The Forgotten Founders Corporation

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Founding Half-Dollar Coin Act.

    We at Forgotten Founders are admirers of the exemplary educational work interpreting and preserving our national history by a host of educational institutions and individuals both on and off the World Wide Web.  In a similar spirit we are working diligently to birth an educational institution dedicated to the Presidents who served the United Colonies and States of America from 1774 to 1788. It is our hope that we might work together seeking the passage of the U.S. Founding Half-Dollar Coin Act of 2009 (see below) drafted to honor the Presidents of the Continental Congress and United States in Congress Assembled.   

    The U.S. Founding Half-Dollar Coin Act of 2009 has been submitted to President Barack H. Obama, Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner, and the members of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee where the $1 Presidential Coin Act of 2005 honoring the Presidents of the Constitution of 1787 originated.  Bill Stanley of the Norwich Historical Society and Channing Huntington of the Huntington Homestead Museum in Connecticut are working directly with U.S. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd’s office.   We have also garnished support from many educational institutions and historic societies such as Richard Henry Lee and Robert E. Lee's Stratford Hall, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and College of William and Mary.     

On Sale Now:

Happy Birthdays USA

First Edition $14.95

About the Book: When is the birthday of the United States of America? “July 4^th, 1776 ” any first grader would answer.  Perhaps, but open your mind and imagine a secret Hippie beginning that was conceived in a Philadelphia Tavern, delivered in a NYC Tavern, and cradled in a renovated City Hall. The USA Founding was a complicated but most miraculous birth.    This U.S. Founding Handbook completely documents the nation's birth. 

Who was the first President of the United States? The book answers this question by unraveling the evolution of the U.S. Presidency from Peyton Randolph in 1774 to George Washington in 1789.   The work also has  an account of the capitols where the Continental Congress, United States in Congress Assembled and the current U.S. Constitutional government held their formal sessions until the permanent seat of government was fully established in Washington D.C. on February 4, 1801.  Finally, the book concludes with the full printings of the following U.S. Founding documents: The 1774 Articles of Association,  1775 Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms,  1776 Declaration of Independence, 1777 Articles of Confederation, 1783 Treaty of Paris,  1787 Northwest Ordinance, the US Constitution of 1787, Bill of Rights and all Amendments.

US FOUNDING STORIES: TAVERN TO TAVERN: Continental Congress caucuses in Philadelphia’s City Tavern on Sept. 4, 1774 and the Confederation fades away in a NYC tavern on March 2, 1789. MARVELOUS JULY: United Colonies Declare War On King and Country on July 6, 1775, Twelve Colonies declare themselves as “Free and Independent States” on July 2, 1776; The twelve new States approve the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776; NY makes it unanimous on July 9, 1776. USCA certifies New Hampshire’s ratification of the current constitution creating the confederation transition committee to a republic on July 2, 1788. DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET? - Continental Congress orders all delegates to sign Pledges of Secrecy on November 7, 1775 which continues even during the great Constitution Convention of 1787. THE FIRST CONSTITUTION: Articles of Confederation was passed on November 15, 1777 but was not ratified until March 1, 1781 creating the “Perpetual Union” of the USA. THE TREATY THAT ENDED THE WAR: Treaty of Paris was signed by Peace Commissioners on Sept. 3, 1783 and was ratified by President Thomas Mifflin on January 14, 1784. THE SECOND US CONSTITUTION: Philadelphia Convention approves it on Sept. 17, 1787; the USCA sends it to the States unaltered on Sept. 28, 1787; New Hampshire, the ninth State ratifies the new constitution meeting the 2/3rds requirement on June 21, 1788; the Confederation is dissolved and the new U.S. Republic is born on March 4, 1789; U.S. House of Representatives achieves a quorum on April 1, 1789; U.S. Senate achieves a quorum on April 6, 1789; George Washington is inaugurated as U.S. President on April 30, 1789; U.S. Supreme Court Convenes with Chief Justice John Jay presiding Feb. 2, 1790; Rhode Island becomes the 13th State to ratify averting a constitutional crisis on May 29, 1790. GROUNDHOG DAY: The surprising US Founding significance of February 2, 1787; GEORGE WASHINGTON’S RESIGNATION – The Commander-in-Chief resigns on Dec. 23, 1783 to a US President who conspired to fire him in 1778.

HOT TOPICS: #1 US Founding Principal “Only Ambition Can Check Ambition:” To insure “We The People” maintain the inalienable rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness a check and balance system was established by the founders. Many of today’s ills, from debt to partisanship, stem from constitutional blunders like the 16th Amendment (income tax), 17th Amendment (direct election of US Senators), and Public Law 62-5 (House of Representatives 435 limit). Real Estate: Its pivotal role in forming and funding the United States. Its current “boom to bust” is a repetitive story. National Debt & Hyper-Inflation: The 1780 collapse of the US dollar to 1000:1 due to spending, debt & war. The U.S. Presidency: The Presidents before George Washington and why they are not recognized. President Obama’s Shanghai Town Hall historic trade flub - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqUtMVg-UFE. A Second Constitutional Convention: Should the States Call one? Church and State 1776-1789: Its US Founding evolution: Early History of the Great Seal, Days of Fasting, Humiliation and Thanksgiving Proclamations; The Bible of the Revolution, and the Northwest Ordinance – (“Religion, Morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind).

First Edition $14.95

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Project Happy Birthdays USA

 Uncle Sam Wants Your Vote
 

Click Here to answer our two question

 U.S. Birthday Survey

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why didn't you re-file your complaint, as approved by the U.S. Court of Appeals,  against the Secretary of the Treasury to include the minting of Gold dollar coins for the Constitution of 1777 Presidents in the $1 Presidential Coin Act of 2005?

Although we still believe the ten Presidents who served under the Constitution of 1777 should be included in the $1.00 Presidential Coin Act, it was decided not to re-file our Writ of Mandamus against the Secretary of the Treasury for the following reasons: 

1. The $1 Presidential Coin Act of 2005 expressly precludes the Presidents of the Continental Congress from being honored on the dollar coin.  Unlike the Constitution of 1777 Presidents these men were not Presidents of the United States under a federally ratified constitution.  We believe that Presidents of the Continental Congress Peyton Randolph, Henry Middleton, John Hancock, Henry Laurens, John Jay and Samuel Huntington should be honored along with the Presidents of the United States who served under both 1777 and 1787 U.S. Constitutions. The only way to accomplish this is either seek to an amendment to the $1 Presidential Coin Act of 2005 ordering all United Colonies and United States Presidential images  be included on the Gold Dollar or propose a new Presidential Coin Act for an entirely different Coin. The dollar coin program is NOW well into the minting of the Constitution of 1787 Presidents and an amendment to the $1 Coin Act would only disrupt an already struggling program.

2. In light of the above, we are following U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday’s advice to pursue the recognition of the early Presidents legislatively. The proposed U.S. Founding Half-Dollar Coin Act of 2009 serves the purpose of acknowledging the unicameral United Colonies and United States Presidency which began in 1774 and faded away in 1789.   This  U.S. Founding Half-Dollar Coin Act of 2009, if enacted, will right U.S. Presidential History while accenting the $1 Presidential Coin Act of 2005.   

Why the Kennedy Half-Dollar, won't this upset JFK supporters ?

Like the Sacagawea Gold Dollar, The John F. Kennedy Half-Dollar will return once the minting of the Founders and their Capitols are complete.  Unlike the Sacagawea Gold Dollar, the program will not last a score of years.  The U. S. Founding Half Dollar Coin Act is proposed to run only four years and then return to the John F. Kennedy Half Dollar.  Finally, knowing President Kennedy's love for history we believe true JFK advocates will support this tribute to the U.S. Founding Presidents and their Capitols.

Why include all the old U.S. Capitol buildings on the reverse with the names of events that in their cities and towns?

People are unaware that the United Colonies and States of America had numerous capitols from 1774 to 1788. Additionally, most U.S. Citizens do not realize the scope of legislation enacted during this period, such as the Articles of Confederation, Definitive Treaty of Peace Between Great Britain and the United States, Northwest Ordinance and US Constitution of 1787.  This legislation as well as hundreds of laws, resolutions and proclamations were all enacted in capitol buildings many years before Washington DC was even conceived.  The capitol buildings on the Reverse are paired to the appropriate Presidencies on the Obverse giving the holder a sense of who the President is, when he served, what legislation his Congress enacted, where and in what building Congress convened.

Why Did you decide to bring the U. S. Founding Half Dollar Coin Act  before the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and who are the Committee Members:

United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs originated the $1.00 Presidential Coin Act of 2005 making it the proper venue for this new Act.  The current Committee members are:

Source: 2009 Congressional Record, Vol. 155, Page S729, S730, S878-879

What Can I do to help?

• Write President Barack Obama and the committee members urging them to support the proposed Half Dollar Coin Act.

• Pass on the U.S. Founding Half-Dollar Coin Act  site onto others asking for their support.

• Write or call the Committee Members listed below.  Also let your Congressmen know about the proposal.

• Purchase a Book, Capitol Posters, Presidential Medallions, Buttons or Trading Cards to help fund this effort.

 So how old is the United States of America?   “Let me see, 2009-1776, we are 233 years old, Happy Birthday United States of America!”  Typically, the first time one learns that the answer may not be “The Fourth of July” is in junior high school during American history class.  Here, students learn that the United Colonies of America actually declared their Independence on July 2^nd and not the 4th. Next they learn that the constitutional formation of the United States of America, as a “Perpetual Union,” occurred under the Articles of Confederationon November 15, 1777. Furthermore, they are taught that this U.S. Constitution of 1777 wasn’t ratified until March 1, 1781.   They then learn that it wasn’t until two years later that Great Britain conceded the independence of its American colonies with the September 3, 1783 signing of the Treaty of Paris . 

Survey Results
 

Who Was the First President of the United States?

Online Survey at www.FirstUSPresident.com

Peyton Randolph - U.S. Presidency began with the establishment of the Continental Congress of the United Colonies of America in 1774.   28.5%

George Washington - was the first to take the oath of office as United States President and Commander-in-Chief under the current U.S. Constitution of 1787.  25%

John Hancock - U.S. Presidency began with “The Unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America” in 1776                  21.2%

John Hanson - first person elected under the U.S. Constitution of 1777 on November 5, 1781 by a Congress formed solely under The Articles of Confederation 10.3%

Samuel Huntington - Continental Congress President who became President of the United States, in Congress Assembled (USCA) when the Articles of Confederation was ratified on March 1, 1781. 4%

Samuel Johnson (even though he declined the Presidency) - the first person elected under the U.S. Constitution of 1777, The Articles of Confederation, on July 10, 1781.   3.7%

John Adams - took the Vice Presidential office on April 21, 1789, nine days before George Washington, and was therefore the de facto U.S. President. 2%

Thomas Mifflin - President of the United States who ratified the Treaty of Paris in 1784, along with King George III, officially ending the war with Great Britain. 1.6%

Henry Laurens - the Continental Congress President when the Articles of Confederation was passed on November 15, 1777. 1.1%

Thomas McKean - second person elected under the U.S. Constitution of 1777, The Articles of Confederation, on July 10, 1781 as President of the United States, in Congress Assembled. 1.1%

Cyrus Griffin - under his U.S. Presidency the current constitution was ratified by the required nine States dissolving the U.S. Confederation.  .8%

Elias Boudinot - President of the United States when the Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783. .5%

 Arthur St. Clair - under his U.S. Presidency the Northwest Ordinance and current constitution were passed. St. Clair's Congress sent the current constitution to the States for ratification.  .2%

United States Founding

Half-Dollar Coin Act of 2009

An Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of each of the Nation's past Presidents of the Continental Congress and United States in Congress Assembled along with  their spouses, respectively, to improve circulation of the Half-Dollar Coin.   

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the U.S. Founding Half-Dollar Coin Act of 2009.

TITLE I--PRESIDENTIAL AND CAPITOL HALF-DOLLAR COINS

SEC. 101. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following: 

(1) There are sectors of the United States economy, including public transportation, parking meters, vending machines, and low-dollar value transactions, in which the use of a Half-Dollar Coin is both useful and desirable for keeping costs and prices down. 

(2) For a variety of reasons, the Half-Dollar   has not been widely sought-after by the public, leading to higher costs for merchants and thus higher prices for consumers. 

(3) The success of the 50 States Commemorative Coin Program (31 U.S.C. 5112(l)) for circulating quarter dollars shows that a design on a United States circulating coin that is regularly changed in a manner similar to the systematic change in designs in such Program radically increases demand for the coin, rapidly pulling it through the economy. 

(4) The 50 States Commemorative Coin Program also has been an educational tool, teaching both Americans and visitors something about each State for which a quarter has been issued. 

(5) The decline of the half-dollar began with the introduction of the Kennedy half-dollar in 1964. Production on the Franklin half-dollar had risen from 20 million in 1959 to 90 million in 1963 due to rising demand. Due to the popularity of President John F. Kennedy, the 1.3 billion coins minted between 1964 and 1970 were taken out of circulation by silver speculators and President Kennedy Admirers.  

(6) In 1971 the U.S. Mint began making half-dollars out of cupronickel-clad copper but although production reached its peak in 1974 at 280 million coins the Kennedy half-dollars were not utilized in circulation.   

(7) John F. Kennedy, as currently represented on the Half-Dollar coin, is an important President of American history but the image has now resulted in declined circulation of coin to a minting of only 3.4 million in 2008 with few in circulation. 

(8) Unlike the current $1 coin that is not being circulated by the public, the shape and size of the half-dollar has been produced nearly every year since the inception of the United States Mint in 1794. The only U.S. coin that has been minted more consistently is the penny. 

(9) There is a need for a widely circulated high value coin and the re-introduced half-dollar can fill that need.     

 (10) Most people do not realize that the United States of America conducted its war for independence under the Articles of Association which created the Continental Congress whose members elected a President from 1774-1781.  Under the Articles of Association the Continental Congress also elected the first Commander-in-Chief in 1775, George Washington, who initially reported to the President.  

(11) Most people do not realize that the United States of America concluded its war with Great Britain and governed the nation under an unanimously ratified federal constitution known as the Articles of Confederation from 1781-1788. The delegates of this constitutional government elected ten Presidents of the United States, in Congress Assembled. 

(12) The Continental Congress and United States in Congress Assembled 14 Presidents were leaders of our unicameral government serving the United Colonies and States from 1774 to 1788.     

(13) Most people cannot name, other than John Hancock, even one pre-Constitution of 1787 President or evens know there were United Colony/States unicameral presidencies from 1774-1788.   

(14) During the unicameral government’s existence a second leadership office,

Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces was enacted and held exclusively by George Washington from 1775 to 1783.     

(15) The obverse of these half-dollar coins are designed, at long last, to enumerate and delineate the Presidencies of the Continental Congress,   United States, in Congress Assembled Presidency and the office of Commander-in-Chief. 

(16) Moreover, most people do not realize the government of the United Colonies and States convened in eight different towns and cities during the founding period.  There were twelve different buildings utilized as capitols.  Additionally, the first Congressional Caucus of 1774 was held in a thirteenth building - Philadelphia’s City Tavern while the unicameral government faded away in Fraunces Tavern of New York City in 1789.  

(17) In keeping with the $1 Coin order to revitalize the design of United States coinage and return circulating coinage to its position as not only a necessary means of exchange in commerce, but also as an object of aesthetic beauty in its own right, it is appropriate to move many of the mottos and emblems, the inscription of the year, and the so-called mint marks' that currently appear on the 2 faces of each circulating coin to the edge of the coin, which would allow larger and more dramatic artwork on the coins. 

SEC. 102.  U.S. FOUNDING Half-Dollar COIN PROGRAM.

Section, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(n) Redesign and Issuance of Circulating Half-Dollar  Coins honoring the Commander-in-Chief and each of the Presidents of the Continental Congress and the United States, in Congress Assembled on the obverse and the Continental Congress and United States in Congress Assembled Capitol buildings on the reverse.

(1) REDESIGN BEGINNING IN 2011- 

(A) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding subsection (d) and in accordance with the provisions of this subsection, Half-Dollar coins issued during the period beginning January 1, 2011, and ending upon the termination of the program under paragraph (8), shall-- 

(i) have designs on the obverse selected in accordance with paragraph (2)(B) which are emblematic of the Commander-in-Chief, Continental Congress and United States in Congress Assembled Presidents of the United Colonies and States of America (herein after called President(s)); and

(ii) have a design on the reverse of the Continental Congress and United States in Congress Assembled Capitol buildings selected in accordance with paragraph (2)(A).

(B) CONTINUITY PROVISIONS- 

(i) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall continue to mint and issue Half-Dollar Coins which bear any design in effect before the issuance of coins as required under this subsection (including the so-called Kennedy’ Half-Dollar coins). 

(ii) CIRCULATION QUANTITY- Beginning January 1, 2011, and ending upon the termination of the program under paragraph (8), the Secretary annually shall mint and issue such Presidential and Capitol Half-Dollar’   coins for circulation in quantities of no less than 1/3 of the total Half-Dollar  coins minted and issued under this subsection.'. 

(2) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS- The Half-Dollar coins issued in accordance with paragraph (1) (A) shall meet the following design requirements: 

(A)  COIN REVERSE- The design on the reverse shall bear— 

(i) a historic period likeness of City Tavern, Philadelphia; Carpenters

Hall, Philadelphia;  Independence Hall, Philadelphia; Old Congress Hall, Baltimore;  Lancaster Court House, Lancaster; York-Town Court House, York; College Hall, Philadelphia; Articles of Confederation,  Great Seal of the United States;   Prospect House, Princeton; Nassau Hall, Princeton; Maryland State House, Annapolis; French Arms Tavern, Trenton, Old Federal Hall, New York City; and Fraunces Tavern, New York   with the year(s) congress convened, the name of the town and state, and the word capitol (except of City Tavern Philadelphia and the Great Seal) large enough to provide a dramatic representation of the building, Great Seal or Articles while not being large enough to create the impression of a 2-headed' coin;

(ii) the inscription Half-Dollar; and

(iii) the inscription United States of America'.

(iv) Years of the Building’s use by Congress

(v) Words “Great Seal of the United States – 1782” above the Great Seal
(vi) Words “Perpetual Union Ratified – 1781” above the Articles of Confederation.

(B) COIN OBVERSE- The design on the obverse shall contain— 

(i) the name and likeness of a Peyton Randolph; Henry Middleton, John Hancock, George Washington, Henry Laurens, John Jay, Samuel Huntington, Samuel Huntington, Thomas McKean, John Hanson, Elias Boudinot, Thomas Mifflin, Richard Henry Lee, John Hancock, Nathaniel Gorham, Arthur St. Clair  and Cyrus Griffin.

(ii) basic information about the President and Commander-in-Chief, including: 

(I) the dates or years of the term of office of such President and Commander-in-Chief; and 

(II) a number indicating the order of the period of service in which the President served. 

(III) the name of the Body served Continental Congress or United States in Congress Assembled except for the Commander-in-Chief which will state First Commander-in-Chief - United Colonies and States of America; 

(C) EDGE-INCUSED INSCRIPTIONS- 

(i) IN GENERAL- The inscription of the year of minting or issuance of the coin and the inscriptions E Pluribus Unum' and In God We Trust' shall be edge-incused into the coin. 

(ii) PRESERVATION OF DISTINCTIVE EDGE- The edge-incusing of the inscriptions under clause (i) on coins issued under this subsection

shall be done in a manner that preserves the distinctive edge of the coin so that the denomination of the coin is readily discernible, including by

individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

(3) ISSUANCE OF COINS COMMEMORATING PRESIDENTS- 

(A) ORDER OF ISSUANCE OBVERSE - The coins issued under this subsection commemorating Presidents of the United States shall be issued in the order of the period of service of each President and Commander-in-Chief in the as follows: Year One: Peyton Randolph 1774-1775; Henry Middleton 1774, John Hancock 1775-1777, Commander-in-Chief George Washington 1775-1783, Year Two: Henry Laurens 1777-1778, John Jay 1778-1779, Samuel Huntington 1779-1781, Samuel Huntington 1781, Year Three: Thomas McKean 1781, John Hanson 1781-1782, Elias Boudinot1782-1783, Thomas Mifflin 1783-1784, Year Four: Richard Henry Lee 1784-1785, John Hancock 1785-1786, Nathaniel Gorham 1786, Arthur St. Clair 1787  and Cyrus Griffin 1787-1788. 

(B) ORDER OF ISSUANCE REVERSE -The coins issued under this subsection commemorating the Capitols of the United States shall be issued in the order Randolph Coin - City Tavern (1774), Philadelphia with the words “First Congressional Caucus”; Middleton Coin -Carpenters Hall (1774), Philadelphia with the words “Articles of Association”;  Hancock Coin - Independence Hall (1775-1783),  Philadelphia with the words “Declaration of Independence”; Washington Coin - Old Congress Hall (1775), Baltimore with the words “Victory at Trenton”;  Laurens Coin - York-Town Court House (1777-1778), York, PA with the words “Victory at Saratoga”; Jay Coin - College Hall (1778-1779), Philadelphia with the words “U.S. Peace Commissioners”; Huntington Coin Independence Hall (1775-1783) with the words “Charleston Surrenders”; Huntington Coin Independence Hall (1775-1783),  Philadelphia words “Perpetual Union Ratified 1781”;   McKean Coin - Independence Hall (1775-1783) Philadelphia; with the words “Victory at Yorktown”,  John Hanson Coin - Great Seal of the United States  with the words “Great Seal of the United States 1782”;   Boudinot Coin - Nassau Hall (1783), Princeton with the words “Treaty of Paris 1783”; Mifflin Coin - Maryland State House (1784), Annapolis, “Commander-in-Chief Resigns”, Lee Coin - French Arms Tavern (1785), Trenton with the words “Western Land Ordinance”; Hancock Coin – Lancaster Court House (1777), Lancaster with the words “Congress in Flight”;   Nathaniel Gorham Coin - Old Federal Hall (1785-1790) New York City;  “Shays’ Rebellion”, Arthur St. Clair Coin – Old Federal Hall (1785-1790) New York City;  with the words of “Northwest Ordinance” and Griffin Coin - Fraunces Tavern (1788), New York with the words “Constitution of 1787 Ratified”.   

(C) TREATMENT OF PERIOD OF SERVICE- 

(i) JOHN HANCOCK- two coins shall be issued under Subject one as the third President of the Continental Congress and one as the Seventh President of the United States in Congress Assembled. 

(ii) SAMUEL HUNTINGTON- two coins shall be issued under Subject one as the sixth President of the Continental Congress and one as the First President of the United States, in Congress Assembled.

(4) ISSUANCE OF COINS COMMEMORATING 4 PRESIDENTS OR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF DURING EACH YEAR OF THE PERIOD- 

(A) IN GENERAL- The designs for the Half-Dollar   coins issued during each year of the period referred to in paragraph (1) shall be emblematic of 4 Presidents or Commander-in-Chief until each President and the Commander-in-Chief  has been so honored, subject to paragraph (2)(E). 

(B) NUMBER OF 4 CIRCULATING COIN DESIGNS IN EACH YEAR- The Secretary shall prescribe, on the basis of such factors as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, the number of Half-Dollar coins that shall be issued with each of the designs selected for each year of the period referred to in paragraph (1). 

(5) LEGAL TENDER- The coins minted under this title shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103. 

(6) TREATMENT AS NUMISMATIC ITEMS- For purposes of section 5134 and 5136, all coins minted under this subsection shall be considered to be numismatic items. 

(7) ISSUANCE OF NUMISMATIC COINS- The Secretary may mint and issue such number of Half-Dollar coins of each design selected under this subsection in uncirculated and proof qualities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. 

(8) TERMINATION OF PROGRAM- The issuance of coins under this subsection shall terminate when each President has been so honored, subject to paragraph (2)(E), and may not be resumed except by an Act of Congress. 

(9) REVERSION TO PRECEDING DESIGN- Upon the termination of the issuance of coins under this subsection, the design of all Half-Dollar   coins shall revert to the so-called Kennedy’ Half-Dollar   coins.' 

(10) SALE OF BULLION COINS- Each bullion coin issued under this subsection shall be sold by the Secretary at a price that is equal to or greater than the sum of-- 

(A) the face value of the coins; and

(B) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping).

SEC. 104. REMOVAL OF BARRIERS TO CIRCULATION.

Section 5112 of title 31, United States Code, as amended by sections 102 and 103, by adding at the end the following: 

(p) Removal of Barriers to Circulation of Half-Dollar   Coin 

(1) ACCEPTANCE BY AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES- Beginning January 1, 2006, all agencies and instrumentalities of the United States, the United States Postal Service, all non-appropriated fund instrumentalities established under title 10, United States Code, all transit systems that receive operational subsidies or any disbursement of funds from the Federal Government, such as funds from the Federal Highway Trust Fund, including the Mass Transit Account, and all entities that operate any business, including vending machines, on any premises owned by the United States or under the control of any agency or instrumentality of the United States, including the legislative and judicial branches of the Federal Government, shall take such action as may be appropriate to ensure that by the end of the 2-year period beginning on such date--

(A) any business operations conducted by any such agency, instrumentality, system, or entity that involve coins or currency will be fully capable of accepting and dispensing Half-Dollar   coins in connection with such operations; and 

(B) displays signs and notices denoting such capability on the premises where coins or currency are accepted or dispensed, including on each vending machine. 

(2) PUBLICITY- The Director of the United States Mint, shall work closely with consumer groups, media outlets, and schools to ensure an adequate amount of news coverage, and other means of increasing public awareness, of the inauguration of the Presidential Half-Dollar   Coin Program established in subsection (n) to ensure that consumers know of the availability of the coin. 

(3) COORDINATION- The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary shall take steps to ensure that an adequate supply of Half-Dollar   coins is available for commerce and collectors at such places and in such quantities as are appropriate by— 

(A) consulting, to accurately gauge demand for coins and to anticipate and eliminate obstacles to the easy and efficient distribution and circulation of Half-Dollar   coins as well as all other circulating coins, from time to time but no less frequently than annually, with a coin users group, which may include— 

(i) representatives of merchants who would benefit from the increased usage of Half-Dollar coins; 

(ii) vending machine and other coin acceptor manufacturers; 

(iii) vending machine owners and operators; 

(iv) transit officials; 

(v) municipal parking officials; 

(vi) depository institutions;

(vii) coin and currency handlers; 

(viii) armored-car operators; 

(ix) car wash operators; and 

(x) coin collectors and dealers; 

(B) submitting an annual report to the Congress containing— 

(i) an assessment of the remaining obstacles to the efficient and timely circulation of coins, particularly Half-Dollar   coins; 

(ii) an assessment of the extent to which the goals of subparagraph (C) are being met; and 

(iii) such recommendations for legislative action the Board and the Secretary may determine to be appropriate; 

(C) consulting with industry representatives to encourage operators of vending machines and other automated coin-accepting devices in the United States to accept coins issued under the Presidential Half-Dollar   Coin Program established under subsection (n) and any coins bearing any design in effect before the issuance of coins required under subsection (n) (including the so-called Kennedy-design' Half-Dollar   coins), and to include notices on the machines and devices of such acceptability;

(D) ensuring that-- 

(i) during an introductory period, all institutions that want unmixed supplies of each newly-issued design of Half-Dollar   coins minted under subsections (n) and (o) are able to obtain such unmixed supplies; and 

(ii) circulating coins will be available for ordinary commerce in packaging of sizes and types appropriate for and useful to ordinary commerce, including rolled coins; 

(E) working closely with any agency, instrumentality, system, or entity referred to in paragraph (1) to facilitate compliance with the requirements of such paragraph; and 

(F) identifying, analyzing, and overcoming barriers to the robust circulation of Half-Dollar   coins minted under subsections (n) and (o), including the use of demand prediction, improved methods of distribution and circulation, and improved public education and awareness campaigns. 

(4) BULLION DEALERS- The Director of the United States Mint shall take all steps necessary to ensure that a maximum number of reputable, reliable, and responsible dealers are qualified to offer for sale all bullion coins struck and issued by the US Mint.  

(5) REVIEW OF CO-CIRCULATION- At such time as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, and after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Secretary shall notify the Congress of its assessment of issues related to the co-circulation of any circulating Half-Dollar   coin bearing any design, other than the so-called Kennedy-design' Half-Dollar   coin, in effect before the issuance of coins required under subsection (n), including the effect of co-circulation on the acceptance and use of Half-Dollar   coins, and make recommendations to the Congress for improving the circulation of Half-Dollar coins.

SEC. 105. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.

It is the sense of the Congress that— 

(1) the enactment of this Act will serve to increase the use of Half-Dollar coins generally, which will increase the circulation of the so-called Kennedy-design' Half-Dollar   coins that have been and will continue to be minted and issued; 

(2) after four years, the continued minting and issuance of the so-called Kennedy-design' Half-Dollar   coins will serve as a lasting tribute to President John F. Kennedy; 

(3) the full circulation potential and cost-savings benefit projections for the Half-Dollar   coins are not likely to be achieved unless the coins are delivered in ways useful to ordinary commerce; 

(4) the coins issued in connection with this title should not be introduced with an overly expensive taxpayer-funded public relations campaign; 

(5) in order for the circulation of Half-Dollar   coins to achieve maximum potential-- 

(A) the coins should be as attractive as possible; and 

(B) the Director of the United States Mint should take all reasonable steps to ensure that all Half-Dollar   coins minted and issued remain tarnish-free for as long as possible without incurring undue expense; and 

(6) if the Secretary of the Treasury determines to include on any Half-Dollar   coin minted under section 102 of this Act a mark denoting the United States Mint facility at which the coin was struck, such mark should be edge-incused.

Sixth and Eleventh Grade curriculum supplements on the U.S. founding from the Presidential Perspective

Student From all parts of the United States are writing their Senators in Support of the Half Dollar Coin Act

Gubernatorial Proclamation Declaring Samuel Huntington the First President of the United States

Richard Henry Lee and Robert E. Lee's Stratford Hall on the Half Dollar Coin Act

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello on the  Half Dollar Coin Act

College of William and Mary on the Half Dollar Coin Act

U.S. Mint on the Half Dollar Coin Act

Norwich Historical Society proposed  Forgotten Founders' Presidential Museum

What Can I do to help?

• Write President Barack Obama and the committee members urging them to support the proposed Half Dollar Coin Act.

• Pass on the U.S. Founding Half-Dollar Coin Act  site onto others asking for their support.

• Write or call the Committee Members listed below.  Also let your Congressmen know about the proposal.

• Purchase a Book, Capitol Posters, Presidential Medallions, Buttons or Trading Cards to help fund this effort.

A Non-Profit Corporation Celebrating the U.S. Presidency Founding: 1774 – 1788   www.ForgottenFounders.org

On Sale Now: "Happy Birthdays USA" 

First Edition $14.95

About the Book: When is the birthday of the United States of America? “July 4^th, 1776 ” any first grader would answer.  Perhaps, but open your mind and imagine a secret Hippie beginning that was conceived in a Philadelphia Tavern, delivered in a NYC Tavern, and cradled in a renovated City Hall. The USA Founding was a complicated but most miraculous birth.    This U.S. Founding Handbook completely documents the nation's birth. 

Who was the first President of the United States? The book answers this question by unraveling the evolution of the U.S. Presidency from Peyton Randolph in 1774 to George Washington in 1789.   The work also has  an account of the capitols where the Continental Congress, United States in Congress Assembled and the current U.S. Constitutional government held their formal sessions until the permanent seat of government was fully established in Washington D.C. on February 4, 1801.  Finally, the book concludes with the full printings of the following U.S. Founding documents: The 1774 Articles of Association,  1775 Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms,  1776 Declaration of Independence, 1777 Articles of Confederation, 1783 Treaty of Paris,  1787 Northwest Ordinance, the US Constitution of 1787, Bill of Rights and all Amendments.

US FOUNDING STORIES: TAVERN TO TAVERN: Continental Congress caucuses in Philadelphia’s City Tavern on Sept. 4, 1774 and the Confederation fades away in a NYC tavern on March 2, 1789. MARVELOUS JULY: United Colonies Declare War On King and Country on July 6, 1775, Twelve Colonies declare themselves as “Free and Independent States” on July 2, 1776; The twelve new States approve the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776; NY makes it unanimous on July 9, 1776. USCA certifies New Hampshire’s ratification of the current constitution creating the confederation transition committee to a republic on July 2, 1788. DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET? - Continental Congress orders all delegates to sign Pledges of Secrecy on November 7, 1775 which continues even during the great Constitution Convention of 1787. THE FIRST CONSTITUTION: Articles of Confederation was passed on November 15, 1777 but was not ratified until March 1, 1781 creating the “Perpetual Union” of the USA. THE TREATY THAT ENDED THE WAR: Treaty of Paris was signed by Peace Commissioners on Sept. 3, 1783 and was ratified by President Thomas Mifflin on January 14, 1784. THE SECOND US CONSTITUTION: Philadelphia Convention approves it on Sept. 17, 1787; the USCA sends it to the States unaltered on Sept. 28, 1787; New Hampshire, the ninth State ratifies the new constitution meeting the 2/3rds requirement on June 21, 1788; the Confederation is dissolved and the new U.S. Republic is born on March 4, 1789; U.S. House of Representatives achieves a quorum on April 1, 1789; U.S. Senate achieves a quorum on April 6, 1789; George Washington is inaugurated as U.S. President on April 30, 1789; U.S. Supreme Court Convenes with Chief Justice John Jay presiding Feb. 2, 1790; Rhode Island becomes the 13th State to ratify averting a constitutional crisis on May 29, 1790. GROUNDHOG DAY: The surprising US Founding significance of February 2, 1787; GEORGE WASHINGTON’S RESIGNATION – The Commander-in-Chief resigns on Dec. 23, 1783 to a US President who conspired to fire him in 1778.

First Edition $14.95

HOT TOPICS:     National Debt & Hyper-Inflation – Collapse of the US dollar to 1,000:1 due to spending, debt & war.  U.S. Presidency: Gold Dollar controversy -Ten Presidents before George Washington.  States Rights:  US Founders on constitutional blunders like the 16th Amendment (income tax), 17th Amendment (direct election of US Senators), and Public Law 62-5 (House of Representatives 435 limit)   Real Estate:  Its pivotal role in forming and funding the United States – boom to bust a repetitive story. Church and State 1776-1789:  Northwest Ordinance – (“Religion, Morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, Schools and the means of education shall be forever encouraged), The Bible of the Revolution, Early History of the Great Seal,  Days of Fasting, Humiliation and Thanksgiving.

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What Others Are Saying About This Author  

Washington? Get in Line: “Indeed, the document officially names this new collective "The United States of America." And when the Articles failed, the writers of the Constitution used them as a starting point when they expressed their desire "to form a more perfect union." Eighty years later, Abraham Lincoln specifically cited the "perpetual union" created by the Articles as justification for forcibly keeping the South from seceding. "The Articles of Confederation not only formed our nation," says Stanley Klos, author of President Who? Forgotten Founders, "it was used to preserve it … “The Presidents were the ones who held it together," says Klos, "even though our first government was a miserable failure."

- Cover Story, US News and World Report

Chopping Down History: “One of the declared objectives of our Constitution states, 'in order to form a more perfect union,' Mr. Klos said. ''What does that say? We already had a union. We're not talking about a lie here,'' he continued. ''George Washington was first president under the Constitution of 1787. We're talking about a half-truth.'' 

-- The New York Times

“Quick – who was the first U.S. President? Wrong! At least, so this site tells us – documenting, as it does, no fewer than 10 possible holders of the office between 1774 and 1778. These ten men were the leaders of the Confederation Congress and Continental Congress, which (as you know if you read clear through that John Adams biography like you said you did) preceded Mr. Washington’s inauguration in 1789. Deep historical truth? Trivial anomaly? Read all about it and decide for yourself on this absorbing corner of the great Virtualology.com site.”

-- USA TODAY  Hot Sites

Smithsonian’s American Presidency A Glorious Burden on Stanley L. Klos’ Exhibit and Lecture: “What we like to say to people when they come here is: 'George Washington was the first president of the United States, right?' ‘Wrong.’  That's from David Halaas, museum division director for the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center.”                                                                            

-- Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 “… a thought provoking argument for “righting” our history books about the very early years of our democracy.  Samuel Huntington, His Excellency the President of the United States in Congress Assembled, indeed!”

                       -- Lee Langston-Harrison, Curator James Madison’s Montpelier

"I am fortunate to have had such a high-minded opponent in this last race.  Some of the tactics that you resisted are truly deplorable and represent just the sort of campaigning which so often serves to cause the American people to dislike politics and distrust politicians. I am proud to know you and glad you are a fellow West Virginian.  Diogenes with a lighted lamp in broad daylight, worked the street of Athens "looking for a man" I have found one: Stan Klos.” 

--- Robert C. Byrd, United States Senator

 “Thank you so much for taking the time to bring your exhibit to Patrick Henry College.  People were thrilled with your presentation on Friday Night that helped make the evening the success that it was.  Please let me know if we can ever help you in any way.”

       -                  - Mike Farris, President of Patrick Henry College

“The power of the documents is absolute. They are what they are and the real thing. Mr. Klos' program and documents are as good as anything in any museum in the country. Better than in many, in fact.  They are extraordinary American History Documents.”

--- Ellsworth Brown, President Carnegie Institute and Museums 

“This is a brilliant and most enjoyable book which helps us to rediscover our rich history and heritage. Stan Klos clearly establishes that Virginia -- not Delaware -- became the first State in the Perpetual Union of the United States America ... because it was the first to ratify the Articles of Confederation (1779). You too will want to read his documentation complete with photographs and facsimiles of primary source documents of our lively and enlightening Americana history.”  

-- G. William Thomas, President, James Monroe Memorial Foundation  

Scholar Seeks Place For 1st 'Presidents:  " ‘If you go into the national archives, the first thing that greets you is the Treaty of Paris proclamation signed under the great seal of the United States of America by our president, Thomas Mifflin,’ Klos says. ‘It ended the war with Great Britain.’ Klos has written a book on the subject and formed a corporation called Forgotten Founders. He had an exhibit at the 2004 Republican convention and plans another at this year's Republican convention. ‘We love the debate because it gets kids interested,’ Gleaves Whitney said. ‘This is great stuff. It's fun, and we're approaching Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July. Why not?’"

--- Tampa Tribune

Click Here to answer our two question U.S. Birthday Survey

September 4, 1774 - Continental Congress first caucuses in the City Tavern of Philadelphia.

September 5, 1774 - Continental Congress officially convenes for the first time in Carpenters Hall.

October 20, 1774 - Continental Congress passes the Articles of Association.

July 6, 1775 - Continental Congress  Approves "Declaration on Taking Arms” or “Declares War” against Great Britain.

July 2, 1776 - Twelve Colonies declare their Independence from Great Britain - "Free & Independent States".

July 4, 1776 - Twelve Colonies approve the Declaration of Independence 

July 9, 1776 - New York approves the now “Unanimous” Declaration of Independence. 

November 15, 1777 – Continental Congress  passes the Articles of Confederation but requires ratification by all 13 States. 

February 2, 1781 - Maryland, the last State, finally  agrees to ratify the Articles of Confederation.

March 1, 1781 - Articles of Confederation is ratified by all 13 States and the Continental Congress is dissolved and replaced with the new constitutional government called the United States in Congress assembled.     

September 3, 1783 - Treaty of Paris ending the war with Great Britain is signed by the Peace Commissioners.

January 14, 1784 - Treaty of Paris is ratified by President Thomas Mifflin and the USCA.

April 9, 1784 - Treaty of Paris is ratified by King George III and Parliament.

September 17, 1787 - 12 States approve the current U.S. Constitution and Convention President, George Washington transmits it to Arthur St. Clair, President of the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) in New York.

September 28, 1787 – USCA ends debate on the new US Constitution and resolves unanimously to send it on to the States unaltered.

June 21, 1788 - New Hampshire becomes the ninth State to ratify meeting 2/3rds requirement set forth in the new constitution and agreed to by USCA.

July 2, 1788 - USCA certifies the ninth State’s ratification and establishes a transition committee to dissolve the confederation and form the new Republic of the United States of America.  

March 4, 1789 – USCA resolves that on this date the Confederation is dissolved and the new U.S. Republic is born.

April 1, 1789 - U.S. House of Representatives achieves a quorum. 

April 6, 1789 - U.S. Senate achieves a quorum.

April 30, 1789 - George Washington is inaugurated as U.S. President.

February 2, 1790 – U.S. Supreme Court Convenes with Chief Justice John Jay presiding.

May 29, 1790 – Rhode Island becomes the 13^th State to ratify the current U.S. Constitution thus meeting the constitution unanimous requirement  as set forth in the Articles of Confederation.

When is the Birthday of the USA?

Click Here to answer our two question U.S. Birthday Survey

CREDENTIALS: BA, MA & Ph.D. Candidate in American Studies and Rhetorical Theory at St. Peters College, Idaho State and Penn State Universities, respectively.  Nationally recognized scholar (Unsolved Mysteries, US News and World Report, NY Times), keynote speaker (President Samuel Huntington’s entombment), & rare document exhibitor (Smithsonian to Waldorf=Astoria) on the U.S. Founding. Entrepreneur and/or co-founder: Re/Max of Pennsylvania n/w, Dinosaur Safaris, Inc., James Monroe Birthplace Commission, Virtualology.com and eight children.  

AVAILABILITY: FL, nationwide by arrangement, via telephone & video via internet.

CONTACT: Stanley L. Klos, (727) 771-1776, Stan@JohnHancock.org, and StanKlos.com.

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 Stanley L. Klos 

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When is the Birthday of the USA?

Click Here to answer our two question U.S. Birthday Survey

 Click Here to answer our two question U.S. Birthday Survey

 Fax: 305-320-2471 | email: Stan@JohnHancock.org