9 August 2024
Presidential dollar coins were first released in 2007 as part of an initiative to honor former U.S. presidents. With their unique designs and special role in commemorating American history, they quickly became very popular with collectors. However, with the series rapidly growing over time, collectors frequently wonder: “Which presidential dollar coins are rare?”. This piece will answer that question, highlighting:
The most valuable rare presidential dollar coins.
Collectible presidential bills.
Sourcing rare presidential gold coins online.
Watch this informative video to learn more about the rarest presidential coins:
Rare president dollar coins
Throughout American numismatic history, presidents were notably absent from dollar coins until the inception of the Presidential $1 Coin Program in 2007. While they adorned other denominations of circulating coinage, such as the Jefferson nickel, Lincoln cent, and Roosevelt dime, design preferences for the dollar favored depictions of Liberty and allegorical representations of freedom, with few exceptions found in older rare president dollar coins commemorative designs.
The Presidential $1 Coin Program marked a historic departure, representing the first concerted effort to systematically and chronologically honor the nation’s presidents on circulating dollar coins. Since its inception, presidential dollar coins have not only gained monetary value but also garnered widespread interest among collectors, igniting a surge in popularity for collecting by president.
1. 2007-S John Adams Proof: A special find among rare $1 US president coins.
One of the most common answers to the question “What is the rarest presidential dollar coin?” is the 2007-S John Adams proof dollar. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin features an image of John Adams, the second President of the United States, on its obverse side. The reverse design showcases a striking image of the Statue of Liberty.
The reason why this coin is particularly highly coveted among collectors is two-fold:
Firstly, as it was sold exclusively as part of a four-piece proof set, it stands out for its limited availability.
Secondly, unlike circulation strike presidential dollars, which have their edge inscriptions applied by a Schuler Edge Lettering Machine, this proof coin’s edge inscriptions were struck by a segmented three-part collar die.
2007-S $1 John Adams (Proof)
Metal: Copper
Year: 2007
Photo by PCGS
2. 2007 Missing Edge John Adams: A presidential dollar coins rarity.
When it comes to numismatics, rare error coins can make all the difference in one’s collection. Presidential coins are no exception and a case-in-point is this particular piece.
In 2007, some of the John Adams $1 coins bypassed the edge-lettering process at the Philadelphia Mint. This resulted in the absence of the standard edge inscription found on presidential coins, which includes the year of minting, the mint mark, and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
2007 $1 Missing Edge Lettering John Adams
Metal: Copper
Year: 2007
Photo by PCGS
3. 2007 Missing Edge Thomas Jefferson: one of the most valuable rare presidential dollar coins of all time.
Another fascinating anomaly as far as rare $1 US president coins are concerned, this 2007 coin is also distinguished by its blank edge. While the Jefferson missing edge coin is the third in the series of presidential coins with blank edges (following the George Washington and John Adams coins), it is believed to be the rarest. With exceedingly few specimens surfacing for sale since its initial release, the 2007 missing edge Jefferson dollar today holds a coveted status within the numismatic community.
2007 $1 Missing Edge Lettering Thomas Jefferson
Metal: Copper
Year: 2007
Photo by PCGS
4. 2009 James K. Polk: the rarest presidential dollar coin featuring a visionary expansionist.
A popular answer to the question “Which presidential dollar coins are rare?” is the 2009 $1 James K. Polk Position A coin. Featuring James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States, on its obverse side, and an image of the Statue of Liberty on the reverse, this piece is a collector’s favorite for its Position A edge lettering. This means its edge lettering reads upside-down when the president’s portrait faces up, a unique design aspect that captivates numismatists.
2009 $1 James K. Polk Position A
Metal: Copper
Year: 2009
Photo by PCGS
5. Satin Finish 2010-D Abraham Lincoln: one of the rare $1 US president coins honoring the Great Emancipator.
Paying homage to the 16th president of the United States, this special coin debuted in 2010, as part of an 8-Piece presidential dollar mint set, and then later reappeared in a 28-piece uncirculated mint set of the same year. Created at the Denver Mint, this Abraham Lincoln dollar is prized by collectors seeking the presidents of the United States of America rarities for its relatively low mintage and satin finish, which gives it an elegant look.
2010-D $1 Abraham Lincoln Pos B Satin Finish
Metal: Copper
Year: 2010
Photo by PCGS
6. 1903 McKinley Commemorative: a noteworthy addition to a rare presidential gold coins collection.
As savvy numismatists will know, the answer to “Which presidential dollar coins are rare?” is layered, encompassing not only the presidential dollar series but also commemorative pieces featuring presidents.
One such notable commemorative piece is the 1903 McKinley gold dollar issued as a tribute to McKinley’s contributions to the nation during his presidency, including his leadership during the Spanish-American War and his efforts to promote economic prosperity and industrial growth. Its obverse features a portrait of McKinley, while the reverse depicts an eagle perched atop a shield, symbolizing strength and resilience.
With its historical significance and limited mintage, this coin is cherished by collectors looking for a tangible link to a pivotal era in US history.
1903 McKinley $1 Gold Commemorative NGC MS66
Metal: Gold
Year: 1903
Check our most current price here.
7. 1903 Louisiana Purchase Jefferson: a sought-after gem among rare presidential gold dollar coins.
Commemorating one of the most significant events in the nation’s expansion, this coin was issued to mark the centennial anniversary of the historic acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. As this transaction was orchestrated by President Thomas Jefferson, his portrait graces the obverse of the coin. A tangible reminder of America’s territorial growth and Jefferson’s visionary leadership, this exquisite piece is one of the most highly valued rare president dollar coins.
1903 Louisiana Purchase Jefferson $1 PCGS MS65 CAC
Metal: Gold
Year: 1903
Get our most current price here.
8. 1922 Grant Commemorative: a unique specimen of rare president dollar coins.
Rare presidential gold coins enthusiasts will undoubtedly treasure the addition of this gem to their collections. Created to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of General Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States, this 1922 commemorative gold coin is known for its striking design. Its reverse features a beautiful rendition of the historic log cabin in Point Pleasant, Ohio in which Grant was born. With a mintage of only 5,000 pieces, the coin today is sought after by discerning collectors for its scarcity.
1922 $1 Grant Gold Commemorative PCGS MS65
Metal: Gold
Year: 1922
View our most current price here.
Browse through more rare presidential gold coins and other valuable collectibles.
Rare presidential bills
Popular game shows or trivia questions often include inquiries like “the likeness of which president is featured on the rare $2 bill of USA currency?” Naturally, this makes many people wonder if it would be worth collecting those too. After all, numismatics is a field that encompasses paper currency.
While coin collecting often focuses on metal compositions, mint marks, and coinage errors, paper money collecting delves into factors like serial numbers, printing errors, and historical significance. Understanding what makes bills rare is crucial before embarking on the quest to find them.
Even though American presidents have been featured on paper money since the early days of the United States, some dollars are more rare than others. One such case is the aforementioned $2 bill, featuring a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and an engraving of John Trumbull’s painting Declaration of Independence on the reverse of the note.
Despite having circulated for over 150 years, today it is produced in smaller quantities compared to other denominations as it is generally thought of as awkward to use in everyday transactions. Collectors will find that $2 bills from 1862 to 1917 with red, brown and blue seals are especially valuable today.
Where to buy rare coins
Presidential dollar coins are a tribute to former U.S. presidents, immortalizing their leadership and impact on the nation. Originally intended for circulation, these coins are today exclusively minted for collectors, with some issues commanding higher values than others.
For those seeking to add rare presidential dollars or other coveted pieces to their collections, Blanchard stands as a trusted source, renowned for their exceptional curation and expertise in numismatics. With Blanchard’s dedicated team on hand to address any inquiries about rare presidential gold coins and more at all times, collectors can embark on or enrich their numismatic journey with confidence.
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