The 1909 Lincoln penny was supposed to be a one-year commemorative with the Indian Head returning in 1910. That's not how it played out.
One of the hallmarks of the Progressive Era was the belief in an all-powerful federal government with an all-powerful president, both freed from the constraints of the Constitution. That's why the Pledge of Allegiance became the Progressives' antidote to the Constitution.
The quarter fell in 1932 with Washington and the nickel in 1938 with Jefferson. FDR's body was barely cold when they put him on the dime.
Franklin on the half dollar was a bit of a change, but Kennedy's body was barely cold when they put him on the half. At least the half dollar died in 2004, with only proof Kennedy halves being minted.
That's why I liked the Sacajawea dollar coin, even though the manganese base was ugly when tarnished. It was a return to both Lady Liberty and Indians.
Me too!
I seem to remember that adding a small percentage of germanium to brass prevents tarnish. That would give a good golden hue.