|
The United States Mint
At President Thomas Jefferson's request, the United States Mint, barely ten years old at that time, produced for the Corps of Discovery the peace medals Lewis and Clark carried with them. It was a collaboration of the two federal agencies that made up the journey westward - the United States Army and the United States Mint. While exchanges symbolizing peace were common and included clothing, flags and other gifts, historians seem to agree that "peace" medals were by far the most important since the agreement of peaceable relations between both parties was inherent in their giving and receiving. Without the peace medals the expedition brought along, it is entirely possible that relations between the explorers and the many tribes they encountered might not have proven as fruitful.
For more information about the United States Mint and it's relation to the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial click here.
|
Westward Journey Nickel Series™
In commemoration of the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark
expedition, the President enacted Public Law 108-15 to modify the Jefferson five-cent coin
(nickel) in 2003, 2004 and 2005, to reflect images evocative of their historic expedition into the
Louisiana Territory. A depiction of Monticello will return to the nickel in 2006. The obverse
will continue to bear the likeness of President…for more http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/index.cfm?action=nickel_series |
|
Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar
This commemorative silver dollar is emblematic of Lewis and Clark's expedition of exploring the
and acquired through the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803. More details about this
commemorative coin, the Lewis and Clark Coinage and Currency Set, Lewis & Clark Coin &
Pouch Set, and the Lewis and Clark expedition can be found here: http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/index.cfm?action=UpcomingComm#LewisClark.
|
|
Golden Dollar Coin
The Golden Dollar features Sacagawea and her baby boy Jean Baptiste. Sacagawea was the
indispensable Shoshone guide that aided in the successful Lewis and Clark Exhibition west in the
early 1800's. Sacagawea and her baby are depicted on the obverse of the coin and the majestic
American bald eagle is on the reverse. More information about this coin and its history can be
found here. http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/index.cfm?action=golden_dollar_coin
|
|
Louisiana Quarter
The Louisiana quarter, the third quarter released in 2002 and 18th in the 50 State Quarters®
Program, displays the image of Louisiana's state bird -- the pelican, a trumpet with musical notes,
and the outline of the Louisiana Purchase territory, along with the inscription "Louisiana
Purchase." For more, visit: http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/50sq_program/ states/index.cfm?state=la
|
|
Missouri Quarter
The Missouri quarter, the fourth quarter released in 2003, and the 24th in the 50 State Quarters®
Program. The Missouri quarter depicts Lewis and Clark's historic return to St. Louis down the
Missouri River, with the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Gateway Arch) in the
background. The quarter is inscribed "Corps of Discovery 1804-2004." For more, visit:http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/50sq_program/ states/index.cfm?state=mo
|
|
Jefferson Peace Medal
On their expedition to the Pacific coast from 1804-1806, Lewis and Clark carried a supply of
"Indian Peace Medals" bearing the portrait of President Thomas Jefferson for presentation to
important chiefs. The tradition of presenting Indian Peace Medals continued until the latter part of
the 19th century. For more, visit: http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/medals/ index.cfm?action=Presidential_Medals
|
|
United States Mint Products
The United States Mint will have a number of products available this year that are associated with
the Lewis and Clark expedition. Make sure to frequently check our Online Catalog for these and
other new products at http://catalog.usmint.gov/.
|
|
The United States Mint H.I.P. Pocket Change™ Web Site
This innovative site for kids links the coins in our pockets with the historical
figures who appear on them, including Lewis and Clark. Children and their
parents and teachers can explore the Peace Medal and all the coins listed here in
kid-friendly language and a family-safe environment at H.I.P. Pocket Change
(http://usmint.gov/kids).
|
|
|
|