James Buchanan Presidential $1 Coin | U.S. Mint

I was born on April 23, 1791, near Mercersburg,
Pa., and was the oldest of 11 children. I pursued a career in law
in 1812, and during the War of 1812 I helped to protect Baltimore.
I had a great talent for oratory and was elected to serve in the
state legislature and later the U.S. House of Representatives and
Senate. I was even appointed U.S. minister to Russia. In 1845, I
became President James K. Polk’s secretary of state, and later
served as U.S. minister to Great Britain. This shielded me from the
heated debates about slavery in the U.S. and helped me earn the
Democratic Party’s nomination for President in 1856. I served one
term, 1857-1861, but did not pursue re-election in 1860.

Just two days after I took office, the U.S.
Supreme Court released their spine-chilling Dred Scott decision,
legalizing slavery in all territories, and the nation was careening
towards civil war. To my credit, I succeeded in opening and
protecting ports on the West Coast to facilitate trade with Asia.
When Abraham Lincoln won the presidential election in December
1860, 11 southern states declared themselves the Confederate States
of America and seceded from the Union. I passed away on June 1,
1868 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Coinage Legislation under President James
Buchanan

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No coinage legislation was enacted during
President Buchanan’s term.

United States Mint Directors Appointed by
President James Buchanan

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No United States Mint Directors were appointed
by President Buchanan.