Louis Braille Bicentennial Commemorative Coin
A new commemorative coin is on the way to honor the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille and his contribution of the Braille System.
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.