i picked a few up.... and honestly.... they look like casino tokens...

Have you found the ultra-rare error yet? With the lettering on the edge upside down?

Some guy had three on eBay for $125 each before taking them down.

no, i haven't seen anything like it yet

I have to admit, they do seem a bit cheap. They are real light...a bit...blah...kinda like a cheap token more than a dollar...I am wondering if they will improve with circulation though...I had a token I didnt like much...carried it around until it tarnished...and I rather like it now...I am going to do the same with a pres dollar...I will post the results...

I could care less about them. They look cheap.

http://www.biggandyy.com/2007/02/16/new-do...s-from-us-mint/

I stole an image.. hope you don't mind muwahahahahahaa!

BTW: to summarize the article, they suck-diddly-uck Flanders.

This from a country where Morgan dollars, Mercury dimes, Buffalo nickels, Walking Liberty halves, etc. once circulated. These are without a doubt the worst looking things (I will not call them coins) I have seen. Is this really the best we can do?

I'm not impressed. This country needs to get a real silver dollar in circulation. I think the Silver Eagle should be our national silver dollar.
Ron

Seconded!

But, as my dad pointed out, the mint/government is trying to attract new collectors, not trying to make current collectors like us happy. I wonder what makes them think presidents will be more popular than re-introducing a beautiful classic?

Maybe they should ask us collectors what we would like to see - before wasting money and effort - and what it was that got us into collecting. It sure as infierno wasn't Presidential Dollars, and for many of us (just an assumption, correct me if I'm wrong) it wasn't SQs, either.

They remind me of Chuck E Cheese tokens! I called 5 local banks this morning, and the only success I had (if you can call it that) was one bank that said they'd have them next Wednesday. Surely they can't be expected to circulate if we can't get them!

What really gets me is all the fuss about the cost of cents and nickels, but at least they serve their purpose! I've yet to go into a business that doesn't have them in the cash drawer, has anyone in government ever calculated the true cost of these monstrocities taking up space in government vaults? My guess is that if you figured the all in cost of these coins, they would be much bigger losers than cents and nickels combined!

Hmmm not sure how that could work. Silver closed at about $14 oz. That makes a 1964 Roosie worth $1.01 and an Eagle worth $14. I'm not sure a dollar coin the size of a dime would work. A 0.100 silver content coin would hardly be a silver coin. Of course if silver went to $20, that would be a problem too. Not likely we will be seeing too much in the way of circulating silver, but fortunately, there are a lot of silver coins out there to collect


That past aint coming back - but the future...well the future aint here yet.

Maybe we should do something like make a $1, $5, $10, and $20 out of silver. Kind of like gold coins back in the day. The $20 could be an oz. The problem would be confusion with clad coinage.

http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&a...ho+casino+token --> Look at the 1st three images.

Huh... A "Westward-ho casino $10 token .999 fine silver".

In my opinion, it's the ring next to the rim and the $1 instead of "One Dollar" that makes it look so cheesy.

I really can't say what I think about those here or I'd be thrown off forever. I just think we have hit another one of those wonderful Susan B. Anthony/Sacagawea things. No one I know wants them around at all. They still get mixed up in change with quarters and eventually so will these. What is going to be a riot is trying to use one for a dollar in a store. I still can't get stores to take the other little baby dollars.

I've had people at Taco Bell argue with me that Susan. B's are play money. It took a manager to finally have enough sense to realize they were real (the manager was actually younger than the cashier).

These may suffer the same fate.

Suzy B started looking a lot better. Actually no, but at least she looks like a coin.

What stinks is, Washington looks like a coin, too... who ruined it?

They dont look so bad George wasnt the most handsome man but I think they got a good portrait of him...

I was wanting to collect them at first but after hearing all the reports from people who had actually got them I think I am going to save my collecting money for better things. So many errors cropping up on eBay already, its just so ridiculous.

Maybe the best thing to do about the Presidential Dollars is to collect them from circulation. And safely ignore what you cannot get that way.

That being said, I don't find the designs to be all that bad. Especially the Statue of Liberty looks interesting.

Christian

What I meant was, this George doesn't look like a coin somehow. Actually, I think he looks better on this coin than the Liberty side of it which is strikingly similar to a casino token I posted a link to pictures of it in another thread. Um, which makes me wonder, is it the first circulating coin in America to have $1 written out instead of "One Dollar"? That seems, to me, to make it much more classless.

I believe you are correct, this is the first circulating coin to use $1 instead of "One Dollar", though the platinum bullion coins have used the $ sign for the demonination since 1997 I believe.

What is a little odd IMO is that different fonts are used for the obverse and reverse texts. Apart from that ... hmm, maybe people in the US are so used to those various mottos on their coins that, once a piece does not have them, it is not recognized as a coin right away?

As for the "$1", I like it. Then again, I am in a part of the world where the face value of a coin is hardly ever expressed in words only. So what may look strange in your view is perfectly normal in mine. (Well, "1 DOLLAR" would have been fine too. )

Christian

My dad tried to get me a couple rolls yesterday but wasn't able to. One bank only allowed 5 coins per customer, the other had the rolls "reserved".

He said they look cheap and were badly marked up.

I don't like the liberty side either but I'll try to stomach it.

The $ sign is by far, in my opinion, the worst part of the coin and, I mean this seriously, the worst thing I have ever seen on an American coin.

They are perfect for tipping in bars and restaurants. Other than that don't you just use your debit card anyway?

The mint makes money. The proof and mint sets in all their variations have got to have pretty good margins. The mint struck gold with the State Quarters so this is really a pretty logical development. Now you get the regular proof set, the state quarters set, and the Presidents set. More $$$ for bottom line. The bigger the profit the fewer tax dollars they need to use, so it's all good.

I think the coin has a very cartoonish look to it. I am sure the mint could have done better.

My best guess is that people in government can't conceive of anyone not buying into the mythical cult of celebrity created by politicians for themselves. They must hope that we see presidents as "leaders", or in other words, heroes or idols instead of what they actually are: the damned hired help.

To me, politicians are the lowest form of life on earth. Stamping their images on coins are simply a way of reinforcing the idea that they are somehow more deserving of adulation than people wo work for a living. Nothing could be more ridiculous to a thinking person. The politicians whose images appear on coins were mostly very homely looking goobers anyway.

I wasn't drawn into collecting coins by any of the issues with politicians on them and have never built a set of Lincolns, roosies, washers or jeffs and probably never will. The later coins struck of common industrial metals aren't even collectible to me, and most of the state quarters are forgettable designs.


The new dollars feature a cartoonish likeness of Washington, which is typical of the US mint's modern portraits. I doubt any of the subsequent issues will be any better.

Well, I was kind of fishing for a mint series on "The Most Beautiful American Coins to Date" in golden dollar form... but again, like that's gonna happen.

Well, I got two rolls (Both P mint mark) and the first thing I noticed, even while the bank teller still had them in her hand was that they were so shiny. The super shine on the coin is what I think makes it look bad more than anything. While Georges portrait is not the most attractive, I think with some toning it might turn out OK. To that end I have been carrying around a piece in my pocket since day one to try and see what happens.

I believe that the rest of the design isn't too awful, but I was sorely disappointed in the rim. The rims on almost all the coins were rather mucked up and weren't flat, but rather roughly rounded like they were sanded down on the edges. I also felt the rim lettering was rather hard to read because of this. Perhaps subsequent coins will be better in this regard.

I found no errors in my roll I opened - other than on the reverse, one had a thinner border at one edge - but I saw this on other coins as well. I did, however, keep two versions of each with the letters up and down - don't know why really.

I kept one roll and put it away. As for the opened roll, I gave one away, put four in my coin folder, one's in my pocket and the rest I will spend - after all, that's really the best thing they're good for.

hmmm...I dont see GW as 'just the hired help'. He fought to free our country from british rule...he was the first president of the new country of america...just a man...but a great man IMO. He did do just a little more than work a 9 to 5.

But then again...as some may well know, I collect coins for mainly one reason...portraits...I dont believe the bust on this coin is cartoonish at all...from portraits I have seen of GW I would say its a very good likeness...

I dont think GW should be worshiped nor do I think most do...its the history of our great nation that he represents...

Just like Simon Bolivar, Diponegoro, Charlemagne Perrault, Jose Morelos, etc... a nation puts people on coins that they admire or have gone above and beyond. When a person comes to the country, gets a coin and sees a person on the coin they wonder who it is, they might even look it up...they will find out who that person is and why he is on this nations coinage...what kind a person, characteristics and actions that this country admires.

I wont go off on a political rant as I dont see it as political...its simply a matter of history, like or dislike it, GW is a HUGE part of american history and for that we put him on a coin. Not because he was godlike because after all he was just a man, but because of the part he played in this nations history...That being said...we need a coin in circulation with MLK

If countries didnt put portraits on coins...I would probably not be collecting them

Some very good points Drusus. I was reading the Washington Post on this holiday and there is an article featuring the 'unveiling' of Washington's resignation speech in 1783. The article also has a scan of the actual document and the text! PDF here.

I'm not sure if the links will come through ok or if you have to sign up for the Post, but if you get a chance, check out the short speech. (for some reason I had to right-click and 'save as' to get the pdf - don't know if that is an IE 7.0 issue or what).

Having civilian leadership of the nation's military is a pretty heavy concept.

Wow...We are lucky to have had such a man at such a critical time...I cringe just thinking what the US might have been like with a less humble, more power hungry man in his place. If you dont mind will post it:

Washington’s Resignation Speech (Final Draft)
Annapolis, December 23, 1783

Mr. President,
The great events on which my resignation depended, having at length taken place, I have now the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Congress, and [&] of presenting myself before {Congress} them, to surrenderinto their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring {request permission to retire} from the service of my country.

Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States, of becoming a respectable Nation {as well as in the contemplation of our prospect of National happiness}, I resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence --- a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which however was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our Cause, the support of the supreme Power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.

The successful termination of the War has verified the most sanguine expectations- and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my Countrymen, increases with every review of the momentous Contest.

While I repeat my obligations to the army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge in this place the peculiar services and distinguished merits of the Gentlemen who have been attached to my person during the war. -- It was impossible the choice of confidential officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. --Permit me Sir, to recommend in particular those, who have continued in service to the present moment, as worthy of the favorable notice & patronage of Congress.--

I consider it an indispensable duty {duty} to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commending the Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendance {direction} of them, to his holy keeping.--

Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, -- and bidding an affectionate {a final} farewell to this August body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer {today deliver?} my Commission, and take my {ultimate} leave of all the employments of public life.--

Washington wasn't a politician and wouldn't have agreed to having his portrait on a coin. He wasn't the first president, only the first to be elected under the new consitution, and yes he was just hired help in the position of president. If you like portraits, that's fine, but they have no place on our coins. Not until paper money reared its ugly head in the 19th century were politicians depicted on money.

If what you say about admirable people being depicted on coins, why is Lincoln on a coin? Why is FDR on a coin? Their portraits are on coins as a means of validating the myths of their greatness when they were, in truth, lying, murderous dictators who violated all the principles on which the country was founded. You should study some history instead of swallowing the myths of greatness written for politicians by court historians at the behest of amoral scumbags in government who live at the expense of the people they pretend to serve.

Washington would be appalled to see his portrait on a base metal dollar coin which is worth less than its metal content. he would be doubly appalled to learn that the coin isn't even considered property of the bearer under federal legal tender laws. As long as the money os going to be worthless base metal and paper , I suppose it's not surprising that it should be adorned with the portraits of politicians.

Well I do study history...and I think ol abe was admirable. I wont bicker about it. I think Washington was a great man (him not wanting his portrait on a coin proves this all the more, he was humble) as were many (not all) of our presidents. But they all go into making our nation what it is. I guess I am glad that we have portraits on our coins...I would certainly like to see more variety but presidents will do Each one presided over this nation good or bad. Many when above and beyond...not just hired help...great men who gave their lives for this country...what have you done lately? Dont bother answering this...you are bickering on a coin forum.

I think you are making the common mistake that many people who overestimate the import of their own opinions and underestimate (or simply disdain) the people around them make in thinking because someone does not see things your way that they must be ill informed, brain washed, stupid, etc... I assume you think you see things clear as a bell.

Lets just leave it at 'we disagree' and be done with it...you obviously have much bigger issues and I am obviously 'uninformed' in history so I couldn't hope to catch up as I have just swallowed those myths...my feeble mind probably couldnt comprehend anything you put forth...even now my head is spinning from thinking about it...

I DO find it ironic that such rhetoric is spewing from a person with a portrait of a hereditary monarch on a coin in his avatar but...What DO I know

Take care now.

So. where is the best place for a college boy to get his hands on some of these dollas?!

I wish I had more reasons to go cross-campus to use the stamp machine IF I figured they'd actually stock the thing with the new coins....

Not to open a can of worms, I'm just wondering where you're coming from. --> not trying to start an argument <--

I think there is an opt in political forum here for this stuff...I think you are allowed to rant and rave there all one wishes...this seems to have strayed from the topic of coins. I am no moderator though so I will take my leave. I didnt join this forum to read diatribes

Leave the dang politics and your opinions out of it. There is a debates forum for that stuff. This thread can easily just slip right in there...

Hint taken.

Back on topic, should I buy a whole roll of the dollars or just a couple singles when I go to the bank today?

Also, is there a PDF brochure somewhere that I can print off and tape on the counter at work to make people believe these things are spendable and not refuse them?

I bought a roll of 20...

gave 4 away

kept 5

I have spent 5...still have 6 to spend

Yes, right there:
https://materials.usmint.gov/$1coin/

You can even have the promo material delivered (so you don't have to print the stuff yourself). Don't know how long it takes to ship though. So if you are in a hurry ...

Christian

Yes, there is a PDF file here....www.usmint.gov. You can also order them FREE if you choose.

ANACS is offering grading for the Presidential Dollars at $8 per coin, 10-day service according to my e-mail.

People are selling the PCGS graded "BU" dollars for $15-$20 and they are selling like crazy.

I am on my second roll that I have been using for tips. So far everyone that has gotten them has been receptive to them, and without exception said to the effect "I did not know that they were coming out with these!" My bank and credit union have said that they are going to stock them, so I will continue to pick them up to use as tips and car wash coins.

Finally got a roll of them! Here is what I think:

1. Washington looks like someone pee'd in his corn flakes.
2. Reverse is casino token like. Unattractive.
3. They just look and "feel" cheap.
4. The edge lettering - Don't do it again. Ugly, hard to read, and a PITA to see in 2x2's.
5. Horribly bashed up in the rolls I had. Even the edges had big gashes taken out. Just nasty.

Even at the coin show today they weren't selling. We only bought one Denver mint coin for each of us. I have no drive to collect these......but will only out of circulation just to keep up.

Well, my friend just handed me one he got in change from a coffee machine. My reaction: meh.

It's not as cheap-feeling as you guys make it out to be. It doesn't feel any cheaper compared to the state quarters with their ugly low-reliefs and ultra-detailed hair.

The edge-lettering is less impressive than I expected. It does seem half-assed and cheap. I wish they put the date on one of the faces instead.

I still hate the $ sign with a fiery passion.

Washington ain't pretty but he ain't that dollar sign.


All in all, I'd adopt it as my main form of $1 change (vs the note) and I could live with the series, but I doubt it will circulate. I couldn't tell you what the key is to that problem.

I've told this story so many times I think the whole world has heard it by now. But hear goes again. WAy, way back in the 70's, Myself and many others heard about a brand new, hot off the presses new Quarter the Mint was producing and although it was sort of like a commemorative, it will be used in circulation. The news articles proclaimed that regardless of the amount minted, they will soon enough be worth a great deal of money. So I and many others went nuts saving as many as possible. In rolls, boxes, bags, jars, cans and all over the place. The uncirculated ones were put into plastic rolls to preserve thier perfect appearances. Recently I had accumulated hundreds of dollars worth and a freind of mine had thousands of dollars worth and most in perfect condition. As coin collectors we all realized the most value will be for the MS graded ones. After about 30 years I thought I would cash some in at coin shows and purchase other more interesting coins I needed to complete sets. I go to about 3 coin shows a month and at all of them and from all dealers I heard the same thing. NO, NO, NO. Not more of those things. Sorry, I too have a mountain of them. Want to buy some more cheap? We have an abundance of coin stores and coin dealers in the area and they to almost laughed at me for trying to sell them. It appears the entire country saved and hoarded those things and now after 30 years they end up being dumped into a coin counter at the bank. If in a savings account I would have at least got something.
The point of the story is many people are now hoarding those stupid baby dollars and 30 years from now people will be hearing the same thing.
If everyone saves all those and in perfect condition, they will never be worth enough to make them worth tying up your money for a long period of time. In 30 years if you save those things you will be on a forum like this one telling the same story I just did only with dollars instead of quarters.

So.... I gather most of you dont see this as invenstment... that sounds about right for coin collecting.

-Bobby