The U.S. Mint is making a spring fashion statement with the introduction of its Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) gold coin jewelry. According to Philip Diehl, director of the U.S. Mint, "Our FDR coin jewelry is a unique, attractive way for people to honor this extraordinary man and commemorate an important era in American history."To honor one of the most important presidents of the 20th century, the U.S. Mint is producing 100,000 limited-edition Franklin Delano Roosevelt Commemorative Five-Dollar Gold Coins. The coins are the result of a bill sponsored by Sens. Mark O. Hatfield of Oregon and Daniel K. Inoyue of Hawaii, which was signed into law by President Clinton in 1996.
Available now, the FDR coin has been introduced to coincide with the May dedication of the newly constructed FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C. Up to $3.5 million in proceeds from the sale of the coin will help with construction costs and maintenance of the memorial.
"It is fitting," says Diehl, "that as America dedicates the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, we also recognize the achievements of this extraordinary man with the minting of a gold coin. FDR's rich numismatic legacy includes four inaugural medals and, of course, the Roosevelt dime. Moreover, the facility where the FDR coin is being minted displays a presidential plaque from 1937 - the year he signed into law an act that created the West Point Mint's Silver Bullion Depository and now the West Point Mint. We're delighted to continue FDR's numismatic legacy with the minting of this coin."
The FDR Memorial, which will benefit from the sale of the coin, will be the last presidential memorial erected this millennium. Located along Washington, D.C.'s famous Cherry Tree Walk on the National Mall's Tidal Basin, the 7.5-acre memorial was dedicated May 2 and opened to the public on May 3.
The memorial provides a historical narrative of Roosevelt's 12 years in office, from 1933 to 1945, in a parklike setting of four outdoor gallery rooms, one for each of FDR's terms in office. From the stark days of the Great Depression to the powerful drama of World War II, the memorial depicts the great social, economic and cultural upheavals which marked FDR's presidency.
As the only president ever elected to four terms in office, Roosevelt pushed through Social Security, the GI Bill and many other programs, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. As New Deal programs designed to rescue the country from the Depression, they were immensely signifanct.
Equally important historically was FDR's role as the commander in chief who led the United States from "the date which will live in infamy" to the threshold of victory in Europe and the Pacific.
The obverse of the FDR coin was designed by U.S. Mint master engraver T. James Ferrell, who based his design on one of Roosevelt's favorite photographs: a portrait of the commander in chief reviewing the fleet in San Francisco Bay. Wearing his famous wool cloak, FDR is shown on the bridge of the USS Houston.
The reverse of the coin was designed by U.S. Mint designer Jim Peed. It bears a finely engraved rendering of the presidential seal displayed at FDR's first inaugural in 1933. Thomas D. Rogers, Sr., sculptor/engraver for the U.S. Mint, sculpted the reverse of the coin.
Through July 15, 1997, the coin will be available at introductory prices - $195 for the proof gold five-dollar coin, $180 for the uncirculated coin, and $350 for the two-coin proof and uncirculated set. The two-coin set is limited to 5,000 sets, contingent upon the availability of the individual coins.
After July 15, the prices will rise - $225 for the proof gold five-dollar coin, $205 for the uncirculated coin, and $399 for the two-coin proof and uncirculated set. Proof coins are struck at least twice using special blanks and feature a mirror-like finish. Uncirculated coins, which are struck only once, have a satin-like finish.
Through July 15, pre-issue prices for FDR coin jewelry are as follows: $250 for the proof lapel pin, $240 for the proof pendant (without chain) and $365 for the proof pendant with a gold chain. After July 15, prices are as follows: $275 for the proof lapel pin, $270 for the proof pendant (without chain) and $390 for the proof pendant with a gold chain.
Those interested in securing the coins or the jewelry may call 1-800-MINT-USA or write Customer Service Center, U.S. Mint, 10003 Derekwood Lane, Lanham, MD 20706-2255.