Dollar Coins - one, two, five and 20 dollar denominations

While the one dollar note is a true American classic, dollar coins have always been a part of United States currency. Authorized by Congress on April 2, 1792 and first minted in 1794, dollar coins circulated well and proved to be a very popular denomination. Several American dollar coins are still renowned throughout the coin collecting world, as are two, five and 20 dollar coins.

A brief guide to American Dollar Coins

One Dollar Gold Coin (1849-1854)

The California Gold Rush was the catalyst for government officials to commission a gold American dollar coin. It is the lowest ever denomination of a US gold coin, and still highly desired by collectors. Upon its issue in 1849 the U.S. Mint received a number of complaints about the coin’s 13mm diameter – many thought that for a dollar it was too small.

Morgan Silver Dollar (1878-1921)

In the late 19 th Century America’s west was overrun with newly mined silver. It was suggested that a new silver coin would stabilise prices of this precious metal, and in 1878 mine owners successfully lobbied the government for the return of the dollar coin.

Newly commissioned designer George T. Morgan asked schoolteacher Anna Williams to pose as a model for the coin – she became well known as the ‘Liberty Head’. It’s estimated that around 17 per cent of the entire amount of Morgan silver dollars produced survive today. That number was bumped up somewhat upon the death of Nevada man LaVere Redfield, when 400,000 of the Morgan dollars were found stashed in the deceased’s home.

Peace Silver Dollar (1921-1935)

The Peace Silver Dollar was rose from the ashes of World War I. It was minted between 1921 and 1928 and again through 1934-1935 at Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. Designed by Anthony De Francisci, the obverse boasts Miss Liberty and the reverse and American eagle with a wreath of peace between its talons.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar (1979-2000)

Anthony’s portrait was selected for this gold dollar coin to honor her struggle within the suffragette movement for women’s rights. In 2000 Anthony’s dollar made way for one for the new millennium. This dollar depicted Sacagawea, the Shoshone guide who assisted Captains Lewis and Clark on their cross-country journey to the Pacific Ocean in 1804.

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