United States Presidential One Dollar Coin (Statue of Liberty Reverse)
Coin/Bullion (Circulating Legal Tender) · United States Mint
Pattern: Presidential $1 Coin Program
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulating Legal Tender)
Maker
United States Mint
Material
Manganese-Brass Clad Copper (88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel). Note: This item contains 0% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 26.5 mm; Thickness: 2.0 mm; Weight: 8.1 grams.
Description
This is a standard circulating $1 coin from the Presidential series. While often mistaken for silver or gold due to its metallic luster, it is a base-metal alloy. The reverse depicts an iconic image of the Statue of Liberty.
Key Features
Reverse depicts Statue of Liberty; 'Golden Dollar' color; Edge-incused inscriptions including date and 'E Pluribus Unum'.
Material & Composition
Manganese-Brass Clad Copper (88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel). Note: This item contains 0% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Circulated finish with a recessed Statue of Liberty motif on the reverse. Includes raised lettering "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "$1" denomination.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint marks (e.g., 'P', 'D', 'S') and year are located on the edge (incuse edge lettering), not on the face.
Construction Details
Die-struck on a multi-ply clad planchet; machine-manufactured with incuse edge lettering applied by a separate machine after striking.
Functional Features
Golden-colored finish for visual differentiation from quarters; electromagnetic signature designed for vending machine compatibility.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded or lettered edge depending on specific minting year; designed for tactile identification.
Craftsmanship Details
Modern high-speed machine production; features high-relief artistic rendering of Liberty compared to traditional coinage.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic luster of manganese-brass alloy; precise die strikes on text; specific weight of 8.1g. Lack of 'Silver' or 'Sterling' marks is correct for this issue.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mint facilities).
Era & Period
Modern Era (2007-2016 for full series, with updates in 2020).
Age Estimate
Produced between 2007 and 2016; stylistic indicators suggest a mid-production cycle piece.
Cultural Significance
Represents the U.S. government's attempt to replace the paper dollar with a high-durability coin to save on printing costs.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; showing significant surface oxidation, finger oils, and minor abrasions. No numismatic grade higher than 'Fine' or 'Very Good'.
Value Estimate
$1.00 USD (Face Value). In this circulated condition, it has no premium value to collectors.
Care & Maintenance
No specialized cleaning required for base-metal currency; avoid acid-based cleaners which can strip the manganese coating.
Similar Pieces
Sacagawea Dollar (similar color but different motif), American Silver Eagle (true silver bullion, much larger), Susan B. Anthony Dollar (silver color, different size).
Interesting Facts
The Presidential $1 series was suspended for circulating production in 2011 due to low public demand and high stockpiles, after which they were only minted for collectors.