The White House Challenge Coin

The White House Challenge Coin

• 2 5/8 inch x 1 3/4 inch (66mm x 44mm) Oval
• Nickel Antique with Enamel

The White House Symbol of the executive branch of the United States government, the White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President. At 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., construction began in 1792 and has been the executive residence of every U.S. President since John Adams. When Thomas Jefferson moved into it in 1801, he had it expanded outward, creating two colonnades (with architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe). During the War of 1812, the White House was set fire by the British Army in the Burning of Washington, heavily damaging the structure, whith reconstruction beginning almost immediately. Various expansions and additions were done over the years, starting with President Theodore Roosevelt. The Oval Office was created when the West Wing was expanded by President Howard Taft. In 1948, the interior underwent major reconstruction to upgrade the load-bearing walls and beams with a new steel framework. Today, the White House stands as the symbol of the the leading government of the free world, and chief defender of freedom. This coin is a trubute to that symbol and honors the office that it represents. This large oval coin (2.625 x 1.75 inches) is struck in a nickel alloy and given an antique finish, the embued with deep blue enamel.