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John Adams Dollar - Vigor, Intellect, ActionThe John Adams Dollar continues the clean clear style established with the Washington Dollar. If the public and the collector community accept the first coin of the Presidential Dollar series, they will surely delight in the John Adams Dollar as well.The simplicity of design embodied in these new dollars offers little distraction from the president portrayed. In this instance, the face of Adams reveals much of his character, hinting at a unique personality and significant accomplishment. Legacy of John AdamsAdams, the second US president, had impeccable credentials for the job. He had been George Washington’s vice president. He had served the nation effectively as a diplomat in France and Great Britain. And, he is remembered as one of the prime movers in the American Revolution.John Adams is described as a thoughtful man, philosophical in outlook, and not a little vain. He was less than fond of the office of vice president, calling it “insignificant”. But President Adams was able to apply his remarkable intelligence, past experience and dedication to the nation, especially during a time of poor relations with France, ironically, our greatest supporter during the Revolution. Adams and the Quasi WarIn brief, the government of France established after the French Revolution (that occurred after, and was somewhat inspired by, our own) perceived itself at a disadvantage as US relations with Britain improved.France and Great Britain were at war. American ships – over 300 of them – had been captured by French privateers to impede trade with their British enemy. Furthermore, the French were unwilling to accept American diplomats in Paris. Adams’ reports to Congress on this matter helped build public enthusiasm for retaliation. The events John Adams confronted became known as the “Quasi-War”. Though war was never declared by either party to the conflict, a hot war at sea ensued. Adams, with Congressional approval, pushed the recreation of the American Navy, which then distinguished itself with a series of successful engagements against French warships. After more than two years of this, in 1800, the French relented and accepted the US ambassador, thus ending the conflict. Adams and American CoinageCoinage related legislation during the Adams’ presidency dealt with the low productivity of the first US mint by restoring foreign gold and silver coins to their former status as legal exchange, at prior valuations. For example, the Spanish eight real coin was valued at 100 cents, the French “crown” (the French ecu) at 110 cents, etc.A standard authorization for purchasing copper was established, based on the prior year’s production of cents and half cents. And, in 1801 the US Mint was authorized to stay in Philadelphia through March, 1803.
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