Description

The Modern Dollar Handbook of United States Coins: History & Rarity

Welcome to the ultimate modern dollar handbook of United States coins, written and authored by David Bowers. This 1st-edition guide takes you on a journey through the rich American coin history and rare treasures of American coinage.

From the iconic silver dollar to the lesser-known commemorative coins, we will explore the significance and value of each piece in detail. Whether you’re a coin enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the hidden treasures in your pocket, this handbook of US coins is the perfect companion to delve into the world of Modern United States dollar coins.

Each modern coin tells a story, and in this article, we will uncover the tales behind these fascinating pieces of American numismatics. From Eisenhower dollars to Susan B. Anthony dollars, Sacagawea dollars, Native American dollars, and Presidential dollars. As well as mint errors to limited editions, we will showcase the most valuable and sought-after coins all collectors dream of owning.

So, get ready to discover the hidden treasures within the vast landscape of modern United States dollar coins. Join us as we journey through history, rarity, and the allure of American dollar currency. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets of these modern-day artifacts.

History of Modern United States Dollar Coins

The history of United States dollar coins is a fascinating tale that spans centuries. The first official dollar coin, minted in 1794, became known as the Flowing Hair dollar. It featured a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Since then, various designs and denominations of dollar coins have been introduced.

The Morgan silver dollar is one of the most iconic and revered dollar coins. Minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, it symbolizes America’s Wild West era. Its design, featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, captures the spirit of the time. Due to their historical significance and beauty, collectors highly seek these coins out.

In the 20th century, the US government introduced several modern dollar coins, each with a unique design and story. From the Eisenhower dollar, honoring the 34th President of the United States, to the Susan B. Anthony dollar, celebrating the women’s suffrage movement. These coins hold a special place in American history.

The Forgotten Gems: Modern US Dollar Coins

While Silver Dollars steal the spotlight in American coinage, several lesser-known coins deserve recognition for their historical importance and rarity. These commemorative coins mintages honored significant events, people, or places in American history and culture.
One such coin is the Eisenhower Dollar, minted from 1971 to 1978. This large-sized silver dollar commemorated President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. The obverse features a portrait of President Eisenhower, while the reverse depicts the Apollo 11 mission insignia, symbolizing the moon landing. Overall, the Eisenhower Dollar is special in collectors’ and history enthusiasts’ hearts.
Another unnoticed coin is the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999. It honors the women’s suffrage movement and pays tribute to Susan B. Anthony, a prominent figure in the fight for women’s rights. The Susan B. Anthony Dollar features an image of Susan B. Anthony on the obverse and an eagle landing on the moon on the reverse.
In recent years, the United States Mint has also released a series of Native American dollars and Presidential dollars. These coins pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans and honor the legacy of past presidents. Each coin in this series tells a unique story and serves as a reminder of the United States’s diverse history and achievements.

The Significance of Rarity in Collecting

The Modern Dollars handbook of United States coins’ importance in finding rarity plays a crucial role in coin collecting. Coins offering scarcity or limited supply command higher prices, and collectors seek these coins out. Rarity influences various factors, including the number of coins minted, the condition of the coins, and historical significance.

Above all, low-mintage figures can make coin collecting incredibly valuable. For example, the mint state US Presidential Dollars are the 2013-D William Howard Taft Presidential Dollar and the 2013-D Woodrow Wilson Presidential Dollar, each with a mintage of 3,360,000. A few examples have graded MS68 but are very scarce, and nothing has graded higher.

Condition, or coin grading, also plays a significant role in determining rarity. Coins in pristine condition, known as “mint state,” are rarer and more valuable than those with wear and tear.
Coin grading organizations, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), assign grades to coins based on their condition. Unquestionably, these grades range from Poor (PO-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70), with higher grades indicating better condition.

Understanding Grading and Its Impact on Value

Coin grading is an essential aspect of coin collecting. It allows collectors to assess a coin’s condition and value accurately. The grading process examines a coin’s surface, strike, luster, and overall preservation.

Modern coins in mint state condition, graded MS-60 or higher, are highly desirable among collectors. These coins exhibit no signs of wear and have their original luster intact. As the grade increases, the value of the coin also increases significantly.

Despite this, coins with lower grades, such as circulated or damaged coins, have lower values. These coins may have scratches, dents, or other imperfections that affect their appearance and overall value.

It is important to note that coin grading is subjective and can vary between grading services. Collectors should rely on reputable grading organizations and consult experts to ensure accurate grading and valuation of their coins.

Rare and Valuable United States Dollar Coins

Indeed, a few stand out as rare and valuable treasures within the vast landscape of modern United States dollar coins. Collectors highly seek these coins, which often command high prices in the market.

Indeed, one such coin is the 1976 (Type 2) Proof Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar coin without an “S” mint mark. It is considered one of the rarest modern non-error coins in existence.
Holding stories do not mention whether Proof Bicentennial Dollars with a Type 2 reverse design were ever produced at the Philadelphia Mint. However, the modifications for the new Bicentennial Type 2 Dollar redesign were possibly trial pieces at Philadelphia to determine whether the new Type 2 design would work.
Evidence shows that the Type 1 No S Ikes were produced for presentation pieces and then destroyed. Even so, for the Type 2 Bicentennial Proof Eisenhower Dollar, there is no mention of its production, but we know this miraculous coin exists.

Another notable coin was the 1999 Susan B. Anthony. The US Mint struck over 29 million regular circulation Susan B. dollars, making these coins familiar. Collectors learned of the last striking year of the Susan B. Anthony dollars and hoarded these coins.
Many of the coins pulled from circulation happened after leaving the Mint. Uncirculated coins in this series are easy to obtain.

The most expensive 1999-P SBA dollar, graded MS64, sold for $16,000 at a Heritage auction in 2006.

Tips for Investing in US Currency Dollar Coins

Investing in United States currency dollar coins can be a rewarding endeavor. Here are a few tips to consider when starting your coin collection or investment portfolio:

Research and Educate Yourself: Before investing in dollar coins, you should educate yourself about the market, coin grading, and the specific coins that interest you. Research will help you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.
Set a Budget: Determine your budget and stick to it. Setting a budget will help you prioritize your purchases and ensure a balanced approach to your collection.
Buy from Reputable Dealers: When purchasing modern dollar coins, especially rare and valuable ones, it is essential to buy from reputable dealers. Reputable dealers will provide you with authentic coins and ensure fair pricing.
Diversify Your Collection: Consider diversifying your collection by acquiring coins from different eras, denominations, and designs. Diversifying will not only add variety to your collection but also mitigate risk.
Store and Protect Your Coins: Proper storage and protection are crucial for preserving the value and condition of your modern dollar coins. Invest in high-quality coin holders, albums, or safes to protect your collection from damage and deterioration.
Research and Educate Yourself: Before investing in modern dollar coins, it is important to educate yourself with the handbook of United States coins, about the market, coin grading, and the specific coins that interest you. Coin-collecting books will help you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

Coin Collecting Resources and Organizations

Coin collecting is a vibrant community with numerous resources and organizations dedicated to supporting collectors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced collector, these resources can provide valuable information, guidance, and networking opportunities.

American Numismatic Association (ANA): ANA is a leading nonprofit organization that promotes the study and collection of coins. They offer educational resources, seminars, and a vast library for members.
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS): The PCGS is a leading coin grading service that provides expert grading and authentication services. Their website offers a wealth of information on coin grading, authentication, and market trends.
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC): The NGC is another reputable coin grading service that provides professional grading and authentication services. Their website features a comprehensive database of graded coins and valuable educational resources.
Coin World: Coin World is a popular numismatic publication that provides news, articles, and insights into coin collecting. Their website offers a vast archive of articles and a vibrant community forum.

Terminologies and Abbreviations

When diving into the world of coin collecting, you may encounter various terminologies and abbreviations that can be confusing. These few commonly used terms will help you navigate the numismatic landscape:

Obverse: A coin’s front side typically features a portrait, symbol, or design.
Reverse: The back side of a coat usually showcases an emblem, image, or inscription.
Mint: A coin facility production plant.
Proof: A coin struck with specially prepared dies and polished planchets, resulting in a highly detailed and mirrored appearance.
BU: Brilliant Uncirculated. Refers to a coin in excellent condition, showing no signs of wear.
Key Date: A coin with a lower mintage or higher demand is essential to a particular series or collection.
Error Coin: A coin that contains a mistake during the minting process, resulting in unique characteristics or abnormalities.

The Beauty and Value of the Handbook of United States Coins

In conclusion, US coins are not just pieces of metal but windows into the nation’s rich history and culture. From the early days of American independence to the modern era, each modern dollar coin tells a story and represents a significant moment in time. These coins’ rarity and historical importance make them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
For example, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual observer, exploring the world of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins is a fascinating journey that unveils the hidden treasures within our pockets. Next time, check your pocket change; you might be surprised by what you thought might be a quarter.
Each piece holds its own allure and value, from the iconic silver dollar to the forgotten gems of commemorative coins. The hunt for rarity, whether in the form of mint errors or limited editions, adds an element of excitement to the world of numismatics.
So, next time you come across a Native American dollar coin in your pocket, take a moment to appreciate its history and significance. These modern-day artifacts are symbols of monetary value and gateways to a world of stories, culture, and national pride.
Presidential dollar coins are unparalleled in beauty and value. Their allure will continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts for generations to come.
So, dive into the Modern Dollar handbook of United States coins, unlock the secrets they hold, and join the ranks of passionate collectors who have fallen under their spell. Happy hunting!

Description:

• Author: David Bowers
• Pub Date: 7/26/2016
• Edition: 1st
• Binding: Paperback (Softcover)
• Full color
• Size: 6×9
• Pages: 320
• ISBN: 9780794843980
• Ships FREE!

A great gift idea for any Coin Collector!
FREE shipping applies to the United States Only!