JAMES BUCHANAN GOLDEN DOLLAR from 1857-1861

President, was born on April 23, 1791, near Mercersburg, Pa. He was the oldest of 11 children. After graduating from college, Buchanan studied law and began a successful law career in 1812. During the War of 1812, he helped defend Baltimore against British attack.

Buchanan, a gifted orator, became a state legislator, and later served as a member of the U. House of Representatives and Senate, and as U. In 1845, he became President James K. Polk's secretary of state. His later service abroad as U.

Minister to Great Britain helped insulate him from the growing domestic controversy over slavery, which was reaching a crescendo by 1856, helping him secure the Democratic Party's nomination for President. Two days after Buchanan was inaugurated, the U. Supreme Court issued the controversial Dred Scott decision, which effectively legalized slavery in all U. The decision was another factor that propelled the Nation toward civil war. Buchanan served one term in office, from 1857 to 1861.

He then retired to his Pennsylvania home, Wheatland, where he died on June 1, 1868. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

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