WASHINGTON – The U.S. Mint today unveiled the design of four new presidential $1 coins with the words “In God We Trust” returned to the face of the coin, thanks to legislation authored by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker.

The presidential $1 coins were put into circulation last year with the phrase “In God We Trust” inscribed on the edge of the coins and virtually obscured from view.  As a member of the House of Representatives last year, Sen. Wicker authored an amendment to reverse that policy, returning “In God We Trust” to the face of the new coins, just as it is on other U.S. currency.

Wicker said “In God We Trust” is our national motto and reflects our country’s strong religious heritage.  The phrase has been prominently displayed on U.S. currency since 1864, and Wicker said it was important that continued with the new $1 coins. 

“The words ‘In God We Trust’ symbolize who we are as Americans and should not have been relegated to the rim of the new $1 coins,” Sen. Wicker said.  “It was wrong to obscure these important, symbolic words from view.  I am glad my amendment received the support it did to ensure these important words will be displayed on the face of future presidential $1 coins, starting with the coins the U.S. Mint revealed today.” 

Minting for the presidential $1 coin series began in 2007.  The series is set to run through 2016, with four succeeding presidents to be honored each year.  The 2009 coins unveiled today honor Presidents Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James K. Polk, and Zachary Taylor.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:  Pictures of the new coin designs can be viewed and downloaded for use in news stories at: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2009PresDollarProgram