Dollar Coin Value Checker

One Dollar Coin History

The dollar coin has roots dating back to the birth of the nation. Early dollar coins like the Flowing Hair dollar, minted from 1794-1795, and the Draped Bust dollar, produced from 1795-1804, were made of silver and helped establish the new country’s monetary system. Later came the Seated Liberty dollar starting in 1840, which gave way to the Morgan dollar in 1878, bearing an image of Lady Liberty on the front.

The Peace dollar was minted from 1921-1928 and again in 1934 and 1935. It features an image of the goddess Liberty on one side and an eagle with an olive branch on the reverse, representing peace. These early dollars were made of silver and were quite large and heavy.

The Eisenhower dollar followed in 1971, bearing the image of the 34th president. But its short circulation lifespan showed a lack of public demand for large dollar coins. The smaller Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted in 1979, but was often confused with the quarter.

Finally, in 2000, the Sacagawea dollar entered circulation featuring the Shoshone guide Sacagawea on the obverse. In 2007, the U.S. Mint introduced the Presidential dollar series. New presidential dollar coins featuring Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison were released every three months, honoring each deceased president in order served.

Despite multiple attempts over two centuries, the dollar coin has never achieved sustained widespread usage by the public. The mobility, convenience and tradition of the paper dollar continue to win out in most transactions. Still, the U.S. Mint persists with dollar coins, releasing new Native American dollars annually since 2009, though mainly aimed at collectors.