
The US dollar coin has been around for a while, and it's interesting to see the different types that have been minted over the years.
The Sacagawea dollar coin was introduced in 2000 to honor the Native American woman who helped the Lewis and Clark expedition.
The Sacagawea dollar coin features a portrait of Sacagawea on the obverse side and an eagle on the reverse side.
The Presidential dollar coin series was launched in 2007 and features a different president on each coin.
Each Presidential dollar coin has a different design on the reverse side, highlighting a significant event or achievement of the president's life.
The American Innovation dollar coin series was introduced in 2019 and features a different innovation or achievement on each coin.
The American Innovation dollar coin series has a unique design on the reverse side, highlighting a different innovation or achievement each year.
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US Dollar Coin History
The US dollar coin has a rich history that spans over two centuries. The first circulating dollar coin to feature a U.S. president was the Eisenhower dollar coin issued in 1971.
The dollar coin has undergone several redesigns, with the U.S. Mint producing it as part of three different programs: Native American dollar coins, presidential dollar coins, and American Innovation dollar coins. The Susan B. Anthony coin was issued in 1979, 1981, and 1999.
Here are some key dates to note in US dollar coin history:
The U.S. Mint has produced commemorative dollar coins since 1892, with the first one being a $1 silver coin. These coins are often associated with bullion and collectible coinage, and are rarely referred to as a US Dollar.
US Coin History
The US dollar coin has a rich history that spans over two centuries. The first circulating dollar coin to feature a U.S. president was the Eisenhower dollar coin issued in 1971.
The US dollar coin has undergone several redesigns over the years. Between 1971 and the issuance of President and Native American dollar coins, the dollar coin was redesigned by the U.S. Mint twice.
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The Bicentennial dollar coin was issued in 1976 and was quickly followed by the Susan B. Anthony coin in 1979, 1981, and 1999. The Susan B. Anthony coin was a significant addition to the US dollar coin series.
Commemorative dollar coins have been a part of US coin history since 1892. The first commemorative dollar coin was a $1 silver coin that has historically been the most popular authorized denomination out of all the commemorative coins.
Since the beginning of the modern commemorative in 1982, the United States Mint has raised more than $500M to help build new museums, maintain national monuments, preserve historical sites, and support various Olympic programs.
Key Dates
Collecting U.S. dollar coins can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it's essential to know which coins are the most valuable and sought after. This is where key dates come in – coins that are particularly rare or have a unique characteristic that makes them stand out.
The Seated Liberty Dollar is one of the earliest examples of a key date dollar coin, with notable issues in 1851, 1852, and 1858. These coins are highly prized by collectors due to their age and historical significance.
The Morgan Dollar is another highly collectible key date dollar coin, with notable issues including the 1889-CC, 1893-S, 1895 (Proof only), and the 1895-O. These coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and beauty.
The Peace Silver Dollar is a key date dollar coin that's particularly notable for its high relief issue in 1922. This coin is highly prized by collectors due to its unique design and historical significance.
The Sacagawea Dollar is a more modern key date dollar coin, but it's still highly sought after by collectors. The 2000 "cheerios" Sacagawea dollar is a notable issue that's particularly rare and valuable.
Here are some key date dollar coins to look out for:
- Seated Liberty Dollar: 1851, 1852, and 1858
- Morgan Dollar: 1889-CC, 1893-S, 1895 (Proof only), and the 1895-O
- Peace Silver Dollar: 1922 high relief and the 1964-D
- Sacagawea Dollar: 2000 "cheerios" Sacagawea dollar
Types of US Dollar Coins
The US dollar coin has a rich history, and there are many types to explore. The gold dollar coin was produced from 1849 to 1889, weighing 1.672 g and made of 90% gold and 10% copper.
The gold dollar coin came in three types: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Type I was produced from 1849 to 1853, while Type II was produced from 1854 to 1855. Type III, the most common gold dollar, was produced from 1856 to 1889.
The gold dollar coin was the smallest denomination of gold currency ever produced by the US federal government. Its high value made it a rare sight in circulation.
The first dollar coin was authorized in the United States Coinage Act of 1792, featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and eagles on the reverse. The first circulating dollar coin to feature a US president was the Eisenhower dollar coin, issued in 1971.
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Here are the main types of US dollar coins:
Silver dollars, the first dollar coin issue, were minted beginning in 1794.
Collectible US Dollar Coins
Collectible US Dollar Coins can be a fun and rewarding hobby. There are various types of collectible dollar coins, including gold, silver, and base metal versions. The US has minted dollar coins in gold, silver, and base metals since 1794.
Silver dollars, the first dollar coin issue, were minted beginning in 1794. The first dollar coin issue was made of silver. The Sacagawea and other gold and gold-colored dollars have also been produced by the US.
Some collectible dollar coins are highly sought after, such as the 2018-S American Innovation $1 Proof Coin and the 2005 Marine Corps 230th anniversary silver dollar.
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Collectible Coins
Collectible US dollar coins have been around for centuries, with the first silver dollar coins minted in 1794. They come in various metals, including gold, silver, and base metals like brass, copper, zinc, and nickel.
If you're interested in collecting dollar coins, you can start by focusing on type sets, key dates, or specific metals like gold or silver. A good balance is necessary to create a comprehensive collection.
The United States has produced a wide range of collectible dollar coins over the years, including the Eisenhower dollar, which was launched in 1971 in response to requests from casinos in Western states. The coin's design was modified in 1976 to mark the United States Bicentennial.
Some popular collectible dollar coins include the 2018-S American Innovation $1 Proof Coin, the 2018 American Innovation $1 Inaugural Coin Type Set, and the 2005 Marine Corps 230th anniversary silver dollar.
Here are some of the most popular collectible dollar coins, along with their prices:
The Presidential Coin, Stamp and Currency Collection is also a popular option, priced at $79.95.
Seated Liberty Silver
The Seated Liberty Silver dollar coin is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history. Introduced in 1836, it was minted in smaller quantities than its predecessor, the Gobrecht dollar.
Each Seated Liberty dollar contains 0.77344 troy oz of silver. The current silver price is $27.03 per troy ounce, making a silver dollar worth about $20.90 in melt value.
The Seated Liberty dollar design was first produced on a large scale in 1840, featuring a sitting Miss Liberty with thirteen stars above and the date below. The reverse shows the American eagle perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows.
The design remained relatively the same after 1840 but was modified in 1866 with the addition of the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the ribbon or scroll above the eagle. This modification was continued through 1873.
Some of the rare issues within the 1840-1865 span include the 1851, 1852, and 1858 coins, which are particularly hard to find.
To give you an idea of the production quantities, the Seated Liberty dollars were minted at Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco.
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Specific US Dollar Coin Series
The Eisenhower dollar series was issued from 1971 to 1978 and featured a portrait of President Dwight David Eisenhower on the obverse and the insignia of the Apollo 11 Moon landing on the reverse. The 1976 Bicentennial commemorative design featured the Liberty Bell and the Moon on the reverse while retaining the Eisenhower obverse.
The Eisenhower dollars minted for general circulation contained no silver or gold but were instead composed of the same copper-nickel clad composition used for the dime, quarter, and half dollar. This made the circulation coins extremely resistant to wear.
The 40% silver versions of this dollar coin issued in Uncirculated and Proof versions are popular with collectors, especially the 1971-1974 issues that appeared in brown boxes or blue packages. These coins are very common but still highly sought after by collectors.
Sacagawea Gold Coin
The Sacagawea Gold Dollar Coin was a unique creation that didn't quite live up to expectations.
Nearly 750 million Sacagawea coins were struck for circulation before dropping to 5-6 million coins per year from 2002 on.
A clever marketing strategy involved putting 5,500 Sacagawea dollars in random boxes of Cheerios cereal.
These special coins featured the prototype reverse with 12 tail feathers on the reverse and have proven to be the most valuable coins in the series.
The Sacagawea Gold Dollar Coin was designed to feature a portrait of the Shoshone Indian, Sacagawea, carrying her infant son, Jean-Baptiste/"Pomp".
Eisenhower (1971–1978)
The Eisenhower dollar coin series was issued from 1971 to 1978 and featured a unique design that was both popular and unpopular at the same time.
The obverse of the coin depicted President Dwight David Eisenhower, and the reverse featured the insignia of the Apollo 11 mission.
The coins were made of copper-nickel clad composition, the same material used for the dime, quarter, and half dollar, making them extremely resistant to wear.
The circulation coins were never very popular due to their large size and weight, which made them inconvenient to carry.
The coins were primarily used in casinos, and one-dollar tokens in many casinos still approximate the size and weight of the coins.
The Eisenhower dollar coins were produced with a 40% silver composition for the collector market from 1971 to 1974, appearing in brown boxes or blue packages depending on whether they were proof or uncirculated.
A unique aspect of the Bicentennial sets produced in 1975 and 1976 was the Liberty Bell and the Moon on the reverse, designed by Dennis R. Williams, while retaining the Eisenhower obverse and dual dates 1776–1976.
Seated Liberty (1836–1873)
The Seated Liberty dollar was introduced in 1836 and was minted in lesser quantities than the Gobrecht dollar that preceded it.
These coins were used in general circulation until 1873, but their production was reduced due to the increased availability of gold coins from California mines.
The value of a Seated Liberty dollar contained in gold terms was $1.04 of silver, equal to $38.09 today.
The Mint Act of 1853 reduced the weight of all U.S. silver coins, except for the dollar and the new 3-cent coin, by 6.9%, with arrows on the date to denote the reduction.
The international trading partners did not like the reduced weight of U.S. coins and instead used Mexican coins for trade with Asia.
The Seated Liberty dollar was composed of 0.77344 troy oz of silver, which is worth about $20.90 in melt value if the current silver price is $27.03 per troy ounce.
The design of the Seated Liberty dollar remained relatively the same after 1840, but was modified in 1866 with the addition of the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the ribbon above the eagle.
The 1851, 1852, and 1858 issues of the Seated Liberty dollar are particularly rare and hard to find.
Morgan (1878–2021)
The Morgan dollar series, spanning from 1878 to 2021, is a beloved collection among numismatists. The coin's composition is 90% silver and 10% copper, containing 26.73 g of pure silver.
Morgan dollars were minted at various facilities, including Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver. The mint mark is a distinctive feature, found on the reverse below the wreath.
The 1921-dated Morgan dollars are the most common, and their abundance has made them highly collectible. Pristine, uncirculated specimens of the rarer dates and mint marks are highly sought after by collectors.
The coin's designer, George T. Morgan, created a design that was both pleasing to the eye and affordable. The large size of the Morgan dollar made it an attractive option for those looking to collect silver dollars.
Production of the Morgan dollar resumed in 2021, with US Mint officials announcing plans to continue producing them in 2023 and beyond. This news has sparked renewed interest in the series among collectors.
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Peace (1921–2021)
The Peace Dollar series is a significant one in US coin history. It was introduced in December 1921 to commemorate the signing of formal peace treaties between the Allied forces and Germany and Austria.
The Peace Dollar was designed by Anthony de Francisci, a medalist, and features a unique design that sets it apart from other coins. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty's profile facing left, wearing a diadem of spikes, while the reverse shows an eagle perched on a rock, with a laurel branch and rays of an unseen sun emanating from the lower right.
The 1921-dated Peace Dollar was a significant event, marking the end of World War I hostilities with Germany and Austria. The coin was minted at the same time as the Morgan Dollar, which was also a popular coin.
Production of the Peace Dollar continued until 1928, before being paused due to the Great Depression. It resumed in 1934, but only lasted for two years.
Susan B. Anthony (1979-1981)

The Susan B. Anthony dollar was issued from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1999. It was the first circulating US coin to feature a historical female figure.
Susan B. Anthony, a women's suffrage activist, was depicted on the coin, designed by Frank Gasparro. The coin was made of copper-nickel clad copper, just like the Eisenhower dollar.
The Anthony dollar was 9% larger in diameter than a quarter and 43% heavier, which made it easily confused with quarters. This was a major problem for the coin's popularity.
The coin was not popular, and production was suspended after 1981. In 1999, it was struck again when Treasury reserves were low.
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US Dollar Coin Materials
The United States has minted dollar coins in various base metals, including brass, copper, zinc, nickel, and others.
The US Mint has also produced dollar coins with a gold composition, such as the gold dollar coins.
Here are the different base metal compositions of US dollar coins: Base MetalExampleBrassNot mentioned specificallyCopperNot mentioned specificallyZincNot mentioned specificallyNickelNot mentioned specifically
Silver dollars have been minted by the US, with the first issue dating back to 1794.
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Mint Marks
Mint marks are an essential aspect of the US dollar coin, and understanding them can be quite fascinating. The list of mint marks used on the dollar coin is quite extensive.
The Charlotte mint in North Carolina produced gold coins with a "C" mint mark from 1838 to 1861. I've always been intrigued by the history behind these early mint marks.
The Carson City mint in Nevada used a "CC" mint mark from 1870 to 1893. This is a significant detail to note when collecting dollar coins.
The Dahlonega mint in Georgia also produced gold coins with a "D" mint mark, but only from 1838 to 1861. This is another historical tidbit worth remembering.
The Denver mint in Colorado has been using a "D" mint mark since 1906, and it's still in use today. This is a great example of consistency in mint marks.
Here's a list of all the mint marks used on the dollar coin:
- C: Charlotte, North Carolina (gold coins only; 1838–1861)
- CC: Carson City, Nevada (1870–1893)
- D: Dahlonega, Georgia (gold coins only; 1838–1861)
- D: Denver, Colorado (1906 to date)
- O: New Orleans, Louisiana (1838–1861; 1879–1909)
- P: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (produced from 1793 to date, mint mark introduced in 1979)
- S: San Francisco, California (1854 to date)
- W: West Point, New York (1984 to date)
The New Orleans mint in Louisiana used an "O" mint mark from 1838 to 1861, and again from 1879 to 1909. This is another interesting fact about the history of mint marks.
The Philadelphia mint in Pennsylvania has been producing coins with a "P" mint mark since 1979. This is a relatively recent development in the history of mint marks.
Gold Coins
The gold dollar coin was the smallest denomination of gold currency ever produced by the United States federal government.
It was composed of 90% pure gold and was authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849.
The gold dollar was produced from 1849 to 1889 in 90% gold and 10% copper.
Gold dollars were produced in three types: Type I, Type II, and Type III, with the most common being Type III, struck from 1856 until 1889.
The gold dollar is the smallest coin in the history of U.S. coinage due to the high value of gold.
Most gold dollars saw very limited circulation, especially during the Civil War, and are often in excellent condition.
The gold dollar was the smallest denomination of gold currency ever produced by the United States federal government, and it's no longer minted.
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Silver Coins
Silver Coins are made from 90% silver and 10% copper. The silver content is what gives these coins their unique characteristics.
The most well-known silver coin is the American Silver Eagle, which is minted by the US Mint. It's a popular choice among collectors and investors.
The American Silver Eagle contains 1 troy ounce of silver and has a face value of $1. Its weight is 31.103 grams and diameter is 40.6 mm.
Current and Discontinued US Dollar Coins
The US dollar coin has a rich history, with various designs and programs over the years. The first circulating dollar coin to feature a U.S. president was the Eisenhower dollar coin issued in 1971.
The Eisenhower dollar coin was popular in the Western states, where large dollar coins had long been in circulation. Initially, it was also popular with the broader public due to the widespread popularity of President Eisenhower.
The coin's design was modified to mark the United States Bicentennial in 1976, with dual dated "1776-1976" coins issued. The series was briefly reprised for two more years after this.
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The Susan B. Anthony dollar coin was issued in 1979, 1981, and 1999, featuring a different design. The dollar coin was redesigned by the U.S. Mint twice between 1971 and the issuance of President and Native American dollar coins.
The U.S. Mint has produced dollar coins as part of three different programs: Native American dollar coins, presidential dollar coins, and American Innovation dollar coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which $1 coin is rare?
The rarest $1 coin is the 2007-S John Adams proof dollar, a highly sought-after collectible. This coin is a special find among rare presidential dollar coins, making it a must-know for collectors.
Sources
- https://coincollecting.fandom.com/wiki/United_States_Dollar
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollar_coin_(United_States)
- https://www.govmint.com/us-coins/other-us-coins/dollar
- https://www.thepatrioticmint.com/collectible-dollar-coins.html
- https://coinweek.com/six-different-types-of-u-s-dollar-coins-since-1971/
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