Celebrating Louis Braille & the Invention of the Braille System
Louis Braille invented the Braille system, which enabled people with visual impairments to read and write. The Braille system is a tactile method of reading and writing for people who are blind or visually impaired. It uses raised dot patterns arranged in six-dot “cells” to represent letters, numbers, and punctuation. Readers move their fingertips across the dots to understand the text.
Braille enables learners to master spelling, grammar, and sentence structure without relying on audio and can be used for languages spoken around the world. Now, the technology behind the Braille system has advanced. Modern devices include refreshable Braille displays, electronic notetakers, and computer embossers.
Louis Braille was born in Coupvray, France, on January 4, 1809. He later studied at the National Institute for Blind Youth in Paris. At age fifteen, Braille began adapting a tactile code called Écriture Nocturne (“night writing”), created by Charles Barbier for soldiers to read orders in the dark. His revisions ultimately became the Braille writing system. In 2009, the 200th anniversary of his birth was to be celebrated, and a silver dollar was to be minted.
The United States Congress authorized a coin through commemorative legislation to be struck in honor of his birthday. The legislation authorized the striking of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar.
Design Details
The obverse of the coin was designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. The obverse depicts a bust of Braille facing the viewer. Above him, at the upper periphery, is the word “LIBERTY,” and to the right of his bust is the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with the date “2009,” below that. To the left of his bust is his birth year, “1809,” and below his bust is his name, “LOUIS BRAILLE.”
The reverse of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar was designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Joseph Menna. It depicts a child reading a book while seated at a desk. In the background is a bookcase full of books. To the right is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” with the upper periphery displaying “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and the lower periphery displaying the denomination “ONE DOLLAR.” Above the child, in Braille characters are the letters “BRL,” the abbreviation for the word Braille. This is the first time those characters have appeared on a United States coin.
(A 2009-P Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, Uncirculated, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
(A 2009-P Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, Proof, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
Mintage Details
Congress authorized a total of up to 400,000 silver dollars to be struck. The coins were struck in uncirculated and proof finishes at the Philadelphia Mint. The coins were sold individually, and versions included an uncirculated coin in an easy-open capsule specially designed for visually impaired people. The U.S. Mint also offered a Braille Education Set, which included an uncirculated coin, examples of readable Braille text, and information about the Braille system and its range of uses.
All surcharge proceeds were donated to the National Federation of the Blind to support programs promoting literacy in Braille. Add this coin to your collection and explore other U.S. silver modern commemorative coins.
