If you have a one-dollar coin from 1881 featuring James Garfield, it’s most likely a Presidential Dollar coin issued in 2011, commemorating the 20th president . These coins are part of a series honoring US presidents in order of service, and the image of James Garfield is on the obverse (front) along with the inscription “1881” representing his year of presidency. The reverse features the Statue of Liberty. The edge is inscribed with the date and motto “E Pluribus Unum”.
- Circulated Presidential Dollar (2011, featuring 1881 date): These coins were mass-produced for general circulation, with the US Mint reporting 72 million of the Garfield coins minted. In circulated condition, they typically hold a value close to their face value of $1. However, some online listings offer them for a few dollars.
- Uncirculated Special Issue Varieties: Uncirculated versions specifically released for collectors may be worth slightly more than face value, but not a significantly high amount.
- Potential for High Value (if it’s an 1881 gold dollar): If, by chance, you possess an 1881 gold dollar (which was not the James Garfield presidential coin), its value would be significantly higher. An 1881 gold dollar in circulated condition is valued between $225 and $475. Uncirculated examples could fetch as much as $48500.
Important: The Presidential Dollar coins, like the one featuring James Garfield with the 1881 date, are not made of gold or silver but of a copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel blend.
In conclusion, if you have a circulating James Garfield dollar coin from 1881, it’s a 2011 Presidential Dollar worth around its face value. However, if it happens to be an older, rare 1881 gold dollar, it could hold considerable value. It’s recommended to consult a professional coin appraiser to determine the precise value and authenticity of any potentially valuable coins.
Where is the mint mark on a James Garfield coin?
Thanks for asking. The traditional inscriptions “E Pluribus Unum,” the date of issuance and the mint mark have been moved to the edge of the coin, making it unique among circulating coins. The reverse features a stunning image of the Statue of Liberty.
What is a James Garfield coin?
I can help with that. The James Garfield Presidential $1 Coin honors the 20th President of the United States. James Garfield was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in 1831.