The Andrew Jackson Dollar Coin: A Comprehensive Guide for Collectors

The world of numismatics is filled with treasures both rare and common, each telling a unique story of American history. Among these, the Andrew Jackson dollar coin stands out as a fascinating piece that captures the essence of one of America's most controversial presidents. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the history, design, value, and collectibility of this modern yet historically significant coin.

The Historical Context of Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, was a complex figure who left an indelible mark on American history. Before we explore the coin that bears his likeness, let's examine the man behind the metal.

Key Facts About Andrew Jackson:

Born: March 15, 1767, in the Waxhaws region between North Carolina and South Carolina
Died: June 8, 1845, at The Hermitage in Nashville, Tennessee
Presidency: Served two terms from 1829 to 1837
Political Party: Democratic
Nickname: "Old Hickory"

Notable Achievements and Controversies:

Led American forces to victory in the Battle of New Orleans (1815)
Championed the rights of the "common man" and expanded voting rights
Implemented the controversial Indian Removal Act, leading to the Trail of Tears
Dismantled the Second Bank of the United States
First president to be the target of an assassination attempt

The Presidential $1 Coin Program

The Andrew Jackson dollar coin is part of the broader Presidential $1 Coin Program, initiated by an Act of Congress in 2005. This program aimed to honor deceased U.S. Presidents while educating the public about their contributions to American history.

Key Points of the Program:

Began in 2007 with George Washington
Features four new designs each year in order of presidential service
Concluded in 2016 with Ronald Reagan (the last eligible president at the time)
Coins are produced for circulation and as collectibles

Design and Specifications of the Andrew Jackson Dollar Coin

The Andrew Jackson dollar coin, released in 2008, follows the standard design template of the Presidential $1 Coin Program while incorporating unique elements specific to Jackson's presidency.

Obverse (Front) Design:

Portrait: Right-facing profile of Andrew Jackson
Inscriptions:
- "ANDREW JACKSON" (top edge)
- "7TH PRESIDENT" (bottom left)
- "1829-1837" (bottom right, indicating years of presidency)
Designer: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna
Engraver's Initials: "JM" near Jackson's collar

Reverse (Back) Design:

Central Image: Statue of Liberty (common to all Presidential $1 coins)
Inscriptions:
- "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" (top edge)
- "$1" (bottom center)
Designer: United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart
Engraver's Initials: "DE" near the torch

Edge Lettering:

Inscriptions: "E PLURIBUS UNUM", "IN GOD WE TRUST", Date, Mint Mark
Notable: Some coins were mistakenly released without edge lettering, creating valuable error coins

Technical Specifications:

Composition: 88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2% Nickel
Weight: 8.1 grams
Diameter: 26.49 mm (1.043 inches)
Thickness: 2.0 mm
Edge: Lettered
Mint Marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver)

Mintage and Distribution

The U.S. Mint produced Andrew Jackson dollar coins at two facilities: Philadelphia and Denver. Understanding mintage figures is crucial for collectors assessing rarity and potential value.

Mintage Figures:

Mint	Circulation Strikes	Proof Strikes
Philadelphia (P)	78,220,000	3,405,475
Denver (D)	79,840,000	N/A

Note: Proof strikes were only produced at the Philadelphia Mint

Valuation and Collecting

As with all coins, the value of Andrew Jackson dollar coins can vary significantly based on several factors. Let's explore the current market values and what drives them.

Factors Affecting Value:

Condition (grade)
Mint mark
Presence of errors
Market demand

Current Market Values (as of 2023):

Grade	Philadelphia (P)	Denver (D)
MS-63	$3.00	$3.00
MS-65	$6.00	$6.00
MS-67	$35.00	$35.00
Proof-65	$4.00	N/A
Proof-69	$7.00	N/A

Note: Values are approximate and can fluctuate based on market conditions

Notable Error Coins:

Missing Edge Lettering:
- Estimated Value: $50 – $200
- Rarity: Uncommon, but more prevalent than in other years of the series
Double Edge Lettering:
- Estimated Value: $75 – $250
- Rarity: Very rare
Off-Center Strikes:
- Estimated Value: $50 – $500 (depending on severity)
- Rarity: Rare

Collecting Strategies

For those interested in adding Andrew Jackson dollar coins to their collection, here are some strategies to consider:

Complete Date and Mint Set: Acquire both Philadelphia and Denver mint coins from 2008.
Proof Set Collection: Include the proof version in your set for a high-quality example.
Error Hunting: Search through rolls or bags of coins for potential errors.
Graded Specimens: Focus on high-grade examples (MS-67 or higher) for long-term value potential.
Historical Context: Pair the coin with other Jackson-related memorabilia for a themed collection.

Preservation and Care

Proper storage and handling are crucial for maintaining the condition and value of your Andrew Jackson dollar coins:

Use non-reactive, archival-quality holders or albums
Handle coins by their edges, avoiding contact with the faces
Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight
Consider professional grading for high-value or error coins

The Numismatic Legacy of Andrew Jackson

The Andrew Jackson dollar coin, while not typically a high-value item in circulated condition, represents an important piece of both American numismatic and presidential history. Its design captures the essence of Jackson's presidency and provides collectors with an affordable entry point into presidential coin collecting.

As a seasoned coin collector, I've observed that the true value of these coins often lies in their historical significance rather than their monetary worth. They serve as tangible connections to America's past, offering insights into the complex legacy of Andrew Jackson and the era he shaped.

Conclusion

The Andrew Jackson dollar coin is more than just a piece of currency; it's a miniature monument to a pivotal figure in American history. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, these coins offer an accessible way to own a piece of presidential history.

As we've explored, while most examples may not command high premiums, the potential for valuable errors and the historical significance make the Andrew Jackson dollar coin a worthy addition to any collection. Remember, in numismatics, value isn't always measured in dollars and cents, but in the stories each coin tells and the history it represents.

Happy collecting!