As a coin collector, you're likely familiar with the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which was launched in 2007 to honor the former Presidents of the United States. One of the coins in this series is the Franklin Pierce dollar coin, which was released in 2010. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the Franklin Pierce dollar coin, its history, design, and collecting tips.
A Brief History of Franklin Pierce
Franklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. He was a Democrat and a strong supporter of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed new states to decide whether to allow slavery. Pierce's presidency was marked by the Gadsden Purchase, which added land to the United States, and the Ostend Manifesto, which proposed the annexation of Cuba. Despite his efforts, Pierce's presidency was also marred by controversy, including the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which led to pro-slavery and anti-slavery violence in the Kansas territory.
The Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin Design
The Franklin Pierce dollar coin was designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. The obverse (front) of the coin features a portrait of Franklin Pierce, while the reverse (back) features a statue of the American eagle. The coin's edge is inscribed with the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the year of minting.
Collecting the Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin
If you're interested in collecting the Franklin Pierce dollar coin, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Condition: The condition of the coin is crucial in determining its value. Look for coins that are in good condition, with minimal wear and tear.
- Mint mark: The Franklin Pierce dollar coin was minted in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D). Coins with the "P" mint mark are generally more valuable than those with the "D" mint mark.
- Rarity: The Franklin Pierce dollar coin is relatively common, but some variations, such as the "Position A" and "Position B" coins, are more rare and valuable.
- Certification: Consider getting your coins certified by a reputable third-party grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin Variations
There are several variations of the Franklin Pierce dollar coin, including:
- Position A: This variation features the inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM" on the edge of the coin, with the year of minting at the bottom.
- Position B: This variation features the inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM" on the edge of the coin, with the year of minting at the top.
- Error coins: There are several error coins, such as the " misprinted edge" error, which can be valuable to collectors.
Conclusion
The Franklin Pierce dollar coin is a great addition to any coin collection. With its unique design and historical significance, it's a coin that's sure to interest collectors of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, we hope this guide has provided you with valuable information and tips on collecting the Franklin Pierce dollar coin.
We invite you to share your experiences and tips on collecting the Franklin Pierce dollar coin in the comments below. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about coin collecting, please don't hesitate to ask.
What is the Franklin Pierce dollar coin made of?
+The Franklin Pierce dollar coin is made of a manganese-brass alloy, consisting of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel.
How many Franklin Pierce dollar coins were minted?
+According to the United States Mint, a total of 38,300,000 Franklin Pierce dollar coins were minted in 2010.
Is the Franklin Pierce dollar coin still in circulation?
+Yes, the Franklin Pierce dollar coin is still in circulation, although it may be difficult to find in everyday transactions.