Every presidency begins with the simple oath of office, as prescribed by the Constitution: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Though the words have not changed since George Washington first spoke them in 1789, each utterance of the oath initiates a new direction in American history. The incoming President brings to the office a unique blend of personality and leadership skills, to temporarily navigate the ship of state through unknown, often turbulent waters. All presidents faced momentous decisions, that if traced forward to the present, helped shape the world we live in today.
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Only a tiny handful of men have had the privilege to serve as President of the United States. A series of presidential commemorative coins are now being minted to honor those individuals who once held the nation's highest office. Some of them are better remembered than others, but for many Americans, it is the institution of the Presidency itself that is revered most.
Four presidential dollar coins are released into general circulation each year, beginning in 2007. Click on any linked presidential name below to learn more about the man himself and the historical legacy of his administration. As more coin designs are announced by the U.S. Mint, they too will be included in our "Hail to the Chiefs" page.
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