Representatives of the NFB will be on hand to introduce the organization to coin collectors and provide a demonstration of reading using the Braille system. You can learn more about the organization on their website NFB.org.

The 2009 Louis Braille Coin will be minted in a quantity of up to 400,000 coins. Each coin will contain 90% silver and be considered a legal tender numismatic item. The previously unveiled design will feature a portrait of Louis Braille on the obverse and an image of a child reading Braille from a book on the reverse. The reverse will also feature readable Braille characters, which will be a first for any United States coinage.

This will be one of two commemorative coin programs which will take place during 2009. The other program will be feature the Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Coin.

The ceremony took place at AT&T Plaza at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX to open the 2008 National Convention of the National Federal of the Blind. At the ceremony, Edmund Moy said:

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.

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 obverse design features a portrait of Louis Braille facing the viewer. Inscriptions read “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” “Louis Braille,” and the bicentennial years 1809 and 2009.

The reverse design features a young child reading Braille from a book. Incscritions include “United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” and “One Dollar.” Also prominently featured on the reverse is the word “Braille” written in Braille Code for the letters “BRL.” This is the first time that a US coin has included readable Braille characters. As a side note, the Alabama State Quarter included Braille, but it was too small to be considered readable.

The authorizing legislation known as H.R. 2872 Louis Braille Bicentennial Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act was first introduced on June 13, 2005. The bill passed votes in both the House of Representatives and Senate and was signed into law by the President on July 27, 2006.

The legislation specifically authorizes the mintage and issuance of up to 400,000 Silver Dollar coins. Ecah coin will have a diameter of 1.5 inches, a weight of 26.73 grams, and a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. The coins will be legal tender and considered numismatic items.

The design of the commemorative coin is intended to be emblematic of the life and legacy of Louis Braille. The obverse of the coin will include an image of Louis Braille. The reverse design will emphasize Braille literacy and include the word for “Braille” written in Braille code. Inscriptions will be included on the coins designating the value, the year of issuance, and the words “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” “United States of America,” and “E Pluribus Unum.”

The final designs for the Louis Braille Coin will be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury. He will consult with the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Federation of the Blind. Additionally, the Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee will review the design.

Coins will be available for sale from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009. The price of each coin will include a surcharge which will be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to further promote Braille literacy.