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The Third Side of the Coin:
Sunoco's "Presidential Coins"

by Michael E. Marotta
© Copyright 2000 by Michael E. Marotta

Higher octane means more power, so I use Sunoco 94 octane gasoline whenever I can. For me, this makes their "Presidential Coin" promotion cost effective. There are 10 coins in the series, honoring the last 10 presidents (Truman through Clinton). The coins go into an attractive 9x9-inch (230x230mm) cardboard holder. On the back of the cardboard holder is a thumbnail sketch of each president's administration. While not perhaps the most incisive history, they are objective enough for children.

"President Jimmy Carter was known for his successes in foreign policy." (Successful every time but once.) "As a result of the Watergate scandal Nixon became the first president to resign." (Could not be ignored.) They call Clinton "savvy and controversial" which I think is a brilliant way to avoid a lot of difficulties.

The coins are brass, about 10 grams each, slightly wider than a U.S. half dollar. The images are a little cartoonish, but recognizable. Overall the presentation is not half bad. I have two boards going, one with five coins, the other with two. I do a lot of driving, about 500 miles each week.

If you do not like Sunoco gasoline and if you want the whole set all at once, you can send $13 to an address on the back of the cards.