President Benjamin Harrison had a whirlwind single term in the Oval Office from 1889 through 1893. Among his presidential highlights were signing the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890, which increased the amount of silver the government purchased to 4.5 million ounces of the precious metal each month. He also was a strong advocate of broadening civil rights for African Americans, greatly expanded the protection of the nation’s forests, and modernized the United States Navy.
Harrison was also the president who had electricity installed in the White House and was the first sitting president to have his voice recorded while in office. He was a Renaissance Man in many respects, and some would say he was ahead of his time. His 21st-century supporters therefore have plenty of reason to cheer on March 4, which is known as Benjamin Harrison Day.
Why March 4? Presidential historians may recall that is what used to be Inauguration Day – and it was the day in 1889 on which Harrison was sworn into office. Sadly, all who would have remembered Harrison during their lifetimes are no longer with us; the 23rd president died on March 13, 1901, at the age of 67, many years before the oldest person alive today was even born. But everyone can celebrate the life and times of “The Centennial President,” so named because he served during the 100th anniversary of President George Washington’s initial term as the nation’s first president.
One way numismatists can honor Harrison is by adding a 2012 Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar to their collections. Struck as part of the long-running Presidential $1 series, the 2012 Benjamin Harrison Dollars were produced as business strikes and proofs, and there are many categories on the PCGS Set Registry that accommodate these coins – giving collectors plenty of reasons to vote in favor of President Benjamin Harrison Dollars for their collections!