References are numbered in [brackets], which are listed here. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2013 January 7.

2009

January 1

• Representative Jack Kingston of Georgia introduces H.R. 621, the Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act in the House of Representatives. [145.44]

January 5

• The US Mint begins sales of the six-coin copper-nickel clad 2009-S District of Columbia and U.S. Territories Quarters Proof set. Issue price is $14.95. [82.10] [84.4]
• Stack's conducts its Orlando Sale auction in Orlando, Florida.
  • US 1793 Flowing Hair, Wreath, Strawberry Leaf cent, one of four known, finest known, F-12 NGC: US$862,500;
  • US 1873-CC Seated Liberty, No Arrows quarter dollar, MS-63 PCGS: US$431,250.
  [85.4]

January 7

• (to January 10) Heritage Auction Galleries conducts an auction at the Florida United Numismatists convention in Orlando. Some highlights:
  • 1815 $5, MS-64 NGC: US$460,000;
  • 1841 25-cent, PR-66 NGC: US$299,000;
  • 1844 25-cent, PR-66 NGC: US$299,000;
  • 1877 $50 copper pattern, PR-67 Brown NGC: US$575,000;
  • 1880 $4, Coiled Hair, PR-62 NGC: US$575,000;
  • 1889-CC $1, MS-68 PCGS: US$531,875;
  • 1892-O half dollar, Micro O, MS-68 PCGS: US$345,000;
  • 1892-S $1, MS-67 PCGS: US$460,000;
  • 1893-S $1, MS-64 PCGS: US$299,000;
  • 1893-S $1, MS-65 NGC: US$299,000;
  • 1913-S $10, MS-66 PCGS: US$299,000;
  • 1920-S $10, MS-66 PCGS: US$431,250;
  • 1930-S $10, MS-67 PCGS: US$299,000;
  • 1933 $10, MS-65 PCGS: US$488,750.
  [87.18]
• Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas introduces H.R. 255 "NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act" in the House of Representatives, proposing a $50 gold coin and nine different silver dollars dated 2011. [88.5]

January 15

• The US Mint releases the 2009 Native American dollar to circulation. [95.86] (January 17 [87.4])

January 21

• Representative Jack Kingston of Georgia introduces H.R. 621 "The Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act" in the House of Representatives, proposing a silver dollar issue for 2011. [88.72] [95.110]

January 22

• The US Mint begins sales of the 0.9999 fine gold one-ounce 2009 Saint-Gaudens, Roman Numerals, Ultra High Relief double eagle. Initial issue price is $1189. [82.10] [88.1] [90.4]

January 26

• The US Mint releases the District of Columbia quarter dollar to circulation. [80.42] [84.4] [91.52] [95.86]

February 1

• (to February 3) Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles conducts a coin auction in Los Angeles. Some highlights:
  • 1879 $4 gold pattern, Coiled Hair, PR-63 NGC: US$304,750;
  • 1933 Indian Head eagle, MS-65 PCGS: US$517,500.
  [92.64]

February 3

• US Mint Director Edmund Moy names US Mint Sculptor-Engraver John Mercanti to position of chief engraver. [91.4]

February 7

• At the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany, World Coin News presents awards to winners of its 26th annual Coin of the Year contest (for 2007-dated coins).
  • Most Historically Significant: USA $1 commemorating 400th anniversary of Jamestown Settlement in Virginia.
  • Best Contemporary Event: USA $1 silver for 50th anniversary of integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
  • Most Popular Coin: USA $1 George Washington circulating coin.
  [15.1] [16.1] [99.88]

February 10

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2009-S Presidential $1 Coin Proof set, containing the four 2009 Presidential dollars. Issue price is $14.95. [82.10] [90.76] [92.26]

February 12

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial silver dollar. Mintage limit is 500,000. Prices are US$37.95 (Proof) and US$31.95 (Uncirculated). [82.10] [87.5] [88.20] [91.5] [92.26]
• The US Mint releases to circulation the first of four 2009 Lincoln cents covering four phases of Abraham Lincoln's life. The first coin depicts the log cabin of his birth in Kentucky. [57.1] [91.1] [95.88]

February 16

• The US Mint launches the 2009 William Henry Harrison Presidential dollar in Charles City, Virginia. [92.20] [94.18]
  
  

February 19

• The US Mint releases the 2009 William Henry Harrison Presidential dollar to circulation. [90.76] [92.20] [94.18]

February 23

• Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas introduces "The Five-Star Generals Commemorative Coin Act" in the US Senate, seeking gold $5, silver $1, and copper-nickel half dollar coins struck in 2013 to recognize five US fove-star generals. [59.62] [95.110]
• Senator Susan Collins of Maine introduces "The Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act" in the US Senate, seeking production of silver $1 coins commemorating the Girls Scounts of America. [95.110] [145.44]

February 24

• The United States Mint launches a new coin featuring legendary composer, pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington, making him the first African-American to appear by himself on a US coin. [73]

February 25

• Representative Dennis Moore of Kansas introduces "The Five-Star Generals Commemorative Coin Act" in the House of Representatives, seeking gold $5, silver $1, and copper-nickel half dollar coins struck in 2013 to recognize five US fove-star generals. [59.62] [95.110]
• Representative John Larson of Connecticut introduces H.R. 1195 "The Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act" in the House of Representatives, calling for gold $5 and silver $1 coins struck in 2013 to commemorate the life and legacy of Mark Twain. [95.110]
• Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut introduces S. 483 "The Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act" in the US Senate, calling for gold $5 and silver $1 coins struck in 2013 to commemorate the life and legacy of Mark Twain. [95.110]

February 26

• Representative Christopher Carney of Pennsylvania introduces H.R. 1209 "The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009" in the House of Representatives, proposing gold $5 coins and silver $1 coins struck in 2011 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Medal of Honor. [95.110]

March 5

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2009-W First Spouse Anna Harrison half-ounce 0.9999 fine gold $10 coins. [92.20] [94.4]

March 13

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2009-S District of Columbia and US Territories Quarters Silver Proof set. [92.20]

March 16

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2009-P and 2009-D Presidential $1 Coin Uncirculated set. [92.20]

March 19

• Senator Benjamin Cardin of Maryland introduces S. 653, the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act, in the US Senate seeking gold $5 and silver dollar coins in 2012 to commemorate the bicentennial of the writing of the "Star-Spangled Banner". [99.78] [111.74]

March 26

• (to March 27) At the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, Bowers and Merena Auctions conducts the auction. Some highlights:
  • 1870-CC Coronet gold double eagle, AU-55 NGC: US$414,000.
  [99.92]
• The US Mint begins sales of the 2009-P Louis Braille Bicentennial silver dollar. Prices are US$37.95 (Proof) and US$31.95 (Uncirculated). [82.10] [87.5] [92.20] [97.1]

March 30

• The US Mint releases the 2009 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico quarter dollar to circulation. [97.10] [100.10] [101.10]
• The Denver and Philadelphia Mints begin production on the second 2009 Lincoln cent for circulation. [100.22]

April 1

• Superior Galleries of California informs its clients it is suspending all of its auction business due to unprofitability for the past seven years. [100.4]
• Senator Max Baucus of Montana introduces S. 758 "Original Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Ultra-High Relief Bullion Coin Act of 2009" seeking palladium bullion coins and numismatic coins. [101.95]

April 2

• The US Mint launches the 2009 Puerto Rico quarter dollar in Paseo La Princesa, Puerto Rico. [98.22]

April 21

• Representative Rush Holt of New Jersey introduces H.R. 2001 "Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefields Commemorative Coin Act of 2009" in the House of Representatives, seeking $5 gold coind, $1 silver coins, and copper-nickel half dollars dated 2011 depicting the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. [103.64] [111.74]

April 23

• The US Mint announces that it will produce no more 2009-dated nickels and dimes for circulation, due to lack of demand. [103.1]
• Representative C.A. Ruppersberger of Maryland introduces H.R. 2097, the Star-Spangled Banner Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act in the House of Representatives. [102.1] [111.74]
• Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts introduces S. 883, the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 in the US Senate. [111.74]
• Senator Benjamin Cardin of Maryland introduces S. 653, the Star-Spangled Banner Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act in the US Senate. [102.1]

April 27

• Representative Todd Russell Platts of Pennsylvania introduces H.R. 2123 "1863 Gettysburg Campaign Act" in the House of Representatives, seeking issuance of gold $5, silver $1, and copper-nickel half dollar 2013-dated commemorative coins. [111.74] [143.79]

April 29

• (to May 1) Heritage Numismatic Auctions conductions coin auctions at the Central States Numismatic Society convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. Some highlights:
  • US 1804 Draped Bust dollar, Adams-Carter specimen, Class III, PR-58 PCGS: US$2.3 million;
  • 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, AU-55 NGC: US$345,000;
  • 1795 Draped Bust, Small Eagle, Centered Bust dollar, MS-65 PCGS US$253,000;
  • 1870-S Seated Liberty dollar, one of ten known, EF-40 PCGS: US$503,125.
  [99.1] [104.4] [105.68] [124.79]

April 30

• Senator Russell Feingold of Wisconsin introduces S. 945, the Robert M. La Follette Sr. Commemorative Coin Act in the US Senate. [111.74]

May 7

• Representative Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin introduces H.R. 2318, the Robert M. La Follette Sr. Commemorative Coin Act in the House of Representatives. [111.74]
• Senator John Rockefeller of West Virginia introduces S. 1012, the Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act in the Senate. [45.5] [111.74]

May 14

• The House of Representatives approves H.R. 1209, the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009. [111.74]
• Representative Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia introduces H.R. 2421, the "Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act" in the House of Representatives. [45.5] [111.74]
• The US Mint launches the 2009 Lincoln, Formative Years, cent in Lincoln City, Indiana. [98.1] [100.22] [103.4] [107.1]

May 19

• The US Mint launches the 2009 John Tyler Presidential dollar coin in Charles City, Virginia. [105.1] [107.4] [111.5]

May 21

• The US Mint releases the 2009 John Tyler Presidential dollar coin to circulation. [105.1] [107.4] [111.5]

May 26

• The US Mint releases the 2009 Guam quarter dollar coin to circulation. [105.4] [111.58] [112.4]

May 27

• (to May 31) Heritage Numismatic Auctions conducts Central States Signature Auction. Some highlights:
  • 1804 $1 Class III, PR-58 PCGS: US$2.3 million;
  • 1870-S $1, EF-40 PCGS: US$503,125;
  • 1794 $1, AU-55 NGC: US$345,000;
  • 1794 $1, MS-61 NGC: US$503,125;
  • 1876-CC 20-cent, MS-66 PCGS: US$460,000.
  [107.18]

May 29

• Heritage Auction Galleries conducts their Signature auction in Long Beach, California. An 1856-O Coronet double eagle, SP-63 PCGS, finest known, sells for US$1,437,500. [113.5] [119.94]

June 1

• The US Mint begins sales of the 18-coin 2009-S Proof set, for US$29.95. [105.5] [111.1]

June 4

• The US Mint begins sales of the Proof and Uncirculated 2009 Letitia Tyler First Spouse gold $10 coins. [105.5]
• The US Mint launches the 2009 Guam quarter dollar coin. [105.4] [112.4]

June 10

• Representative John Boozman of Arkansas introduces H.R. 2799, The United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act" in the House of Representatives, calling for production of a gold $5 coin and silver $1 coin. [116.71] [147.76] (June 6 [86.84])

July 1

• The US Mint begins sales of the Proof and Uncirculated 2009-W Letitia Tyler First Spouse 0.9999 fine half-ounce gold $10 coins. [113.60]

July 17

• The US Mint begins sales of the 18-coin 2009-S Silver Proof set; issue price is US$52.95. [121.4]

July 24

• Representative Robert E. Latta of Ohio introduces H.R. 3341 "Ronald Reagan Commemorative Coin Act of 2009" seeking gold $5 and silver $1 coins dated 2013. [122.20]

July 27

• The US Mint releases the 2009 American Samoa quarter dollar to circulation. [113.4] [121.10] [137.18]

July 30

• Stack's in Los Angeles conducts auctions of SS New York treasures and parts of three collections. Some highlights:
  • 1817/4 Capped Bust half dollar, finest known, AU-50 PCGS: $356,500;
  • 1836 Gobrecht dollar pattern restrike in copper, Name in Field, PR-61 PCGS: $356,500
  [123.56] [375.34]

July 31

• Representative Bruce L. Braley of Iowa introduces H.R. 3464 "National Future Farmers of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2009" in the House of Representatives. [123.37]
• Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa introduces S. 1553 "National Future Farmers of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2009" in the House of Representatives. [123.37]
• Heritage Auction Galleries holds its Los Angeles Signature Auction. Some highlights:
  • 1880 $4 Coiled Hair Stella, gold, reeded edge, PR-62 NGC: $546,250;
  • 1933 Indian Head eagle, one of 15 known, MS-65 PCGS: $460,000;
  • 1856-O Coronet double eagle, AU-58 NGC: US$460,000;
  • 1795 $5 Small Eagle S/D, MS-65 Prooflike NGC: $345,000;
  • 1920-S Indian Head eagle, MS-66 PCGS: $345,000;
  • 1804 Capped Bust quarter eagle, 13 Stars Reverse, AU-58 PCGS: $322,000.
  [123.34,58]

August 6

• The US Mint begins sales of the Proof and Uncirculated 2009-W Julia Gardiner Tyler First Spouse 0.9999 fine gold $10 coins. Mintage limit is 40,000 coins. [122.10]

August 13

• The US Mint releases the 2009 Lincoln, Professional Life cent to circulation. [113.4] [116.4] [123.4] [132.1]

August 14

• The US Mint launches the 2009 Lincoln, Professional Life cent in Springfield, Illinois. [113.4] [120.4]

August 20

• The US Mint releases the 2009 James Polk Presidential dollar to circulation. [113.4] [116.4] [136.58]

August 26

• The US Mint begins sales of a Proof set of the four different 2009-S Lincoln cents. [123.4]

September 6

• In Beverly Hills, California, Ira & Larry Goldberg, Auctioneers, conduct the auction of part one of the Dan Holmes collection of US large cents. Some highlights:
  • 1793 Flowing Hair, Chain cent, "AMERI.", AU-58 PCGS: US$368,000;
  • 1793 Flowing Hair, Chain cent, "AMERICA", MS-63 brown PCGS: US$402,500;
  • 1793 Flowing Hair, Chain cent, "AMERICA", MS-63 brown / AU-50+ PCGS: US$253,000;
  • 1793 Flowing Hair, Wreath cent, Strawberry Leaf, "ONE CENT" centered, Fair-2 PCGS: US$264,500;
  • 1793 Flowing Hair, Wreath cent, Large Date and "LIBERTY", MS-65 brown / MS-63 prooflike PCGS: US$264,500;
  • 1793 Liberty Cap, Wreath cent, bisected obverse, AU-55 / EF-45 PCGS: US$506,000;
  • 1795 Liberty Cap, Reeded Edge cent, VG-10 PCGS, finest of seven known: US$1,265,000; first US large cent to sell for over $1 million;
  • 1799/8 Draped Bust cent, EF-45 PCGS: US$368,000;
  • 1799 Draped Bust cent, MS-61 PCGS: US$977,500;
  • 1804 Draped Bust cent, MS-63 brown PCGS: US$661,250.
  [135.79] [136.14] [138.1,72]

September 9

• The House of Representatives approves H.R. 2097, the Star-Spangled Banner Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act. [102.1] [109.4] [139.4]

September 10

• Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York introduces H.R. 3549, the "National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Coin Act of 2009" in the House of Representatives, seeking authority to produce silver dollar coins commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. [139.4]

September 28

• The US Mint releases the 2009 US Virgin Islands quarter dollar to circulation. [113.4] [133.5] [139.88]

October 1

• Representative Todd Russell Platts of Pennsylvania introduces H.R. 3712 "1863 Gettysburg Campaign Act" in the House of Representatives, seeking issuance of gold $5, silver $1, and copper-nickel half dollar 2013-dated commemorative coins. [143.79]
• The US Mint begins sales of the 36-coin 2009 Uncirculated Mint set. Issue price is $27.95. [141.4]

October 8

• The US Mint begins sales of the Braille Education set, containing an Uncirculated 2009-P Louis Braille Bicentennial silver dollar, with portraits and information about Louis Braille and Helen Keller. [140.52]

October 9

• The US Mint launches the 2009 US Virgin Islands quarter dollar in Charlotte Amalie on Saint Thomas. [139.88]

October 13

• The House of Representatives passes H.R. 621, the Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. [145.44]

October 15

• The US Mint begins sales of the 5-coin 2009 Abraham Lincoln Coin and Chronicles set, including Proof versions of the 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial silver dollar, and four 2009 Lincoln cents. Issue price is $55.95. Mintage limit is 50,000 sets. [140.1] [143.1]
• The US Mint begins sales of 2009 American Buffalo 1-ounce 0.9999 fine gold bullion coins. [142.1] [190.10]

October 19

• The US Senate unanimously passes H.R. 621, the Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. [145.44]

October 22

• Representative Brad Miller of North Carolina introduces H.R. 3912 seeking silver dollars to commemorate the opening of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. [146.1]
• Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina introduces S. 1819 seeking silver dollars to commemorate the opening of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. [146.1]
• The US Senate passes H.R. 1209 the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 by unanimous consent. [147.76]

October 29

• The US Mint begins sales of the Proof 2009-W American Buffalo 1-ounce 0.9999 fine gold $50 coin. [4.5] [142.1] [145.4]
• Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas introduces S. 2106 the United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act in the US Senate. [86.84] [147.76]
• US President Barack Obama signs H.R. 621 the Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act into law, calling for the production of silver dollars for 2013. [59.62] [147.76] [203.5]

November 6

• The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 is signed into law, calling for the striking and issuance of up to 100,000 Proof and Uncirculated half eagles and up to 500,000 Proof and Uncirculated silver dollars. [45.72] [203.5]

November 10

• The West Point Mint begins striking 2010 American Eagle silver bullion coins. [258.1]

November 12

• The US Mint launches the 2009 Lincoln, Bicentennial cent in Washington D.C. and releases the coin to circulation. [113.4] [116.4] [145.1] [155.1] [189.1]
• The US Mint unveils the design that will be used for the 1-cent coin beginning in 2010, depicting a Union shield and "ONE CENT" in a banner. [155.1]

November 19

• The US Mint releases the 2009 Zachary Taylor Presidential dollar to circulation. [113.4] [189.18]

November 24

• The US Mint launches the 2009 Zachary Taylor Presidential dollar in Orange, Virginia. [146.10] [189.5]

November 30

• The US Mint releases the 2009 Northern Mariana Islands quarter dollar to circulation. [113.4] [133.5] [145.4] [155.78] [191.5]

(month unknown)

• Park Avenue Numismatics of Florida sells the finest known 1907 Saint-Gaudens, High Relief, Roman Numerals, Wire Rim gold $20 coin MS-69 PCGS for over $600,000 in a private sale. [156.21]

December 3

• The US Mint begins sales of 1/10-, 1/4-, and 1/2-ounce American Eagle gold bullion coins, selling out the entire mintage during the day. [27.4] [142.1] [190.10] [258.38] [288.5]
• The US Mint begins sales of the Proof 2009-W American Eagle 1-ounce platinum $100 coin. Mintage limit is 8000 coins. [189.4]

December 9

• The US Mint launches the 2009 Northern Mariana Islands quarter dollar in Saipan. [145.4] [191.38]

December

• $1 coins in government inventory: 857 million. [291.24]

December 16

• Representative Robert Wittman of Virginia introduces H.R. 4329 "James Monroe Commemorative Coin Act" in the House of Representatives, seeking production of gold $50 coins, silver dollars, and copper-nickel half dollars in 2016 commemorating he bicentennial of the election of James Monroe as president. [259.10]

Other web pages of interest:

This Day in History

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Last updated: 2013 January 7.
Copyright © 2010-2012 Ken Polsson (email: coins@coinhistory.info).
URL: http://coinhistory.info/usa/
Link to Ken P's home page.