How to Identify the Presidential Dollar Series
Golden dollars issued from 2007 honoring US presidents in order of service. Look for the president's portrait and name, with the date and motto on the edge.
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What These Coins Are
The Presidential Dollar series began in 2007, issuing golden-colored one-dollar coins that honor deceased US presidents in the order they served, generally four per year. It shares the manganese-brass composition and size of the Sacagawea dollar but features a presidential portrait, making the two easy to distinguish.
Obverse Design and Inscriptions
Each obverse shows a portrait of a president facing forward or in profile, with his name above, the order of service (for example 1st PRESIDENT) and years in office below. The design varies by president but keeps a consistent layout, so the name is the primary identifier.
Reverse Design and Inscriptions
The reverse is the same for the whole series: a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and $1. Because every coin shares this reverse, you must use the obverse portrait and name to determine which president it honors.
Size, Weight, Metal and Edge
The coins measure 26.5 mm in diameter, weigh 8.1 grams, and are manganese-brass clad over copper. The edge carries incused lettering: the year, mint mark, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and, on early issues, IN GOD WE TRUST. In 2009 IN GOD WE TRUST moved from the edge to the obverse.
Mint Marks and Where to Find Them
There is no mint mark on the faces of the coin. Instead, the date and mint mark are incused into the edge lettering. Tilt the coin and read around the rim to find P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, or S for San Francisco proofs.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
The shared Statue of Liberty reverse and presidential portrait distinguish these from Sacagawea dollars, which show a woman and child. The golden color and smooth edge lettering separate them from older silver-colored dollars. Missing edge lettering indicates a mint error, not a normal coin.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Look at the president's cheek, hair, and the folds of the Statue of Liberty's robe for wear. Bright, even golden luster marks a high grade; darkened or spotted surfaces show handling. The soft alloy tarnishes readily, so color alone does not indicate wear.
Authenticity Red Flags
Genuine errors exist, most famously 2007 Washington dollars struck without edge lettering, nicknamed "Godless dollars." Because such errors carry premiums, they are sometimes faked by grinding off the edge; examine the rim for tooling marks. Gold-plated or colorized examples are aftermarket novelties.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell a Presidential dollar from a Sacagawea dollar?
Presidential dollars show a president's portrait and name; Sacagawea dollars show a woman carrying an infant.
Where is the date on these coins?
The date and mint mark are incused into the lettering on the edge, not on the front or back.
What is a Godless dollar?
It is a coin that missed its edge lettering during striking, leaving off IN GOD WE TRUST and the date; it is a recognized error.
Why is the reverse always the same?
All Presidential dollars share a Statue of Liberty reverse; only the obverse portrait changes to identify the president.