Coin Specifications

The Lincoln Cent had a number of different compositions during the long history of the series. The first composition was the bronze composition used on the prior Indian Head Cent series. This composition contained a mixture of copper, tin, and zinc. The combination of tin and copper create the alloy bronze. This composition was used to start the series, was briefly replaced by different compositions, until the tin was removed completely in 1962. After this point, the series contained only a mixture of copper and zinc.

The original Lincoln Cent featured a bust of Lincoln on the obverse and a pair of wheat ears on the reverse that forms the basis for the common name Wheat penny. In 1959, the reverse was changed to a rendition of the Lincoln Memorial by Frank Gasparro.

Bronze Lincoln Cent Coin Specifications

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The Native American Dollar was introduced in 2009, to replace the Sacagawea Dollar which had not been produced for circulation since 2001. The new series would pair the obverse of the original Sacagawea Dollar with an annually rotating reverse design featuring contributions and accomplishments of Native Americans. The coin compositions were the same as used for all dollar coins minted from 2000 onwards, which comprised a manganese brass composition. Notably, under law at least 20% of all dollar coins produced must be for the Native American Dollar design. Currently this represents a 1 out of 5 ratio with the Presidential Dollar series.

Native American Dollar Coin Specifications

dollars native american

The Barber Half Dollar was launched along with the similarly designed dime and quarter dollar of the same name in 1892. The series lasted until 1915, after which it was replaced by the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. The Barber Half was minted at four different mints, including the Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco facilities. Although there are some lower mintage dates, there is no traditionally key date Barber Half as most coins are available in circulated grades. Some major rarities do exist in gem grades and higher, which can be difficult to acquire for some years. The coins share the common 90% silver composition or “coin silver” used for circulating silver coins of the era.

Barber Half Dollar Coin Specifications

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The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was envisioned as a solution to problems of the bulky Eisenhower Dollar. The coin was sized between the diameter of the half dollar and quarter dollar, with the intention of making it easier to handle in circulation. The design was differentiated by the use of a woman on the obverse of the coin and an eleven sided rim, which could be felt by touch to identify the coin. Unfortunately the public missed these finer points and often confused the dollar coin with the quarter. The coins became unpopular and never circulated widely.

Minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, was produced in large numbers leading up to the circulation launch of the coins. After the negative public response, fewer coins were minted in the second year, and finally production was restricted to collector coins. The series was revived for one year in 1999.

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin Specifications

dollars anthony

The Eisenhower Dollar was introduced in 1971 as the first large size dollar coin issued for circulation since 1935. The coins struck for circulation contained no silver content, but were struck in a composition of copper and nickel, specifically an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded core of pure copper. The obverse design of the coin featured President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the reverse is in commemoration of the moon landing. The coins were only produced from 1971 to 1979 before being replaced by a smaller sized dollar coin. Circulating coins were produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.

Clad Eisenhower Dollar Coin Specifications

dollars eisenhower