The Franklin Pierce Presidential $1 Coin is part of the popular Presidential $1 Coin program, a series launched by the United States Mint in 2007 to honor the nation’s former Presidents. These unique coins not only serve as legal tender but also offer collectors and numismatists a chance to own a piece of American history.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the Franklin Pierce dollar coin, including its design, specifications, mintage details, and most importantly, its value in various conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or simply curious about this numismatic item, this article will provide you with valuable insights into assessing and understanding the worth of your Franklin Pierce $1 coin.
Key Takeaways
- The Franklin Pierce $1 Coin is part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin series.
- These coins honor the 14th President of the United States, Franklin Pierce, who served from 1853 to 1857.
- The coin’s value depends primarily on its condition, mintage, and potential errors or varieties.
- Circulated Franklin Pierce Dollars are typically worth face value ($1), while uncirculated and proof versions can fetch higher prices.
- Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC play a crucial role in determining a coin’s condition and value.
History of Franklin Pierce
Before we delve into the specifics of the Franklin Pierce $1 Coin, let’s briefly examine the life and presidency of the man it honors. Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, served from 1853 to 1857. Born in 1804 in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Pierce had a career in law and politics before becoming President.
During his presidency, major events included the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed settlers in those territories to determine whether they would allow slavery, and the Ostend Manifesto, which proposed the annexation of Cuba by the United States. Pierce’s term was marked by growing tensions over the issue of slavery, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War just a few years after he left office.
Franklin Pierce $1 Coin Design
The design of the Franklin Pierce $1 Coin is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the United States Mint. Let’s take a closer look at the details:
Obverse Design
The obverse (front) design of the Franklin Pierce $1 Coin was created by sculptors Susan Gamble and Charles Vickers. It features a striking portrait of Franklin Pierce, with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “14th PRESIDENT,” and the dates “1853-1857” denoting his term in office.
Reverse Design
The reverse (back) design, sculpted by Don Everhart, depicts a powerful image of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “$1” encircle the statue.
Edge Lettering
The edge of the Franklin Pierce $1 Coin is inscribed with the year “2010,” the mint mark (P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, or S for San Francisco Proof), and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Coin Specifications
Like all Presidential $1 Coins, the Franklin Pierce dollar has specific technical specifications:
- Composition: The coin is composed of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel.
- Weight: Each coin weighs 8.1 grams.
- Diameter: The Franklin Pierce $1 Coin has a diameter of 26.5 millimeters.
Minting and Varieties
The Franklin Pierce $1 Coin was minted in 2010 at three different United States Mint facilities:
- 2010-P (Philadelphia Mint)
- 2010-D (Denver Mint)
- 2010-S Proof (San Francisco Mint)
It’s important to note the difference between circulation strikes (2010-P and 2010-D) and proof strikes (2010-S). Circulation strikes are intended for general circulation and have a more matte-like finish, while proof strikes are specially treated to have a mirror-like background and frosted foreground, creating a visually striking contrast.
In addition to the standard mintages, there may be rare varieties or errors associated with the Franklin Pierce $1 Coin. These could include doubled dies, off-center strikes, or other manufacturing anomalies that can significantly increase a coin’s value among collectors.
Value and Grading
Now, let’s address the burning question: “How much is a Franklin Pierce dollar coin worth?” The answer primarily depends on the coin’s condition and mintage.
Circulated Coins
If your Franklin Pierce $1 Coin has been in circulation and shows signs of wear, it is generally worth its face value of $1. However, even circulated coins can vary in value depending on their specific condition.
Uncirculated Coins
Uncirculated Franklin Pierce Dollars, which have never been in circulation and retain their original mint luster, can be worth significantly more than their face value. Their value is largely determined by their grade, assigned by professional grading services like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
Here are some approximate values for uncirculated Franklin Pierce Dollars in different grades:
| Grade | 2010-P Value | 2010-D Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS 65 | ~$5 | ~$5 |
| MS 66 | ~$10 | ~$10 |
| MS 67 | ~$20 | ~$20 |
| MS 68 | ~$50 | ~$50 |
The MS (Mint State) grade ranges from 60 to 70, with 70 being a perfect, flawless coin. As the grade increases, so does the value, as higher grades are rarer and more desirable to collectors.
Proof Coins
Proof Franklin Pierce Dollars, struck at the San Francisco Mint, also command higher prices than circulated coins. Here are some approximate values for proof strikes:
| Grade | 2010-S Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 | ~$6.50 |
| PR 66 | ~$10 |
| PR 67 | ~$20 |
| PR 68 | ~$50 |
Similar to uncirculated coins, higher proof grades fetch higher prices due to their superior quality and limited availability.
It’s important to note that these values are approximate and can fluctuate based on market conditions, demand, and other factors. Additionally, rare varieties or errors can significantly increase a coin’s value beyond these estimates.
Grading Criteria Explained
Understanding the grading criteria used by professional grading services like PCGS and NGC is crucial when assessing the value of your Franklin Pierce $1 Coin. Here’s a brief overview of the key factors considered during grading:
- Strike: The strike refers to the sharpness and completeness of the coin’s design details. A well-struck coin will have crisp, clear details, while a poorly struck coin may appear flat or lacking in detail.
- Surface Preservation: The coin’s surface should be free from significant scratches, nicks, or other imperfections. Even minor flaws can impact the grade.
- Luster: Uncirculated coins should exhibit a bright, consistent luster across their surfaces, while proof coins should have a mirror-like background and frosted, cameo-like devices.
- Eye Appeal: Subjective factors like overall visual appeal, toning (color), and overall aesthetic quality can also influence a coin’s grade.
It’s always recommended to have your Franklin Pierce $1 Coin professionally graded by a reputable third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. Their expertise and objective assessment can provide an accurate determination of your coin’s condition and value.
Collecting and Investing
The Franklin Pierce $1 Coin is part of the larger Presidential $1 Coin series, which consists of coins honoring each of the United States’ Presidents. Collecting the entire series can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor for numismatists and coin enthusiasts alike.
While the Franklin
Pierce $1 Coin may not be considered a rare or highly valuable coin on its own, it can still be an important addition to a comprehensive Presidential $1 Coin collection. As with any collectible item, rarer varieties, errors, and higher grades can increase the coin’s value and desirability among collectors.
If you’re interested in collecting or investing in Franklin Pierce $1 Coins, here are a few tips:
- Focus on Condition: As mentioned earlier, condition is a crucial factor in determining a coin’s value. Aim to acquire the highest grades possible within your budget.
- Watch for Varieties: Stay vigilant for potential varieties or errors, as these can significantly increase the coin’s value and rarity.
- Buy Certified Coins: When investing in higher-grade coins, it’s advisable to purchase coins that have been certified and graded by reputable third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC.
- Consider Long-Term Appreciation: While immediate gains are uncertain, rare and high-grade Franklin Pierce $1 Coins may appreciate in value over time as the series gains historical significance and demand from collectors increases.
- Join Collecting Communities: Engage with fellow collectors and enthusiasts through online forums, local coin clubs, or national organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA). These communities can provide valuable insights, advice, and opportunities for buying, selling, or trading coins.
Remember, coin collecting and investing should be approached with patience, research, and a genuine passion for numismatics. The Franklin Pierce $1 Coin may not be the most valuable or rare coin in the series, but it still holds historical and numismatic significance as part of this unique collection honoring America’s Presidents.
Resources for More Information
If you’re seeking additional information on the Franklin Pierce $1 Coin or the Presidential $1 Coin series, several reputable resources are available:
- Official United States Mint Website: The U.S. Mint’s website (www.usmint.gov) provides detailed information about the Presidential $1 Coin program, including mintage figures, design details, and historical background.
- Coin Value Guides: Numerous online and print coin value guides, such as the “Red Book” (A Guide Book of United States Coins) and the “Blue Book” (Handbook of United States Coins), offer regularly updated pricing information for various coin types and conditions.
- Online Coin Communities: Websites like Numista (numista.com), CoinStudy (coinstudy.com), and CoinTrackers (cointrackers.com) host active coin collecting communities where enthusiasts can exchange information, ask questions, and learn from experts.
- Coin Dealer Websites: Reputable coin dealers often maintain informative websites with pricing guides, educational resources, and opportunities to buy or sell coins.
By consulting these resources and staying engaged with the numismatic community, you can continue to expand your knowledge and make informed decisions when buying, selling, or collecting Franklin Pierce $1 Coins or any other coins in the Presidential $1 Coin series.
Conclusion
The Franklin Pierce $1 Coin, while not the rarest or most valuable coin in the Presidential $1 Coin series, still holds significant historical and numismatic importance. Its value is primarily determined by its condition, mintage, and potential varieties or errors.
Circulated Franklin Pierce Dollars are typically worth their face value of $1, but uncirculated and proof versions can fetch higher prices based on their grades assigned by professional grading services like PCGS and NGC. Rare varieties or errors can also significantly increase the coin’s value.
Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or simply curious about this numismatic item, understanding the factors that influence a Franklin Pierce $1 Coin’s worth is essential. By staying informed, engaging with the collecting community, and consulting reputable resources, you can make well-informed decisions when acquiring, selling, or collecting these unique pieces of American history.
Remember, coin collecting is not just about monetary value but also about preserving and appreciating the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind these miniature works of art. The Franklin Pierce $1 Coin is a tangible connection to the nation’s 14th President and a testament to the ongoing legacy of the United States Mint.