George Washington Presidential $1 Coin
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Currency) · United States Mint
Pattern: Presidential $1 Coin Program (Inaugural Release)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Currency)
Maker
United States Mint
Material
Manganese-Brass Clad Copper (88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2% Nickel). Note: This item contains no silver despite its metallic appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 26.5 mm; Thickness: 2.0 mm; Weight: 8.1 grams.
Description
The George Washington $1 coin was the first release in the Presidential $1 Coin Program. It features a bold, classic portrait of the first U.S. President on the obverse. Known for its 'golden' color, it was intended to replace the dollar bill in circulation, though it primarily remains a collector's item due to public preference for paper currency.
Key Features
Edge-incused lettering (a first for US coinage since the early 20th century) and the unique manganese-brass 'golden' color.
Material & Composition
Manganese-Brass Clad Copper (88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2% Nickel). Note: This item contains no silver despite its metallic appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Circulated finish; obverse features a portrait of George Washington; reverse features the Statue of Liberty; edge-incused lettering.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Edge-incused inscriptions including the year of minting, mint mark (P, D, or S), and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. Face includes '1st PRESIDENT 1789-1797'.
Construction Details
Die-struck; multi-layer clad construction with a pure copper core bonded to manganese brass outer layers.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency; electromagnetic signature designed to match the Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea dollars for use in vending machines.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded/Lettered edge for tactile identification and to discourage clipping of the coin.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced via high-speed industrial presses; features modern 3D digital sculpting converted to master dies.
Authentication Indicators
Correct weight (8.1g) and diameter; presence of incused edge lettering; characteristic golden-brown toning common to this alloy.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mints).
Era & Period
Modern Era (Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005); First issued in 2007.
Age Estimate
Issued in 2007; roughly 17 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the US government's attempt to modernize currency and honor national history through a rotating series of presidential portraits.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; showing surface scratches, minor dings on the rim, and fingerprints/toning (oxidation of the manganese content). Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) to Circulated.
Value Estimate
Face value ($1.00). High-grade uncirculated specimens may command $2.00-$5.00. Not a precious metal investment.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish if intending to keep for numismatic value; store in a PVC-free flip or coin tube to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Susan B. Anthony Dollar (silver-colored, smaller), Sacagawea Dollar (same composition, different motif), and other Presidential Dollars (Jefferson, Adams, etc.).
Interesting Facts
The Mint produced over 340 million of these coins in 2007 alone. Some early 'error' coins were released without the edge lettering, nicknamed 'Godless Dollars' because the motto 'In God We Trust' was missing.