Coin of the Month

2009 James K. Polk Presidential $1 Coin

Nero here, presenting the shiny new James K. Polk Presidential $1 Coin.  President Polk's Presidential $1 Coins page gives a quick overview of his life and presidency, but here are my top 11 additional facts about our 11th President!

1. Taking office at the age of 49, Polk was the youngest president up to that time.
2. Gas lighting was installed in the White House during Polk's term.
3. Polk listed four goals in his inaugural address, and he accomplished all four during his single term.
4. Polk was running for the vice presidency when his party named him as its choice for president.
5. He is the only president who had served as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
6. Polk's wife, Sarah, was his constant companion and political advisor.
7. He reestablished a treasury where government funds were kept instead of in private banks.
8. Polk died at an earlier age (54) than any other president except those assassinated.
9. He helped settle border disputes with Mexico and England, increasing the county's size by half and expanding its borders to the West Coast.
10. He helped found the Annapolis Naval Academy, start construction of the Washington Monument, and propose the first US postage stamp.
11. Many historians find him to be one of the top ten presidents ever!

—Nero