The fascination with collecting coins often leads to questions about the true worth of specific pieces. Among these, the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Dollar coin frequently sparks curiosity. While most of these coins might simply be worth their face value, understanding the nuances of numismatics reveals that the Lyndon B Johnson dollar coin value can, under specific circumstances, soar significantly beyond a mere dollar. This comprehensive guide delves into the factors that determine the value of these coins, from common examples to highly sought-after rarities.
Understanding the Presidential Dollar Coin Series
The Presidential $1 Coin Program was established by the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005. Its purpose was to honor former U.S. Presidents by issuing four new dollar coins each year, in the order of their service. These coins feature a distinctive design: a portrait of the honored President on the obverse (front), and a striking image of the Statue of Liberty on the reverse (back). The edge of the coin includes the year of minting, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Dollar coin was the 36th coin released in this series, honoring the 36th President of the United States. According to the U.S. Mint (.gov) website, this particular coin was issued in 2015. Like all coins in the series, it was minted in two primary locations: Philadelphia (P mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark).
The Baseline: Face Value and Slight Premiums
For the vast majority of Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Dollar coins encountered in circulation, the Lyndon B Johnson dollar coin value remains at its face value: $1. This is a crucial point for new collectors to understand. Unlike some older or rarer coin series, the sheer volume of production for modern commemorative coins often means that their intrinsic value as collectibles doesn’t immediately skyrocket.
However, even commonly available coins can command a slight premium if they are in excellent condition. Retailers specializing in coins often offer uncirculated examples of the Lyndon B. Johnson dollar for a small markup. For instance, you might find an uncirculated Lyndon B. Johnson dollar available for around $4.95 from various online coin dealers. The Littleton Coin Company, a well-known numismatic retailer, has sold a 2015-D Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Dollar in uncirculated condition for approximately $7. This slight increase reflects the demand for coins that have not been subjected to the wear and tear of everyday commerce, making them more appealing to collectors who prioritize aesthetic quality.
Factors That Significantly Increase Lyndon B. Johnson Dollar Coin Value
While most LBJ dollar coins are worth a dollar, certain attributes can dramatically elevate their numismatic value. These factors are what differentiate a common coin from a valuable collector’s item.
1. Uncirculated Condition and High Grades
The condition of a coin is paramount in determining its value. Coins that have never entered circulation and retain their original mint luster are considered “uncirculated.” These coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 representing a perfect coin.
- Uncirculated (AU-MS): An uncirculated coin, often designated as “About Uncirculated” (AU) or “Mint State” (MS), will always be worth more than a circulated counterpart. The higher the MS grade, the higher the value.
- Gem Uncirculated (MS-65 to MS-70): Coins graded MS-65 or higher are considered “Gem Uncirculated” and are highly sought after. These coins exhibit full original luster, sharp striking details, and minimal to no imperfections.
- Exceptional Grades (MS-69 and MS-70): Reaching an MS-69 or MS-70 grade for a modern coin is challenging due to the meticulous standards applied by grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). These grades signify near-perfection or absolute perfection. A prime example of how condition impacts Lyndon B Johnson dollar coin value can be seen with other Presidential Dollars. For instance, a Washington dollar graded as MS-67 has been known to fetch up to $475. More impressively, a highly graded MS-69 coin from the series sold for a remarkable $1,250 at auction. While these specific examples might not be for the LBJ dollar directly, they illustrate the potential for high-grade coins within the series. Collectors aiming for these top-tier values will often look for coins professionally graded and encapsulated.
2. Errors and Varieties
Minting errors are perhaps the most exciting and potentially lucrative aspect of modern coin collecting. These anomalies occur during the production process and can range from minor imperfections to dramatic misstrikes. Errors significantly increase the Lyndon B Johnson dollar coin value because they are unique, scarce, and often visually distinct.
Some common types of errors and varieties that could apply to the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Dollar include:
- “Struck Thru” Errors: This occurs when a foreign object (like grease, a piece of cloth, or a metal shaving) comes between the die and the planchet during striking. The result is an area on the coin where the design is weak or missing. A notable example that highlights the potential value is a 2015-P Lyndon Johnson Coin and Chronicles Set with a “Struck Thru” error, which has been valued at $449.95. This specific error involved the coin itself, not just the packaging, making it highly desirable.
- Missing Edge Lettering: The Presidential Dollars have their date, mint mark, and motto “E Pluribus Unum” inscribed on the edge. If these inscriptions are partially or entirely missing, it constitutes a significant error.
- Doubled Die Errors: This occurs when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image, resulting in a noticeable doubling of design elements, most commonly lettering or numbers.
- Off-Center Strikes: If the coin blank (planchet) is not perfectly centered when struck by the dies, the resulting coin will have an off-center design, with part of the design missing and a blank area on one side.
- Die Breaks/Cracks: As dies age and wear, they can develop cracks. These cracks transfer to the coin as raised lines. Large or prominent die breaks can add value.
- Planchet Errors: These involve imperfections in the coin blank itself, such as lamination errors (where layers of metal peel away) or incomplete planchets (where the blank is not fully formed).
Identifying errors often requires a keen eye and sometimes magnification. Resources like the Federal Reserve Board and numismatic forums can help collectors identify genuine errors versus post-mint damage.
3. Specific Mint Mark and Condition Combinations
While both Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints produced the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Dollar, certain combinations of mint mark and high grade can be more desirable. Collectors often seek out high-grade examples from both mints to complete their collections.
The “P” mint mark coins are often associated with the Philadelphia Mint, while “D” mint mark coins come from the Denver Mint. While production numbers for these modern coins are generally high from both facilities, slight differences in striking quality or specific die varieties can sometimes make one mint’s output marginally more valuable in top grades.
How to Determine Your Lyndon B. Johnson Dollar Coin Value
If you possess a Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Dollar coin and suspect it might be worth more than a dollar, here’s a step-by-step approach to assessing its potential value:
1. Examine the Condition:
* Circulated: Does the coin show signs of wear, scratches, or dullness? If so, it’s likely worth face value.
* Uncirculated: Does it have its original shine and sharp details, with no signs of wear? Handle it carefully by the edges to avoid fingerprints.
2. Look for Errors:
* Carefully inspect the entire coin, including the edge. Use a magnifying glass if available.
* Are there any anomalies like missing letters on the edge, doubled designs, or unusual marks not part of the original design?
* Research known errors for the 2015 LBJ dollar specifically.
3. Identify the Mint Mark:
* The mint mark (P or D) is located on the edge of the coin, along with the year “2015.”
4. Consider Professional Grading (for potentially valuable coins):
* If you believe you have an uncirculated coin in exceptional condition (MS-67 or higher) or one with a significant error, consider submitting it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
* Professional grading provides an unbiased assessment of the coin’s condition and authenticity, which is crucial for realizing top values in the market. Be aware that grading services charge fees, so this step is only advisable for coins with high potential value.
5. Consult Price Guides and Auction Results:
* Once you have an idea of your coin’s condition and any potential errors, consult reputable coin price guides (online or in print) or search for recent auction results for similar coins. Websites like Heritage Auctions, eBay (filtered for “sold items”), and PCGS/NGC price guides can provide valuable insights.
The Reality of Collecting Lyndon B. Johnson Dollars
It’s important to reiterate that while the potential for high value exists for rare error coins or those in perfect condition, most Lyndon B. Johnson dollar coins you encounter will be worth their face value. The sheer volume of these coins minted means that basic examples do not command a significant premium.
However, this doesn’t diminish their appeal for collectors. Many people collect Presidential Dollars to complete the series, and an uncirculated Lyndon B. Johnson dollar is a necessary piece for such a collection. For those interested in the history represented by these coins, the intrinsic value lies more in their historical significance than their monetary worth.
Conclusion
The Lyndon B Johnson dollar coin value typically ranges from $1 for circulated examples to potentially $1,250 or more for exceedingly rare error coins or those in flawless, professionally graded condition (MS-69 or MS-70). The key determinants are the coin’s condition, the presence of any minting errors, and to a lesser extent, its specific mint mark. While the dream of finding a hidden treasure is a powerful motivator for collectors, a realistic understanding of the market indicates that true high-value examples are exceptional rarities. For most, the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Dollar remains a fascinating piece of American numismatic history, readily available for its intended purpose: a circulating dollar coin.
