Perhaps anticipating some of the criticism, the Mint's Principal Deputy Director Rhett Jeppson issued a statement with the release: "We are very proud of the fact that the United States Mint is rooted in the Constitution. " Our founding fathers realized the critical need for our fledgling nation to have a respected monetary system, and over the last 225 years, the Mint has never failed in its mission." Later, he said in an interview. "Part of our intent was to honor our tradition and heritage. But we also think it's always worthwhile to have a conversation about liberty, and we certainly have started that conversation."
Well done, Rhett.
But what about that other woman of color -- a real, historical one, not a symbolic one -- who has been chosen to appear on U.S. currency? What about Harriet Tubman?
You'll remember that, last year, after a social media-fueled campaign to put a woman on the $10 bill, the Treasury secretary, Jacob J. Lew, announced a plan to change the look -- and the faces -- of America's paper currency, the money we actually spend, not collect.
Abolitionist and former slave Harriet Tubman was selected to appear on the $20 bill, replacing the Indian-killer Andrew Jackson. Other women and civil-rights leaders were to be added to the $5 and $10 bills.
This remake did not escape Trump's notice, what with a female slave and Underground Railroad "conductor,'' to be honored and his favorite president to be removed. He called it "pure political correctness."
New Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said he would review the Obama leftover makeover, but also said it's not a high priority since he's been busy trying to justify a tax giveaway to wealthy Trump supporters. The good news for history and equality fans is that the Treasury Department's Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which produces the paper currency, says it has not yet received any orders to slow or halt the redesign. But the secretary does have final approval on any changes, so stay tuned on that front.
If she does survive, Tubman wouldn't be the first woman or first woman of color to grace U.S. currency. Suffragette Susan B. Anthony appeared on the $1 coin that was often mistaken for quarters and proved useful in subways. Sacagawea, a Shoshone guide who accompanied Lewis and Clark, succeeded Anthony and was the first woman of color to appear on U.S. currency, her dollar coin having a golden tinge. Neither coin was especially popular with the public, nor I would assume with Trump, given his issues with strong women and Native Americans.
Again, that's why I love the new $100, one-ounce, 24-karat gold, striking Lady Liberty coin, proudly and defiantly proclaiming our nation's diversity and evolving heritage. Trump and the Republicans can't even go after the Mint to stop production on budgetary grounds since the agency, which produces currency as well as commemorative coins and medals, is self-sustaining. Jeppson said it returned nearly $600 million in profits to the Treasury Department last year.
By the way, it's not too late to introduce a Trump offspring to the joys of coin collecting. If I may be so bold, sir, Barron is the perfect age to appreciate the history, artistry and legacy embodied in the new Liberty coin. Why not drop one in his stocking to make Christmas great again? It's a father-son connection thing. Or, if you prefer, look at it as an investment -- at $1,690 per coin, it's not chump change. A hedge for the market correction. If you want to be a bigshot to the White House staff, give each one a silver medal of the same design, at $59.95 per medal. They'll love it. Give Sarah Huckabee Sanders two.
The Mint says you can only order the coins by going to its web site or calling its special number, but I think they'd take your call anytime. You might want to hurry though, they're only minting 100,000 of the 225th anniversary Liberty gold coins and Jeff Bezos is reportedly thinking of offering them at a discount on Amazon as a gift to America. What a guy, huh? Happy holidays.
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