Learning the history of a place through its currency is one of the pleasures of being a coin collector. The history of the US one-dollar coin is a rich one, shaped over the years by the country's events, and is worth learning more about in addition to understanding its value as a collector's item.

Early Years

Before paper currency became the norm, money in the early United States was coin-based. In 1792, the idea for the one-dollar coin was introduced. The name dollar was derived from the Spanish dollar that Americans used in colonial times.

Two years later, the first silver one-dollar coins were officially minted. These coins featured the image of Lady Liberty on the front with an eagle on the back. It comes in two versions. One features Lady Liberty with her hair flowing, and the other shows more of her dress.

Because silver was in rare supply, few of these coins were minted, making them more valuable to today's coin collectors.

Gold Dollar Coin

While silver coins were the ones predominantly made during the 1800s, there was a gold dollar coin minted as well. This coin was introduced in 1848, coinciding with the Gold Rush period in the US. This coin featured the original Lady Liberty design and had a content of 90% pure gold.

20th Century

In the 1900s, the dollar coin went through some upheavals. The Peace coin was first minted in 1921 and was designed to celebrate the peace that followed the tumult of the First World War. However, the production of silver coins began to dwindle with the Great Depression and ceased production entirely in 1935.

It wasn't until the 1970s that dollar coins were reintroduced when the Eisenhower and Susan B. Anthony dollars were minted.

The 2000s

Beginning in the year 2000, the US mint began issuing commemorative dollar coins. The first depicted Sacagawea and was crafted from copper covered in brass. This combination gave the coins a gold-like appearance. Dollar coins issued in the 2000s are considered non-circulating, though they can be used as currency.

Whether you have been a coin collector for years or are recently getting into it, Coins Plus is a go-to spot for buying and selling coins. This Cincinnati, OH, coin shop has a reputation for integrity, fair pricing, and responsibility. For over almost 50 years, they have been Cincinnati's premier coin shop. Call (513) 621-1996 to speak with a coin expert or visit them online to learn more.