The James Madison Presidential Dollar: A Look at the 1809-1817 Coin
The James Madison Presidential dollar coin, minted from 1809 to 1817, is part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This series honors deceased U.S. presidents in order of their terms in office. The James Madison dollar features his portrait and represents his years as the fourth president of the United States.
Design and Features
The obverse of the coin features a portrait of James Madison designed and sculpted by Joseph Menna. Inscriptions include “JAMES MADISON,” “4th PRESIDENT,” and “1809-1817.” The reverse depicts the Statue of Liberty, a design common to all coins in the Presidential $1 Coin Program, and includes the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “$1.”
A notable feature of these coins (and others in the series) is the edge lettering, which includes the year of minting, the mint mark, and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Initially, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” was also intended for the edge, but its placement was changed to the obverse on later Presidential dollars.
Minting and Distribution
The James Madison dollar coins were minted at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints. These coins were released into circulation with the goal of promoting awareness of U.S. presidents. The U.S. Mint also offered them in collectible bags and rolls for numismatists.
While not intended to replace the dollar bill, the Presidential dollar program aimed to offer a durable and collectible form of U.S. currency. However, due to a lack of widespread public acceptance, the coins didn’t see heavy use in everyday transactions.
Collecting the James Madison Dollar
For collectors, the James Madison dollar offers a relatively affordable entry point into numismatics. These coins are readily available in uncirculated condition, making it easy to acquire examples from both the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints. Factors such as mint mark, condition, and any potential errors can influence the value of a James Madison dollar coin. For more information about the Presidential $1 Coin Program, including mintages and design details, Wikipedia is a valuable resource.
FAQs
What is the value of a James Madison dollar coin?
The value typically ranges from $1 to a few dollars for circulated examples. Uncirculated coins and those with errors can be worth more.
Where was the James Madison dollar coin minted?
The James Madison dollar coin was minted at the Philadelphia and Denver mints.
What years was the James Madison dollar coin minted?
The James Madison dollar coin itself wasn’t minted between 1809 and 1817. These dates represent James Madison’s term as president. The coin was minted in 2007.
What is the error on some James Madison dollar coins?
Some coins from the Presidential Dollar series, including potentially the James Madison dollar, have been found without edge lettering, making them valuable errors.
How can I tell if my James Madison dollar coin is valuable?
Check for mint marks (P or D), unusual features like missing edge lettering, and the coin’s overall condition. Consult a coin price guide or a reputable coin dealer for an assessment.
Summary
The James Madison Presidential dollar coin is a commemorative piece of U.S. currency honoring the fourth President of the United States. While not widely used in circulation, it remains a popular item for coin collectors and those interested in American history. Its design and the Presidential $1 Coin Program overall aimed to promote presidential awareness through numismatics.
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