What presidents are on the US coins?
The United States currency is not only a medium of exchange but also carries significant historical significance. Various presidents have been commemorated on different denominations of coins over the years, serving as a reminder of their contributions to the country. Let’s take a closer look at the presidents featured on US coins and explore some frequently asked questions related to this topic.
1. Which president is featured on the penny?
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is depicted on the front (obverse) side of the one-cent coin, commonly known as the penny.
2. Who is on the nickel?
Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president, is featured on the front of the five-cent coin, commonly referred to as the nickel.
3. Which president is on the dime?
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president who led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II, appears on the front of the ten-cent coin, known as the dime.
4. Who is depicted on the quarter dollar?
The quarter dollar, commonly called the quarter, portrays George Washington, the first president of the United States, on its front side.
5. Who is featured on the half-dollar?
John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, is depicted on the front of the half-dollar coin, commonly known as the fifty-cent piece.
6. Which presidents are on the dollar coins?
Several presidents have been honored on dollar coins as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. The series showcases four different presidents each year in the order of their service. Some presidents featured on these golden-toned coins are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
7. Are there any other US coins with presidents?
Yes, in addition to cents, nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins, there have been commemorative coins minted by the United States Mint that feature other presidents. For example, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and many other presidents have appeared on special edition coins.
8. Are presidents the only individuals featured on US coins?
No, while US coins largely highlight presidents for their historical significance, there are also coins featuring important figures from different domains, like Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who played a vital role in the Lewis and Clark expedition, and Susan B. Anthony, a prominent advocate for women’s rights.
9. Who decides which presidents appear on US coins?
The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the President of the United States, decides which presidents or historical figures appear on US coins.
10. Do US coins always feature the same design?
No, US coin designs often change over the years. The designs are periodically updated to honor different individuals or commemorate significant events in American history.
11. Can US coins have the same president on different denominations?
Yes, it is possible for US coins to have the same president depicted on multiple denominations. For example, both Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt are featured on both pennies and dollar coins.
12. Are there any US coins without presidents or historical figures?
Yes, there are US coins that do not feature presidents or historical figures. For instance, the American Silver Eagle, a bullion coin, showcases Lady Liberty on its obverse side and an eagle, the national bird of the United States, on its reverse side.
In conclusion, the faces of numerous presidents grace different US coins, reflecting their contributions to the nation’s history. From Abraham Lincoln on the penny to John F. Kennedy on the half-dollar, these coins serve as a reminder of the leaders who have shaped the United States and continue to leave a lasting impact.