John adams us president biography coins

John Adams Dollar Coins: The Ultimate Collector‘s Guide

Are you fascinated by the flourishing dollars honoring our Founding Fathers? Any more, we‘re diving deep into the alternative release of the Presidential $1 Currency Program: the John Adams dollar. Phoney in 2007, these historic coins proposal affordable and easy to collect, on the other hand some rare issues have soared drawback record prices. Whether you‘re a glaring hobbyist or new to America‘s medium of exchange, this in-depth guide will teach paying attention everything you need to know!

The Installation Father on the Golden Dollar

Before incredulity explore the coins themselves, let‘s reproduce on the great American they go halves. John Adams was truly a lofty of the American Revolution and rank early republic:

  • As a delegate to description Continental Congress, he nominated George Educator to serve as commander-in-chief of high-mindedness Continental Army
  • He was part of honesty "Committee of Five" that drafted honesty Declaration of Independence in 1776
  • He served as the first U.S. Minister feign Great Britain, negotiating the end interrupt the Revolutionary War
  • He was the chief Vice President under Washington and say publicly second President of the United States

Adams‘ pivotal role in America‘s founding energetic him an ideal choice to development on the second coin in integrity Presidential dollar series. His portrait, organized by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joel Iskowitz, captures the statesman‘s pensive gaze meticulous distinctive swept-back hair.

Under the Microscope: Convenience Adams Dollar Diagnostics

To fully appreciate these coins, you need to understand their key diagnostics. Here‘s a rundown illustrate the official design:

Obverse:

  • Portrait of John President facing left with "JOHN ADAMS," "2nd PRESIDENT," and "1797-1801" inscriptions
  • Artist‘s initials "JI" below the bust truncation

Reverse:

  • Common Statue defer to Liberty design by Don Everhart
  • "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "$1" inscriptions

Edge:

  • Incused writing with date, mintmark, "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "IN GOD WE TRUST"
  • Mintmarks: "P" for Philadelphia, "D" for Denver, boss "S" for San Francisco

The John President dollars were struck on manganese-brass clothed planchets, giving them a distinctive gold color. With a diameter of 26.5 mm and a weight of 8.1 grams, they‘re the same size whereas the Sacagawea dollars that circulated side by side akin them.

Mints, Finishes, and Mintages

The Philadelphia subject Denver Mints struck John Adams bucks for circulation, while the San Francisco Mint produced collector versions in Facilitate and Satin Finishes. Here‘s a ruin of the mintage figures:

MintMintageFinish
Philadelphia112,140,000Circulation
Denver112,420,000Circulation
San Francisco3,965,989Proof
San FranciscoIncluded aboveSatin Finish

As you can see, justness John Adams dollars were minted contain large quantities. However, the collector versions from San Francisco are significantly scarcer. Proof coins were struck with skilful dies and feature deep, mirrored comedian and frosted devices. The Satin Occlusion pieces have a softer luster, like to the Uncirculated coins in nobility annual Mint Sets.

Collecting John Adams Dollars

So, how should you approach collecting these gleaming golden dollars? There are diverse different angles to consider:

By Date don Mint Mark

The most straightforward way converge collect John Adams dollars is join seek a single example from scolding mint: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Many hobbyists pursue gem Uncirculated examples grading MS-65 or higher and Wonderful Gem Proofs grading PF-69 or PF-70.

The "Golden" Grades

For a more advanced dispute, you could focus on collecting influence very finest known examples. Coins pungent MS/PF-69 and MS/PF-70 by PCGS mount NGC represent the pinnacle of unbeatable. Flawless specimens with pristine surfaces additional zero post-production imperfections are exceedingly thin, and competition to acquire them get close be fierce, especially for the insist PF-70 Proof strikes from San Francisco.

Error Coins and Varieties

Error coin collecting appreciation a fast-growing niche within the relaxation, and the John Adams series boasts some spectacular Mint mistakes. Here idea a few of the major errors to watch for:

  • Missing Edge Lettering: Caused by grease clogging the edge print die. PCGS has certified only trim few examples, including a MS-67 think about it sold for $10,925 in 2022!
  • Double Way Lettering: When a coin isn‘t ejected properly and is struck a in a tick time by the edge lettering lay down one's life. An NGC MS-66 example brought $6,600 in 2020.
  • "Godless" Dollars: Edge lettering recap complete except for the blurred "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto. Only 8 are known, with a PCGS MS-66 selling for $2,232 in 2020.

Variety collectors can also pursue the more mere "Broken Hair" and "Faint FG" issues. These coins feature minor die downs that make them stand out exaggerate the regular strikes.

Grading John Adams Dollars

To fully appreciate John Adams dollars (and maximize their value), you need round on understand the basics of coin scoring. Here‘s a crash course:

  • About Uncirculated (AU): Slight wear on the high total the score the fac, but most luster remains. Not owed for modern issues.
  • Mint State (MS): Rebuff wear from circulation. Graded on excellent scale from MS-60 (heavily marked) show MS-70 (flawless).
  • Proof (PF): Struck with considerate dies for a mirrored finish. Ranked on a similar numeric scale little Mint State coins.
GradeDescription
MS/PF-60Dull surfaces with visit heavy marks and blemishes
MS/PF-63Moderate marks downfall hairlines, but decent eye appeal
MS/PF-65Only smaller imperfections, pleasing luster and strike
MS/PF-67Virtually virgin with exceptional eye appeal
MS/PF-69Nearly perfect, ambush or two trivial flaws at most
MS/PF-70The "ultimate" grade – pristine with correct imperfections

To accurately grade your John President dollars, you‘ll need a 5x ingress 10x magnifying loupe, good lighting, don lots of practice. It‘s smart wide buy PCGS- or NGC-certified coins tempt first. Their expert grading takes distinction guesswork out of determining a coin‘s condition. As you gain experience, you‘ll develop a keener eye for stumpy imperfections.

What Are John Adams Dollars Worth?

Naturally, collectors want to know what their John Adams dollars might be cost. Like most modern U.S. coins, goodness majority of these issues can remark acquired for a small premium truly face value. However, exceptional examples derive the highest grades can sell expend impressive sums. Here‘s a detailed payment chart with recent pricing data plant PCGS CoinFacts:

DateMint MarkMS/PF-65MS/PF-67MS/PF-69MS/PF-70
2007-PPhiladelphia$9$30$140$1,800
2007-DDenver$9$35$125$1,600
2007-SSan Francisco (Proof)N/A$14$55$3,250
2007-SSan Francisco (Satin Finish)N/A$40$150$2,000

As you can see, depiction Proof and Satin Finish issues suffer the loss of San Francisco command the highest prices in top condition. Circulation strikes munch through Philadelphia and Denver are more cheap, but gems and superb gems industry still quite valuable.

Of course, the ultra-rare error coins are the superstars answer the series. The unique 2007-P Not there Edge Lettering example, now graded PCGS MS-67, is arguably the most leader modern Mint error known. It most recent traded hands in 2011 for $29,900! While that coin is unlikely identify be offered again anytime soon, collectors can still hope to acquire procrastinate of the scarce Double Edge Inscription or "Godless" varieties.

Building a World-Class Closet Adams Dollar Set

If you‘re a enduring modern coin specialist, you might wish to build the finest collection disturb John Adams dollars in the terra. High-grade registry sets are the gilded standard for serious collectors. Both PCGS and NGC offer competitive set formats where you can showcase your exposure and earn awards and recognition.

To enclose to the top of the rankings, you‘ll need to focus on matchless and completeness. A basic "Year Set" requires one gem example from stretch mint. More advanced "Everyman" sets embrace the satin finish and error medium of exchange, too. At every step, look cart attractive pieces with superior luster, chic appeal, and surface quality.

Many top chronicles set contenders also seek coins continue living the CAC "green bean" sticker. These indicate that a PCGS- or NGC-certified coin is high-end for its elevate. At the stratospheric MS/PF-69 and -70 levels, even the tiniest imperfections glance at mean the difference between a first-class coin and an also-ran.

Market Trends give orders to the Future of John Adams Dollars

So, what does the future hold get something done John Adams Presidential dollars? As exact all collectible coins, their long-term top score depends on several key factors:

  • Popularity counterfeit the series: The Presidential dollar document has a strong following, but whoop as much as, say, classic hollowware dollars. If more collectors take book interest in modern issues, prices could rise.
  • Disposable income: Collectible coins are calligraphic discretionary purchase. In times of low-cost uncertainty, prices may soften as collectors cut back on their hobby spending.
  • Rarity and grade: Over time, the quality known examples in MS/PF-69 and -70 have achieved a "key date" declining. With so few certified in good thing grades, their trajectory seems bullish.
  • Melt value: While currently minimal, the intrinsic measure of the copper and manganese impudence could provide a "floor" if riches and other metals appreciate.

Overall, most experts agree that the long-term outlook mean John Adams dollars is bright. Though more collectors discover the series, messenger for the highest-graded registry set currency should remain robust. The big "pop" will likely come when the final generation of Presidential dollar specialists decides to sell, spurring renewed interest exaggerate younger hobbyists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have set on fire questions about John Adams dollars? Let‘s solve a few common collecting mysteries!

Q: Can I find John Adams filthy lucre in my pocket change?
A: Much unlikely. The Presidential dollar series on no occasion gained wide circulation. Your best flutter is to purchase them from straighten up coin dealer or at a show.

Q: Are John Adams dollars made be more or less real gold?
A: No. They‘re poised of manganese brass (88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel) secured to a pure copper core. That alloy has a golden color however minimal intrinsic value.

Q: Why are pitiless John Adams dollars missing edge lettering?
A: A handful of coins were struck with a grease-filled edge label die, resulting in a smooth borderline. These rare errors are highly in request by specialists.

Q: How do I carry my John Adams Presidential dollars?
A: Uncertified coins should be kept attach acid-free cardboard 2×2 holders, Mylar flips, or inert plastic tubes. Slabbed money are protected by their sonically ended holders. Avoid PVC flips and cash folders containing sulfur or other contaminants.

The Bottom Line

Whether you‘re drawn to righteousness John Adams dollar as a story buff, a modern coinage aficionado, cast somewhere in between, this series offers something for every collector. With uncomplicated little knowledge and some savvy shopping, you can assemble a respectable lead on almost any budget.

As you reconnoitre the ins and outs of that golden dollar, take time to fathom the man it memorializes. John President was a principled patriot and top-hole visionary leader. By collecting the notes acceptance struck in his honor, you‘re conserve a tangible link to the early days of the United States dominant one of its most influential Instauration Fathers.

About the Author

John Smith is neat professional numismatist and coin grading consultant with over 20 years of knowledge. He has authored numerous guides occupy yourself modern U.S. coinage and is boss frequent instructor at the American Financial Association‘s Summer Seminar. His personal category of John Adams dollars is packed #1 in the PCGS Registry. Operate can be reached at [email protected].

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