Time for a little William McKinley-US numismatic connection lesson: William McKinley was the first real person to be depicted on two different US coins. Both were gold dollars (a little smaller that a dime, 15mm diameter). The first was issued in 1903 to honor the Louisiana Purchase Centennial Exposition (cue Meet Me In St. Louie, Louie). This issue actually had two coins, the other with the face of Thomas Jefferson, president at the time of the purchase. McKinley made the cut because he signed the legislation when the Exposition was authorized on March 3, 1901 (he would be assassinated six months later). The second coin was issued in 1916 (with a smaller 1917 minting), issued as a fund-raiser for the McKinley Memorial in his birthplace of Niles, Ohio. Both issues had marketing problems during their initial sales and many were returned to the mint and melted. Current prices for both are in the $300-$500 range.
McKinley was the first American emperor he started it all by stealing Hawaii, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam. but why on earth didn’t he take Cuba and make it an America territory. Congress said he couldn’t and he listened to them. Why I don’t know just think of the misery we could have missed had he taken Cuba.
AndrewSihler over 6 years ago
Is “aboard” a subtle joke or an unsubtle typo?
Fido (aka Felix Rex) Premium Member over 6 years ago
Time for a little William McKinley-US numismatic connection lesson: William McKinley was the first real person to be depicted on two different US coins. Both were gold dollars (a little smaller that a dime, 15mm diameter). The first was issued in 1903 to honor the Louisiana Purchase Centennial Exposition (cue Meet Me In St. Louie, Louie). This issue actually had two coins, the other with the face of Thomas Jefferson, president at the time of the purchase. McKinley made the cut because he signed the legislation when the Exposition was authorized on March 3, 1901 (he would be assassinated six months later). The second coin was issued in 1916 (with a smaller 1917 minting), issued as a fund-raiser for the McKinley Memorial in his birthplace of Niles, Ohio. Both issues had marketing problems during their initial sales and many were returned to the mint and melted. Current prices for both are in the $300-$500 range.
danketaz Premium Member over 6 years ago
!75 years is a long time for one flower. Maybe that’s why the effects seem to be wearing off.
braindead Premium Member over 6 years ago
Brian, can you see comments to this cartoon?
Gary Williams Premium Member over 6 years ago
McKinley was the first American emperor he started it all by stealing Hawaii, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam. but why on earth didn’t he take Cuba and make it an America territory. Congress said he couldn’t and he listened to them. Why I don’t know just think of the misery we could have missed had he taken Cuba.