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Posted on October 14, 2008 by Michael Zielinski | Posted under Crafts Hobbies
Presidents Honored on New Golden Dollar Coin
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The first small size dollar coin produced by the US Mint came in 1979. The coin featured Susan B. Anthony, a famous figure in the women's rights movement. The coins were slightly larger than a quarter dollar and metallic silver in color. The coins were unpopular with the public because they could easily be mistaken for quarters. The coins were struck for circulation during 1979 and 1980. Special issues for collectors were produced in 1981 and 1999. In the year 2000, the US Mint made their second attempt with the Sacagawea Dollar. The problems with the prior series were specifically addressed in the design of the new coins. To overcome the similarity with the quarter, the US Mint used an alloy of manganese and brass. This gave the coins a unique golden color. The coins also featured a smooth edge, as opposed to the quarter's reeded edge. Despite the improvements coins still did not circulate widely. They were produced for circulation for two years in 2000 and 2001. From 2002 to date, the Sacagawea Dollars have been produced for special coin collector sets only. The latest series of dollar coins known as the Presidential Dollars seems to be an attempt to copy the format of the popular State Quarter series. Instead of a single design, coins feature a series of rotating designs. Four different obverse designs are released each year featuring a different United States President in the order served. The coins have the same composition and golden appearance as the prior Sacagawea Dollar series. One unique feature of the Presidential Dollar series is the edge lettering. Each coin features the year of mintage, mint mark, and mottoes "In God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum" impressed on the edge of each coin. Starting in 2009, the motto "In God We Trust" will be moved to the obverse of the coin. The other elements will remain on the edge of the coin. Will this new dollar gain widespread circulation? The United States Mint is taking many steps to spur adoption by the public. So far this has included a special program to distribute the coins directly to the public at face value and a public relations campaign launched in several major cities. Ultimately, the public will form its own opinion. However, if history is a guide, this will be another small size dollar coin which does not see significant circulation. About The Author: Michael Zielinski is an internet entrepreneur and coin collector. Follow the latest news and events about the US Mint, including their product releases. Find more information on the new Presidential Dollars including images, mintages, and release dates. |
Tags: PRESIDENTIAL DOLLARS, US MINT, COIN COLLECTING, COINS
