The United States Mint hosted officials from the Franklin Institute and the
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission on December 19, 2005. The reason for
the gathering was the ceremonial
striking of two new silver dollars celebrating the 300th anniversary of the
birth of Benjamin Franklin in 1706.
The Mint will offer the Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coins in both proof and
uncirculated condition. The first silver dollar,
"Scientist," depicts on its
obverse a view of a young Ben Franklin and his kite in the midst of a June 1752
experiment that led to a better understanding of electricity. The reverse
design illustrates one of Franklin’s best-known political cartoons, entitled
"Join, or Die", highlighted by a divided snake. The underlying message of
the cartoon demonstrated Franklin’s strongly held opinion that colonial unity
was vitally important.
"Founding Father" is the theme of the second coin
and recalls the elderly statesman profile of Benjamin Franklin. The
reverse of the commemorative coin features a
1776 Continental Currency dollar, which carries
designs originally created by Franklin. In general, the second
commemorative silver dollar showcases the contributions made by Franklin in
early American coinage and as a framer of the United States Constitution.
The public started ordering the Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coins on
Franklin's birthday, January 17, 2006.
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"Scientist"
Obverse: A representation of Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment.
Reverse: Benjamin
Franklin’s "Join, or Die" cartoon, published in the Pennsylvania Gazette on
May 9, 1754. United States
Mint image.
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"Founder"
Obverse: An image of the elderly Benjamin Franklin, while in his statesman
years.
Reverse: Taken
from a 1776 Continental Dollar, featuring designs originally created by
Benjamin Franklin. United States Mint image.
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