4. Are the presidents dollars going to the colour of the Sac or the SBA? I'd imagine the Sac unless they are doing away with that series. A Bi-metal coin would look great, like the 1 or 2 Euro! 5. When the series is near completion will the president at that time have his image in circulation? And what of the president after him? Are there any plans to do one of these dollars every 4 or 8 years? 6. Why it is hard to circulate 50c and $1 coins, why do people prefer a wad of one dollar notes? Edited by toast
06/10/2005 10:13 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
980 Posts |
quote:
Originally posted by toast
The only thing I can predict is that "I can't predict the future". [:p]LOL
ND Your insight into the situation is very interesting. It raises a couple questions in my mind and I'd be interested in your opinion for the following questions. Thanks.
1. As there are 200 million Sac & SBA in the federal reserve why would the mint produce 300 Billion of the presidents coins? (over zealous?)
2. Why would the market become flooded with other small dollars (Sac & SBA)? Are you talking about the two hundred millon in reserve? Perhaps they will remelt the SBA dollars. Will they still make Sac dollars during this series?
3. Is it possible that this is the introduction to the end of the $1 bill?
4. Are the presidents dollars going to the colour of the Sac or the SBA? I'd imagine the Sac unless they are doing away with that series. A Bi-metal coin would look great, like the 1 or 2 Euro!
5. When the series is near completion will the president at that time have his image in circulation? And what of the president after him? Are there any plans to do one of these dollars every 4 or 8 years?
6. Why it is hard to circulate 50c and $1 coins, why do people prefer a wad of one dollar notes?
Hi Toast, I'm obviously, not ND  but in reply to the last part of your query-I think that the problem with 50c and dollar coins is that our economy is not set up for them. Vending machines don't acccept them-but they do take bills Cash registers don't have drawers for them, etc. Don |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2724 Posts |
quote:
Originally posted by toast
1. As there are 200 million Sac & SBA in the federal reserve why would the mint produce 300 Billion of the presidents coins? (over zealous?)
Anytime the Mint issues new coins there is a flood of people who will want them. As with all denominations, the initial mintages are in the hundred of billions. This will work in the beginning as collectors and hoarders keep all that they can find. Mix this in with the 2006 Sac Dollar that will once again see circulation and the effort will flood the market quickly. quote:
2. Why would the market become flooded with other small dollars (Sac & SBA)? Are you talking about the two hundred millon in reserve? Perhaps they will remelt the SBA dollars. Will they still make Sac dollars during this series?
The Federal reserve issues coins as the banks ask for them. If your local bank asks for dollar coins, they will get dollar coins. The Fed banks DO NOT distinguish between what dollar coins are issued. This is the exact problem that plaqued the Sac dollars. Once the initial run was over, many people found Sac coins mixed together with SAB coins. NOBODY wants the SBA dollars. Yes the Sac Dollar will be in production as current law requires it. It will once again see release into circulation. The new coin bill also has language making the Sac Dollar a permanent design once the Presidential series is complete. quote:
3. Is it possible that this is the introduction to the end of the $1 bill?
NOPE. There is no current legislation for the removal of the dollar bill. quote:
4. Are the presidents dollars going to the colour of the Sac or the SBA? I'd imagine the Sac unless they are doing away with that series. A Bi-metal coin would look great, like the 1 or 2 Euro!
The current law requires any dollar coin to be minted in the same size and metal content as the Sac dollar. quote:
5. When the series is near completion will the president at that time have his image in circulation? And what of the president after him? Are there any plans to do one of these dollars every 4 or 8 years?
All non-sitting Presidents will receive a coin regardless if they are alive or dead. quote:
6. Why it is hard to circulate 50c and $1 coins, why do people prefer a wad of one dollar notes?
Convenience and habit. In times past, the Half Dollar was the workhorse of the economy. |
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
188 Posts |
You guys have so much red tape to get through I'm surprised anything gets passed anywhere!
In the UK the government decided it was a good idea to get rid of the £1 note. So in 1983 they minted billions of new £1 coins and continued to do so until 1986, the numbers began to drop a bit after this because there was alot of them out there in circulation.
Somehow the £1 note managed to linger on until 1988 when it was demonetised, although I think they were in the minority by that point. As we don't have a written consitution, nor is the coinage bound by any constitutional law that I know of, the government changes it as and when they feel like it.
So in the early-mid 1990s they shrunk alot of the cupro-nickel denominations, the public complained, the government carried on regardless.
As for the cash register drawers when the £2
coins finally entered circulation in 1998 the shops just got landed with them and were made to fit them in. So £2 coins happily share the drawer with the £1 coins. Or some shops will move the 5p's and the 10p's in with each other and use the vacated drawer from the £2 coins. Other cash drawers had more compartments than required anyhow.
There was some talk a few years back about ditching the £5 note presumably for a coin. I'd happily support any moves to eliminate another note.
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Replies: 15 / Views: 1,442 |
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Posted 06/09/2005 7:04 pm
