There were plenty of adults all around him — some in 19th-century costumes, one even dressed as former U.S. President James Buchanan.

But the deputy director of the U.S. Mint was thinking about the smaller people in attendance Thursday at Wheatland, the former home of Pennsylvania's only U.S. president.

"There might be a future congressman, senator or maybe even a president in the audience today," Andrew Brunhart said, smiling as he looked at all the youngsters.

"And what might have sparked their interest" in public service, he wondered: "It might have been that they were at a coin launch for one of our past presidents."

There were several hundred people, both full-grown and still-growing, at the launch ceremony for a coin honoring James Buchanan, the Lancastrian who was president from 1857 to 1861.

With great fanfare — and several hundred spectators — officials presented the $1 coin honoring Buchanan.

The Buchanan dollar is the 15th presidential coin released by the U.S. Mint since the Presidential $1 Coin Program started in 2007.

And all of those youngsters Brunhart mentioned?

Everyone 18 and younger got a free copy of the coin, which bears a striking likeness of Buchanan.

An excited crowd of Wheatland officials, costumed docents, coin enthusiasts and history buffs — plus Buchanan himself, as portrayed by retired college professor and Wheatland tour guide Don Walters — cheered enthusiastically as the coin was presented publicly for the first time.

Coins, Brunhart said, aren't just what you use to buy something — they're also "a vehicle" for getting kids to ask, "Why is that person on the coin important?"

And that's "exactly the question we want our children to ask," he said.

"Because then it's an opportunity to start talking about our tradition, heritage and the importance of those who have held the highest office of our nation."

Charles Groff of Mount Joy brought his grandsons, Gregory Strickler, 14, and Bryan Strickler, 12, to the historic Marietta Avenue home for them to learn about history — and because "they wanted a free dollar," Groff said, chuckling.

Many schools spend time and money to take students on far-flung field trips, he said, "and yet we have so many historical things locally they can take the kids to … it's great to have history presented that way."

Another adult, Jim Garraway of Mechanicsburg, agreed that with youngsters, the coins "might get them more interested" in history.

"I know when the (state) quarters came out 10 years ago, that got a lot of interest," he recalled.

Thursday's audience was greeted by Wheatland's Robin Sarratt-Cohen, the historic home's vice president of development, who noted how a coin "connects kids with history.

"And it's a great way to connect the stories of the presidency … and the story of Lancaster's history," she said.

The visitors also got a welcome from Buchanan, as portrayed by Walters, a presidential hobbyist who, because of a slight resemblance to Buchanan, often is asked to dress up as the 19th-century president.

Said "Buchanan," looking pretty good for 219 years young, "I had a long political career, supported by the people of Pennsylvania and Lancaster, and it's great to have this event here today.

"From 'Old Buck' … go get a new buck!"

The presidential coins are released in order of service, so Abraham Lincoln, who succeeded Buchanan as president, will be honored with the next U.S. Mint dollar coin, to be released in November.

To get a Buchanan $1 coin, contact your financial institution to ask about getting one.

"Banks, credit unions and thrift institutions are the initial source for the coins," states the U.S. Mint Web page (www.usmint.gov ).

"You may also ask businesses you frequent if they will give you your change in presidential $1 coins."

For a list of frequently-asked questions and other information on the Buchanan coin and the presidential coin program, visit www.usmint.gov/$1coin .

doconnor@lnpnews.com