U.S. dollar coins have a storied history, playing a crucial role in American commerce and numismatics. The United States Mint has produced various dollar coins for circulation, including the iconic Morgan, Peace, and Eisenhower dollars, each playing a significant role in American numismatic history.
In addition to circulation coins, the Mint has also released a variety of collector-focused dollar coins, such as the American Silver Eagle and the commemorative Presidential Dollar series. These collectible coins are highly sought after by numismatists for their historical and artistic value and a selection can be found at The Bradford Exchange website. Among the many dollar coin series, the Presidential Dollar series, introduced in 2007, stands out for its historical significance and appeal to collectors. This guide delves into the origins, design, and collecting value of these Presidential Dollar coins, offering an in-depth look at why the series remains an essential part of U.S. numismatics.
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Historical Background of the U.S. Dollar Coin and Commemorative U.S. Coins
The concept of the dollar traces back to the “Thaler,” a large silver coin from the Holy Roman Empire and Hapsburg Dynasty in Europe that influenced the size and design of many currencies, including the U.S. Dollar, the Swiss Franc and the Mexican Peso, all are highly collectible silver coins. Over the years, the U.S. dollar coin has undergone several transformations, with iconic series like the Morgan Dollar, Peace Dollar, and Eisenhower Dollar leading the way before the introduction of the Presidential Dollar series.
The history of U.S. commemorative dollars began with the Columbian Exposition half dollar in 1892, marking the first official commemorative coin authorized by Congress. These coins were minted to celebrate significant national events, people, and places, with notable examples including the Monroe Doctrine Centennial and the Oregon Trail Memorial half dollars. In 1982, the U.S. Mint revived the commemorative coin program, raising funds for historical preservation and important causes, while continuing to honor the cultural heritage of the nation through limited-edition designs.
The Presidential Dollar series was created to honor U.S. Presidents, highlighting their contributions to the nation. With this series, the U.S. Mint continued its tradition of commemorative coinage, appealing to collectors and history enthusiasts alike. In addition to these coins, there are also collectible $2 bills and paper banknotes available honoring the U.S. Presidents, also available at The Bradford Exchange website.
The Inception of the Presidential $1 Coin Program
The Presidential $1 Coin Program, launched under Public Law 109-145 in 2007, sought to honor deceased U.S. Presidents. Each coin in the series features a presidentʹs portrait on the obverse, with the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. Larger artwork and unique edge-incused inscriptions with the year of minting, “E Pluribus Unum,” and the mint mark set these coins apart from previous series.
Minting and Distribution of Presidential Dollars
Presidential dollars were minted from 2007 to 2016 in two U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia and Denver. These coins are made from a manganese-brass alloy, giving them a distinctive golden hue not to be confused with the sheen of collectible gold coins. However, due to low demand for dollar coins, their circulation was halted in 2011, though the series continued to be minted for collectors. The Federal Reserve Bank now plays a role in distributing these coins to banks and collectors, but they are no longer issued for general circulation.
The Presidential Dollar Coins (2007–2016): A Complete List
* 2007: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison
* 2008: James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren
* 2009: William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor
* 2010: Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln
* 2011: Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield
* 2012: Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland (1st term), Benjamin Harrison, Grover Cleveland (2nd term)
* 2013: William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson
* 2014: Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt
* 2015: Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson
* 2016: Richard M. Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan
Collecting Presidential Dollars
The Presidential Dollar series has become a favorite among collectors, thanks to its historical significance and the distinctive design of each coin. For beginners, itʹs recommended to start with proof sets or individual coins in uncirculated condition. Proper storage is key to maintaining the value of your collection, with coin holders, folders, and albums designed to protect and display these coins. You can learn more about the best Presidential collectible coins and currency at our blog post: Honoring Presidents Day 2024: 8 Top Coins and Bills for Collectors.
Presidential Dollar Coins in the Broader Context of Numismatics
Compared to other iconic U.S. coin series like the Lincoln Cent or the Washington Quarter, the Presidential Dollars offer a unique blend of history and artistry. Each coin commemorates a significant figure in U.S. history, making the series a tangible way to explore the lives and legacies of the nation’s leaders. If you’d like to learn more about coin collecting in general, you can consult our blog post on the Best Types of Coins and Proofs Worth Collecting.
The Presidential Dollar series is more than just a set of coins; itʹs a journey through American history. Whether youʹre an experienced collector or just starting out, these coins offer a rich experience that blends numismatics with the stories of Americaʹs leaders. Exploring the series and each Presidentʹs achievements provides a deeper understanding of U.S. history and a rewarding addition to any collection.
We hope todayʹs blog article has been informative, and weʹd love very much to hear from you. Are you an experienced collector, or are you interested in starting your first collection? What brought you here today? Have you shopped with The Bradford Exchange Mint? Please share your thoughts with us below. Thank you for reading, and please like and share this post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each coin features a U.S. President on the obverse and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse, with incused inscriptions along the edge
No, as of 2011, the U.S. Treasury suspended their circulation due to low demand, but they continue to be minted for collectors.
Coins in mint condition, proof sets, and error coins are particularly valuable to collectors. Coins with low mintages or historical significance also tend to hold higher value.
Ensure authenticity by checking for proper weight, size, and design details, and consider getting your coins certified by a professional grading service like NGC or PCGS.
About The Bradford Exchange
The Gift Advisors @The Bradford Exchange are thrilled to help you discover a wealth of artistic treasures, all of which began with passion. Whether you are looking for that perfect personalized gift or a unique collection for yourself, we are driven to make your shopping experience as joyful as possible and hope you are surprised and delighted with what you find. Thank you for your continued support.
