Louis Braille Commemorative Coin Launch in Baltimore

On March 26, 2009, the United States Mint launched the new Louis Braille Commemorative Silver Dollar coin in Baltimore. The official launch ceremony took place at the headquarters of the National Federal of the Blind (NFB).

The ceremony was attended by NFB President Marc Mauer and the Director of the United States Mint Edmund Moy. Additional attendees included the Assistant Administrator for NASA Education Dr. Joyce Winterton and inventor Abraham Nemeth.

Edmund Moy stated:

For the first time in history, the United States has a coin with readable Braille. The 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar honors the developer of Braille, a tactile code that has been instrumental in the literacy and independence of the world’s blind people.

The coin is now available for sale directly from the United States Mint. The uncirculated version of hte coin is priced at $31.95 and the proof version is priced at $37.95 during the initial discount period. After April 27, 2009, the regular prices of $33.95 and $41.95 will go into effect.

A special easy open capsule is available for the uncirculated version of the coin for those wishing to take the coin out of the holder and read the Braille characters on the reverse of the coin.