William Howard Taft was born in Cincinnati in 1857. He was appointed as a federal circuit judge at the age of 34, served as civil administrator in the Philippines under President McKinley, and later as President Roosevelt’s Secretary of War. He won the presidency in 1908, serving one term from 1909 to 1913. Taft’s post-presidency years consisted of serving as a professor of law at Yale University and as chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, a position he held until 1930, just prior to his death.
Coinage legislation under President Taft
- Act of June 25, 1910: Authorized Treasury to re-coin gold coins and minor coins that are lightweight
- Act of March 4, 1911: Required the Director of the Mint to procure for each Mint and Assay Office a series of standard weights corresponding to the Troy Pound
- Act of February 15, 1912: Amended the penal code and authorized up to a $100 fine for making, importing or printing coins similar to U.S. or foreign coins
- Act of August 24, 1912: Authorized Treasury to re-coin gold coins and minor coins that are light weight
