What’s Next for the Presidential Dollar Series?
Last issued in 2020, Presidential dollars are poised for a comeback…
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![Presidential Dollars - Littleton Coin Blog](https://blog.littletoncoin.com/wp-content/uploads/Pres-Lookback-dollars-presidential.jpg)
![Jimmy Carter - Littleton Coin Blog](https://blog.littletoncoin.com/wp-content/uploads/Pres-Lookback-JimmyCarter.jpg)
On December 29, 2024, we bid goodbye to 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Born James Earle Carter Jr. on October 1, 1924, he was 100 years old when he died. And he wore many hats throughout his century-long life.
He was a peanut farmer and a nuclear physicist. A veteran and a politician. A mediator and an author. An artist and a volunteer. A university professor and a Sunday school teacher.
And, of course, a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
When he died, Jimmy Carter was already a member of two distinguished groups: American presidents and Nobel Prize laureates. With his passing, he is poised to join yet another: those who have been honored on U.S. coins.
The Presidential Dollar Series
![Stack of Presidential dollars - Littleton Coin Blog](https://blog.littletoncoin.com/wp-content/uploads/Pres-Lookback-Stack.jpg)
The Presidential dollar series honors American presidents on the obverse (heads) of $1 coins. It began in 2007. And for most of the series, the U.S. Mint issued four coins per year in order of service.
However, there was one notable exception.
The United States has rarely depicted living persons on its money. The Presidential dollar series was not going to be an exception, so the law authorizing the series restricted it to presidents who were no longer living.
To appear on a coin, a president had to be deceased at least two years.
Because of this, just three Presidential dollars were issued in 2016 – those honoring Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan. The series skipped Jimmy Carter because he was still alive. As were all the presidents who served after Reagan. So for years, it looked like the series had ended.
However, it turned out that wasn’t the case…
On November 30, 2018, 41st President George H.W. Bush died. Two years later, the mint issued his Presidential dollar. The series was back!
From coins of commerce to collectors only
![James Garfield dollar - Littleton Coin Blog](https://blog.littletoncoin.com/wp-content/uploads/Pres-Lookback-5731.60.jpg)
Sadly, the Presidential dollar series never did catch on with the public. Oh, there was plenty of initial excitement. But it quickly faded. In the end, the series failed like other dollar coins before it.
Because when it comes to shopping, people just prefer paper money over $1 coins.
The early years saw solid mintages for each issue. But that only lasted four short years – the length of a U.S. president’s term in office. Production for circulation ended in 2012. And for the rest of the series, the mint struck Presidential dollars for collectors only.
Which was a smart move. The public may not have wanted to use the coins in commerce. But the Presidential dollar series had proved to be a big hit with collectors!
Why collectors love Presidential dollars
There are many reasons collectors love the Presidential dollar series.
First, there’s the theme. It appeals to a wide range of people. And not just history buffs and those who collect political memorabilia.
![Presidential dollar common reverse - Littleton Coin Blog](https://blog.littletoncoin.com/wp-content/uploads/Pres-Lookback-5731.60-reverse.jpg)
The coins are a great way to teach and learn about the many American presidents. Because it doesn’t just include well-known presidents like Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson. It also has lesser known ones, like Tyler, Fillmore, Van Buren and Taft.
Another reason is that Presidential dollars have an iconic common reverse.
U.S. coins have a long tradition of depicting Liberty in their designs. And when I say “long tradition,” I mean just that. It goes back to our nation’s earliest coinage.
Liberty is usually shown as an allegorical figure. But the Presidential dollar series does it a bit differently, with a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty.
It’s dramatic and inspiring. And to be honest, one of my favorite designs to grace U.S. coinage.
![John Adams error coin - Littleton Coin Blog](https://blog.littletoncoin.com/wp-content/uploads/Pres-Lookback-bb408.jpg)
Edge Lettering and Exciting Errors
Presidential dollars are also popular for their incused edge lettering.
They were the first circulating coins to bear edge lettering in 74 years. (The last were the prized Saint-Gaudens $20 gold pieces of 1907-1933.) And the mint didn’t skimp. Along each coin’s edge appear its date, mint mark and mottoes e pluribus unum and in god we trust.
The Presidential dollar series also offers exciting opportunities for collectors of error coins.
Almost immediately after the series began, a number of sensational errors emerged. There were coins missing edge inscriptions (dubbed “godless” by the public). As well as coins on which the edge lettering was doubled.
There were even Presidential dollars found that had their edge lettering… but no obverse or reverse designs!
!["Modern Presidents" Dollar Set - Littleton Coin Blog](https://blog.littletoncoin.com/wp-content/uploads/Pres-Lookback-ST5381D.jpg)
Here’s one more reason the Presidential dollar series is popular. Unlike some series, a complete collection is within reach of most collectors. To date, a complete design set has just 41 coins.
However, it is likely that will soon change.
With President Carter’s passing, we should see a new Jimmy Carter Presidential dollar in 2026. Followed by additional issues two years after other former presidents pass away.
A worthy goal for any collector
Collecting the Presidential dollar series is a worthy goal for any collector. It’s also one I think you’ll really enjoy. I know I certainly have.
If you haven’t begun, now is a perfect time to start. And if you’re still working on it, I encourage you to stick with it. You’ll be glad you did!
![P&D Presidential Dollar Set with Album - Littleton Coin Blog](https://blog.littletoncoin.com/wp-content/uploads/Pres-Lookback-ST3586J.jpg)
Littleton Coin Company offers a full line of Presidential dollars, including both Uncirculated and Proof issues. As well as coins handsomely colorized by Littleton’s gifted artists.
You can even add to your collection with Presidential dollar coins colorized to depict modern presidents who don’t yet have their official coins.
This fun and rewarding series is a great fit for collectors of any age. And if you’re a history buff or enjoy National Park quarters, U.S. Women quarters, or Innovation dollars, it’s probably right up your alley.
Of course, you may have already completed your Presidential dollar series collection. If so, great job!
I’d also love to hear which coins in the Presidential dollar series are your favorites. As well as any stories you have of collecting the series. Tell us about it in the comments below!
Until next time,
Happy Collecting!
P.S. Want to know more about the Presidential dollar series? You’ll find some great free resources in Littleton’s Coin Collecting Learn Center. They have beginner’s guides and series checklists. Plus collector tips, grading guides and a whole lot more. Check it out at: http://www.LittletonCoin.com/Learn
This article was written by Len B.
A lifelong writer and collector, Len is a USAF veteran, New Hampshire native and member of the American Numismatic Association.
Sources
Yeoman, R.S. (Garrett, Jeff, Sr. Editor). A Guide Book of United States Coins 2025 (78th edition). © 2024 Whitman Publishing
Gibbs, William T. “The Presidential dollar series: Failure or success?” Coin World. February 17, 2017. Accessed January 6, 2025. https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/failure-or-success-collecting-presidential-dollars.html
NGC Coin Explorer. “Presidential Dollars (2007-2020).” NGC. Accessed January 8, 2025. https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/united-states/dollars/presidential-dollars-2007-2020/
“Presidential Dollars Collection.” Littleton Coin Company. Accessed January 10, 2025. https://www.littletoncoin.com/shop/Presidential-Dollars-Collection
“Littleton’s Coin Collecting Learn Center.” Littleton Coin Company. Accessed January 5, 2025. https://www.LittletonCoin.com/shop/Learn