You’re likely referring to a common characteristic of the US Presidential dollar series, including the John Adams dollar, rather than a minting error.
The absence of a visible date on the obverse or reverse (the front and back of the coin) is not an error. This is because the date and the mint mark are located on the edge of the coin, a feature called “edge lettering”.
Many people are accustomed to finding the date and mint mark on the coin’s face. The edge lettering on Presidential dollars is a change from traditional US coinage, leading to the misconception that a coin without a face date is an error.
While the absence of a face date is normal, missing edge lettering (or a completely smooth edge) is considered a minting error . These errors occurred, particularly with the earlier Presidential dollar issues, according to presidentialdollarguide.com.
These coins missed the second step of the minting process, which applies the edge lettering. Such errors are known as “smooth edge dollars”.
While a regular John Adams dollar with edge lettering holds its face value, a John Adams dollar missing the edge lettering can be more valuable to collectors. Several offers for a 2007 John Adams Presidential Dollar with missing edge lettering are available on eBay at prices ranging from 42.95 USD to 199.95 USD depending on the coin’s condition and certification.
If you believe your John Adams dollar has missing edge lettering, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated by a coin expert or a reputable coin grading service like NGC to determine its authenticity and potential value.
What is the error on the John Adams dollar coin?
The $1 Missing Edge Lettering John Adams coin is a rare gem among presidential dollars. What sets it apart is its unique error: the absence of edge lettering, which typically features the coin’s date, mint mark, and motto.
Where is the date on a John Adams dollar coin?
John Adams Dollar Coins
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.