Several designs for the United States dollar coin have been issued throughout history, with some featuring prominent figures and symbols of American history.
Here are some of the most notable types and their designs:
- Obverse: Depicts a three-quarter profile of Sacagawea, the Shoshone guide of the Lewis and Clark expedition, with her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, on her back. Inscriptions include “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the year.
- Reverse: Features a soaring eagle encircled by 17 stars representing the states in the Union during the Lewis and Clark expedition.
- Distinctive features: Golden color, extra-wide border, smooth edge, and made of a manganese brass composition layered over a copper core.
- Note: From 2009 onwards, the Sacagawea obverse is paired with annually rotating reverse designs as part of the Native American $1 Coin Program.
- Obverse: Features portraits of deceased U.S. presidents, issued in the order of their service.
- Reverse: Displays a dramatic depiction of the Statue of Liberty.
- Distinctive features: Golden-colored coins, edge inscriptions including “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the year and mint mark.
- Note: Production of these coins for general circulation ceased in 2011, [according to Wikipedia] . However, they were produced for collectors and remain popular.
- Obverse: Shows a right-facing profile of Susan B. Anthony, a prominent women’s rights advocate. Inscriptions include “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the year.
- Reverse: Features an eagle landing on the Moon, an adaptation of the Apollo 11 insignia.
- Distinctive features: Smaller than the Eisenhower dollar and with an eleven-sided inner border intended to aid identification by sight and touch.
- Note: These coins were initially unpopular due to their resemblance in size and feel to the quarter.
It is important to note that the designs of the dollar coin have changed over time, with various historical figures and events honored on the coin’s surfaces.
Do they still make $1 coins?
Although dollar coins have not been struck for circulation since the Sacagawea and Presidential dollar runs ending in 2011, the continuing Native American dollar series and the newer American Innovation dollar series are considered circulation coins by the US Mint.
Can you get $1 coins from the bank?
Neither the Federal Reserve Banks nor the U.S. Mint provide coins directly to the public for circulation purposes. Instead, coins are placed into circulation through depository institutions (e.g. banks, savings and loans, credit unions, thrifts). The Federal Reserve Banks issue circulated coins before new coins.