Presidential Dollars

Presidential Dollar Coins

Presidential dollar coins represent a remarkable series of U.S. currency, celebrating the legacy of the nation's leaders. Issued by the U.S. Mint, these presidential coins serve both as a medium of exchange and as collectibles that capture American history. With their unique design and appealing golden finish, $1 presidential coins have gained popularity among numismatists and casual collectors alike.

Legislative History

The Coinage Act of 2005 marked a pivotal change in U.S. coin production with the introduction of the Presidential Dollar Program. This legislation aimed to honor the nation's presidents by issuing presidential dollar coins featuring their likenesses. Signed into law on December 22, 2005, it outlined the minting schedule for $1 presidential coins and made modifications to existing coinage practices.

The Presidential Dollar Program was initiated to promote coin collecting and increase the use of presidential dollars in transactions. Beginning in 2007, the program released its first presidential dollar coin featuring George Washington, followed by new coins every three months, in the order of presidential terms. This innovative approach celebrated each president's contributions while encouraging public interest in numismatics.

Throughout its duration, the Presidential Dollar Program reached several milestones, continuing until 2016 with 39 different presidential coins representing presidents from Washington to Reagan. A significant aspect was the Native American $1 Coin Act of 2008, enabling continued minting alongside Native American coins.

Program Details

The Presidential Dollar Coin program, launched in 2007, features a distinctive design celebrating U.S. presidents. Each coin displays a president's image on the obverse, with inscriptions of their name, term years, and 'In God We Trust.' The reverse showcases the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing freedom and democracy. Made from a brass mixture, the coins have a golden appearance enhancing their appeal.

Although seemingly ending in 2016 with Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Reagan, the United States Mint would once again issue a Presidential dollar coin in 2020 following the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush.