New Braille silver dollar: Feel the love...for $11

The U.S. Mint has unveiled a prototype of the first U.S. coin to feature readable Braille characters, the 2003 Alabama state quarter also featured Braille, but in small print.

This silver dollar coin will debut in 2009 and features Louis Braille, who invented Braille, on the head side of the coin. This silver dollar is celebrating Louise's 200th birthday. Despite a recent ruling that the U.S. has failed to adequately differentiate paper money for the blind, coins have a better track record with varying weights, shapes and other distinguishing features.

The new coin will come complete with a $10 charge, which will be directed to groups which benefit the blind. One of these programs is aimed at increasing the literacy rate in Braille of blind children and teenagers.