The John Adams dollar coin is part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which the U.S. Mint launched in 2007. This coin commemorates John Adams, the second President of the United States, who served from 1797 to 1801. The program was designed to honor each U.S. president by issuing $1 coins featuring their likenesses in the order they held office.
Design and Composition of the John Adams Dollar Coin
Composition and Dimensions
The John Adams dollar is composed of a manganese-brass alloy, which gives it a distinct golden appearance. It weighs 8.1 grams and has a diameter of 26.5 mm. Coins were minted at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints, with corresponding P and D mint marks.
Obverse Design
The John Adams Presidential dollar depicts a portrait of the second U.S. President’s austere gaze facing right on its obverse. JOHN ADAMS appears inscribed above the portrait with 2nd PRESIDENT and the years he held office, 1797-1801, below the portrait. The obverse was designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Charles L. Vickers, whose initials appear on the President’s shoulder and collar.
Reverse Design
The reverse of the John Adams dollar coin features a majestic rendition of the Statue of Liberty facing left, symbolizing the ideals of democracy and freedom that John Adams upheld in office. An inscription around ¾ of the rim reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination $1 is next to the Statue of Liberty. Don Everhart designed and sculpted the reverse of the Presidential dollar coin series.
Edge Lettering
One of the unique aspects of this coin is its edge lettering. The edge lettering includes the date, mint mark, and the mottos IN GOD WE TRUST and E PLURIBUS UNUM. This feature sets it apart from many coins, which often only have inscriptions on the obverse and reverse.
Background of John Adams
Born in the town of Braintree, Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1735, John Adams was one of the earliest advocates for colonial independence. Adams was a Harvard-educated lawyer and a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses. During the American Revolution, Adams served as a diplomat in France and Holland, securing international support for the fledgling nation. After eight years as George Washington’s Vice President, he won the presidency in 1797 by a slim margin of three electoral votes.
John Adams was the first president to live in the White House in 1800. His well-known letter to his wife includes the wish, “May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof,” reflecting his vision for future leadership of the country.
Value of John Adams Dollars
Although the John Adams Presidential dollar was minted for general circulation, it has earned significant interest from collectors. Like other Presidential dollar values, circulated coins are generally worth their face value, but uncirculated examples in higher grades can sell for a premium.
If you are trying to find the value of John Adams dollar coins in a given grade, MS-65 John Adams dollars can sell for around $5. Proof varieties with grades are typically valued at $4.25 in PR-65 condition. In PR-70 grades, the John Adams dollar coin sells for up to $30. MS-66 grades can sell for up to $25.
Presidential Coin Program
The Presidential $1 Coin Program, including its second issue, the John Adams dollar, had a profound impact on coin collecting. The structured, historically themed series revived public interest in numismatics. With the availability of circulating and proof versions, these coins were accessible to a wide range of collectors, from beginners to seasoned numismatists.
The success of the Presidential $1 Coin Program ensures that the John Adams dollar, along with others in the series, will remain a vital part of American numismatic history.
