The Coin Collecting Den

The Mint has unveiled the images that will become the 2010 Presidential dollar coins. The four presidents, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchannon, and Abraham Lincoln will be released in three month increments throughout the year. The obverse designs on the Millard Fillmore and Abraham Lincoln Presidential $1 Coins are by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart; the obverse design on the Franklin Pierce Presidential $1 Coin is by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble; and the obverse design for the James Buchanan Presidential $1 Coin is by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

Continuing the theme of collecting on a budget, I’d like to take a look at the US presidential dollar set that is currently in process. Beginning in 2007, the Mint began releasing dollar coins with the names and faces of past US presidents. Four are being released each year, with ten released so far, and 41 total currently scheduled through 2016.

Reasons to collect Presidential Dollars:

• Just like the state quarters, the dollars are being released in order of the presidents, beginning with George Washington. Another great educational opportunity for kids to learn about our presidential history!
• Dollar coins can be obtained at your local bank as they are released to make sure they are in great condition.
• The set will be continuing for a number of years, so the annual investment is small, and there will be more to look forward to for quite a while!
• Budget: 41 presidents = $41, one from each mint would be $82. Add a folder and you’re looking at about $90. While more than the quarter set, this expense can be spread out over a number of years, and $8 per year for the presidents is very manageable.