Sacagawea Design Presidential Series Prototype Reverse One Dollar Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, an agency of the Department of the Treasury. Founded in 1792.
Pattern: Presidential $1 Coin Series (Statue of Liberty Reverse Pattern)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, an agency of the Department of the Treasury. Founded in 1792.
Material
Manganese-Brass Clad Copper (no silver content); Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel.
Dimensions
Diameter: 26.5 mm; Thickness: 2 mm; Weight: 8.1 grams.
Description
A golden-colored dollar coin featuring the iconic Statue of Liberty on the reverse. Designed to replace paper currency, this series honored U.S. Presidents in order of service.
Key Features
Distinctive yellow color intended to distinguish it from the Quarter; reverse design by Don Everhart; non-silver manganese-brass alloy.
Material & Composition
Manganese-Brass Clad Copper (no silver content); Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel.
Finish & Decoration
Satin circulating finish with a golden-yellow hue. Features a high-relief rendering of the Statue of Liberty by Don Everhart.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse shown displays "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the "$1" denomination. The mint mark, year, and motto "E Pluribus Unum" are inscribed on the edge (incuse edge lettering).
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a multi-layer clad planchet using automated high-speed industrial coin presses.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency with distinct edge lettering to maximize surface area for thematic designs and tactile identification.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded or smooth edge with incuse lettering (depending on specific year); no handle or grip as it is a numismatic object.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-striking with clear, crisp legends. Features the 'Everhart' design style noted for its bold, modern relief.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for '$1' denomination, specific stylistic rendering of Liberty's crown rays, and evidence of edge lettering (visible from side view).
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mint facilities.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005); production began in 2007.
Age Estimate
Dated between 2007 and 2016 (standard issue period for the Presidential series).
Cultural Significance
Represents the U.S. government's attempt to modernize currency and reduce long-term costs associated with printing paper $1 bills.
Condition Notes
About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS). Shows minor surface bag marks and light handling oils; some localized oxidation/tarnish common for this alloy.
Value Estimate
Face value of $1.00 USD. Uncirculated examples or rare error strikes may carry a small collector premium of $1.50 - $3.00.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with silver polish as it will ruin the numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips to prevent 'green slime' or chemical corrosion.
Similar Pieces
Susan B. Anthony Dollar (Nickel-colored), Sacagawea Dollar (Native American patterns), and Eisenhower Dollar (large format).
Interesting Facts
The 'golden' color was chosen to mimic gold without the cost, but the coins lack actual gold or silver. Public resistance to dollar coins led to the series being discontinued for general circulation in 2011.