The U.S. Mint issued Presidential Dollar coins honoring 37 presidents from 2007 through 2016, with a final collector-only release in 2020, and the series includes several error varieties worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.
These gold-toned dollar coins were never meant to be precious metal investments. The copper-and-manganese brass composition gives them a distinctive look, but their real value lies in the history they carry and the rare edge-lettering errors that can make a single coin worth over $2,000. Whether you inherited a roll of these dollars or want to fill a complete set, knowing which years were released for circulation versus collector-only helps you assess what you have.
What Are Presidential Dollar Coins Made Of?
Presidential Dollars have a pure copper core bonded to outer layers of manganese brass. The alloy is 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. Each coin weighs 8.1 grams and measures 26.49 millimeters across — slightly larger than a quarter.
The edge carries an inscription you won’t find on most other U.S. coins: the date, mint mark, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are stamped into the side. This edge text was a first for American coinage, and its placement relative to the portrait — Position A (text upside down when the portrait faces up) versus Position B (text upright) — became a key detail for collectors.
Which Years Were Presidential Dollar Coins Minted for Circulation?
The U.S. Mint released Presidential Dollars into general circulation from 2007 through 2011. During those five years, bank branches and businesses received them like any other dollar coin. Four presidents were issued each year, released every three months.
Starting in 2012, the Mint shifted to collector-only production. From 2012 through 2016, these dollars were available only in Proof Sets, Special Mint Sets, or as individual collectibles from dealers. A final collector-only release happened in 2020.
| Year | Minting Status | Coins Released |
|---|---|---|
| 2007–2011 | Circulation (widely available) | 20 presidents (4 per year) |
| 2012–2015 | Collector-only (Proof/SMS sets) | 16 presidents (4 per year) |
| 2016 | Collector-only | 3 presidents (final issues) |
| 2020 | Collector-only | 1 commemorative re-release |
Full Presidential Dollar Coin Release Schedule by Year
The chronological order follows each president’s term of service, not the coin’s design. Alexander Hamilton never served as president, so he was excluded from the series. Here is the complete release sequence:
2007: George Washington (Feb 15), John Adams (May 17), Thomas Jefferson (Aug 15), James Madison (Nov 16).
2008: James Monroe (Feb 14), John Quincy Adams (May 15), Andrew Jackson (Aug 14), Martin Van Buren (Nov 13).
2009: William Henry Harrison (Feb 17), John Tyler (May 15), James K. Polk (Aug 14), Millard Fillmore (Nov 13).
2010: Zachary Taylor (Feb 11), Franklin Pierce (May 14), James Buchanan (Aug 13), Abraham Lincoln (Nov 12).
2011: Andrew Johnson (Feb 10), Ulysses S. Grant (May 16), Rutherford B. Hayes (Aug 15), James A. Garfield (Nov 14).
2012-2015: Collector-only releases covering presidents from Chester A. Arthur through Woodrow Wilson.
2016: Grover Cleveland (second term), Benjamin Harrison, and the final coin of the series: Ronald Reagan.
2020: A single collector-only release that completed the 37-coin set.
If you are building a full collection, the most practical way to track your progress and find missing coins is a buyer’s guide to American president dollar coins, which organizes them by issue date and grade.
Which Presidential Dollar Coins Are Worth Money?
Most Presidential Dollars in circulated condition spend at face value. A few error varieties, especially those with missing or doubled edge lettering, command real premiums at auction.
The most valuable known example is the 2009 SMS William Henry Harrison with missing edge lettering, graded 69/70 by NGC, which sold for up to $2,450. The 2007 SMS Thomas Jefferson with the same missing-edge error, graded 67, falls around $600.
Other error types to watch for include doubled edge lettering (notably on the 2007 John Adams dollar) and the Position A vs. Position B orientation of edge text — which can turn a common coin into a scarce one if the text is upside down relative to the portrait.
The most valuable regular-issue example is the 2011 James A. Garfield dollar from the San Francisco Mint, graded in MS-67 condition, which can reach $250. Most other high-grade circulation strikes stay under $50 unless they carry a major error.
| Variety | Approximate Value | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 SMS Harrison (no edge text) | $2,450 | Smooth edge, high grade (69/70) |
| 2007 SMS Jefferson (no edge text) | $600 | Missing edge lettering, grade 67 |
| 2011 Garfield, San Fran MS-67 | $250 | Top-grade circulation strike |
| 2007 Adams (doubled edge text) | $80–$150 | Visible doubling on side text |
| 2008 Van Buren (missing edge text) | $50–$200 | Completely smooth edge |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Collecting Presidential Dollars
New collectors often mistake the gold color for actual gold content. These dollars contain no gold — the manganese brass outer layer creates the golden hue. That misconception ranks as the most common error in the hobby.
Another frequent stumble involves the edge text orientation. A coin with Position A (text upside down when the portrait faces up) is not defective — it is simply one of two legitimate orientations. But confusing the two can cause a mis-grade when selling or trading.
The 2016 final release catching people off guard. The series ended with Ronald Reagan released in December 2016, not earlier that year. If you have a 2016 set missing the Reagan dollar, the collection is incomplete.
FAQs
Are Presidential Dollars still accepted as legal tender?
Yes. Every Presidential Dollar coin issued from 2007 through 2020 remains legal tender worth one U.S. dollar. Banks and businesses are not required to accept them, but the coins are valid for all debts and transactions nationwide.
Why did the Mint stop making Presidential Dollars for circulation?
The program ended circulation production after 2011 because the coins sat in Federal Reserve vaults rather than entering everyday use. A 2011 Government Accountability Office report estimated that the government held over $1.3 billion of unused dollar coins in storage, costing taxpayers millions in storage fees.
How can I check if my Presidential Dollar has missing edge lettering?
Run your finger around the coin’s edge. If the surface feels completely smooth with no raised lettering, you may have a valuable error. Compare the edge to a known normal coin from the same year. Have the coin professionally authenticated by NGC or PCGS before selling.
Why was Ronald Reagan the last presidential dollar coin?
Public Law 109-145 limited the series to deceased presidents who had been dead for at least two years before minting. Ronald Reagan met this requirement, and no eligible president remains with a national demand high enough to restart the program. Congress has not authorized a continuation.
Do the 2012 to 2016 Presidential Dollars look different from the circulation versions?
The design is the same, but collector-only issues were struck with polished dies and often packaged in proof or special mint sets. Their surfaces are mirror-like compared to the satin finish of circulation strikes. Edge lettering and composition stayed identical.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia. “Presidential Dollar Coins.” Program overview, release dates, and historical background.
- American Hartford Gold. “Presidential Dollar Coins: From Washington to Garfield.” Release schedule and edge variety details.
- The Coin Supply Store. “Presidential Dollar Release Schedule.” Exact release dates for 2016 final issues.
- NGC Coin Explorer. “Presidential Dollars (2007-2020).” Composition, weight, and diameter specs.
- JM Bullion. “Which Presidential Dollar Coins Are Rare And Valuable?” Error variety values and auction data.