About Dollar Coins

The Act of 1792 establishing the U.S. Mint called for coinage in units and parts of a "dollar" – derived from "thaler" – the generic name for large European silver coins of the era. The U.S. dollar emulated the Spanish milled silver dollar that circulated widely in the American colonies and in the early United States. Older designs for the silver U.S. dollar include the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust and Liberty Seated motifs. Slightly heavier Trade silver dollars were minted from 1873-1885 for international commerce.

Morgan dollars of 1878-1921, named for their designer George T. Morgan, and Peace dollars of 1921-1935 were struck in 90% silver in larger quantities than previous issues, and are prized by collectors today for their beauty, historical interest and intrinsic value. The last large-size $1 coins were Eisenhower dollars of 1971-1978, produced in copper-nickel for circulation and in 40% silver for collectors.

Copper-nickel Susan B. Anthony dollars, struck from 1979-1981 and one last time in 1999, were America's first small-size dollars. Unpopular for being too close in size and color to the quarter, Anthony dollars were followed by golden-colored Sacagawea dollars of 2000-2008, Presidential dollars of 2007-date, and Native American dollars of 2009-date.