How to Identify the McKinley Memorial Gold Dollar
A small commemorative gold dollar (1916-1917) honoring President William McKinley, sold to fund his birthplace memorial in Niles, Ohio.
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What This Coin Is
The McKinley Memorial Gold Dollar is a commemorative one-dollar gold piece struck in 1916 and 1917 to raise money for the McKinley Birthplace Memorial in Niles, Ohio. It is one of the last commemorative gold dollars issued by the U.S. Mint and shares the tiny dimensions of the earlier Gold Dollar series.
Obverse Design & Inscriptions
The obverse shows a left-facing portrait bust of President William McKinley. Around the rim reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" with "IN GOD WE TRUST" near the portrait. The word "LIBERTY" does not appear separately since McKinley's portrait carries the design; instead the legend and date (1916 or 1917) frame the bust.
Reverse Design & Inscriptions
The reverse depicts the McKinley National Memorial building constructed in Niles, Ohio, a domed classical structure with a colonnade. "McKINLEY BIRTHPLACE MEMORIAL" arches around the building, and "ONE DOLLAR" appears below.
Size, Weight, Metal, Edge
Like all U.S. gold dollars, this coin is tiny: about 15mm in diameter, weighing 1.672 grams, struck in .900 fine gold with a reeded edge. Its small size and yellow gold color are the fastest way to distinguish it from silver commemoratives of the era.
Mint Marks & Where to Find Them
Every McKinley gold dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, so no mint mark appears anywhere on the coin. If you see a letter under the date or on the reverse, it is not part of this issue.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
It is easily confused at a glance with the Grant Memorial Gold Dollar (1922) and Louisiana Purchase gold dollars, since all share the same tiny gold dollar planchet. The key is the portrait and building: McKinley's profile and the memorial building reverse are unique to this issue. Compare the date — only 1916 and 1917 exist for this type.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Because these coins saw little to no circulation (most were sold directly to collectors and investors), well-preserved, lustrous examples are common. Check the high points of McKinley's cheek and hair for wear, and the rooftop and columns of the memorial building on the reverse. Original mint luster in the fields is a strong sign of a higher grade, while flatness on the portrait's cheekbone suggests circulation or handling wear.
Authenticity Red Flags
Because gold commemoratives carry real bullion value plus a collector premium, counterfeits exist. Weigh and measure the coin — anything noticeably off from 1.672 grams and 15mm is suspect. Look for soft, mushy details, seams around the rim, or a magnetic reaction (genuine gold dollars are not magnetic). Blurry lettering, incorrect font shapes in "ONE DOLLAR," or a satin/frosted surface that looks artificially added are also warning signs worth having checked by a professional grading service.
Frequently asked questions
What years was the McKinley Memorial Gold Dollar minted?
Only 1916 and 1917, both at the Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark.
How can I tell it's gold and not brass or gold-plated?
Check the weight (1.672 grams) and diameter (about 15mm). Genuine coins are solid .900 fine gold and will not attract a magnet.
What's on the reverse of this coin?
The McKinley National Memorial building in Niles, Ohio, with the inscription 'McKINLEY BIRTHPLACE MEMORIAL' and 'ONE DOLLAR' below.
Does this coin have a mint mark?
No. All examples were struck at Philadelphia, which did not use a mint mark at the time.
Why do so many survive in high grade?
Most were purchased directly by collectors and memorial donors rather than spent, so they saw very little circulation.