Franklin Mint – History of the US – Monroe Doctrine – 1823 – 45mm – Proof Bronze Medal – Feb 18 – Mexico confirms land grant in Texas to Stephen F. Austin – Mar 3 – Congress authorizes the building of lighthouses and beacons – July 17 – U.S. contests right of Russia to territory on Pacific coast – Dec 2 – The Monroe Doctrine proclaims the independence of the American continents.