James Monroe Presidential Dollar Coin Value

The U.S. presidents are an iconic part of the country, so it wasn’t a surprise when the Presidential Dollar Coin Series started, honouring many U.S. politicians. James Monroe’s coin was one of the first.

James Monroe $1 Coin Overview for Collectors

A coin dedicated to James Monroe was the fifth in the Presidential $1 Coin Program, one of the first in the series. The program commonly issued their president in chronological order, so the older presidents (e.g., Monroe dollar, William Henry Harrison dollar) were among the first. 

James Monroe dollar coin 1817 to 1825 honors the president who acquired Florida, Louisiana, helped decrease tensions in Missouri, but most importantly, he set a foreign course for the U.S., the “Monroe Doctrine”. This doctrine declared that the U.S. is no place for European colonization.

Design is an important aspect of any commemorative piece. Presidential dollars commonly featured their respective president on the obverse, and a common Liberty design on the reverse. This “rule” worked across all issues, even the last (George Bush dollar).

How does Monroe’s dollar look?

• The obverse features a portrait of James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States. This side has inscriptions like “JAMES MONROE”, “5th PRESIDENT”, and “1817–1825” (his presidential term). The obverse was designed and sculpted by Joseph Menna of the U.S. Mint.

• The reverse shows the Statue of Liberty. She is raising a torch in her hand. There are inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “$1”.The reverse was designed by Don Everhart.

"Virginia native James Monroe was exceptionally qualified to serve as president... He was champion of the Bill of Rights, U.S. diplomat in Europe, governor of Virginia, senator, secretary of state, secretary of war, and negotiator of the Louisiana Purchase, before being overwhelmingly elected president in 1816."
— United States Mint
Official Website 

Value of the James Monroe Dollar Coin (All Conditions)

Now that we know what this dollar stands for, how much is a James Monroe dollar coin worth? Most traders prize coins according to their grade (also called condition). The basic rule is that the better preserved the bit, the higher its value.

For now, the James Monroe dollar coin value 1817-1825 is the following: 

The bits from San Francisco are the most desired among the collectors due to their scarcity and (usually) higher quality. Philadelphia and Denver coins are more common, and most are worth only face value.

1817–1825 James Monroe Dollar Coin Pricing

The value of a James Monroe 1 dollar coin depends on a few factors. When they all combine, you could find a piece that is worth even more than $5. These factors are:

1. Condition. The single biggest value driver is condition:

• Circulated coins often show wear and usually sell close to face value.

• Uncirculated (BU) coins are clean, have a luster, and have only a few (or none) marks.

• Proof coins are a special class of bites made in San Francisco. They somewhat resemble the Uncirculated variety, but have stronger details and contrast. 

2. Mint Mark (P, D, S):

• Each mint’s production quantity and quality affect pricing. Smaller mintages are often more valuable.

• P (Philadelphia) and D (Denver) business strikes are widely available.

• S (San Francisco) issues, also called proofs, are much more limited and therefore more valuable. 

3. Eye Appeal:

• Collectors look for beautiful examples, and coins with luster and sharp details are more favoured. 

4. Error Varieties:

• Some rare examples have errors, sought after by collectors.

• James Monroe dollar coin 1817 to 1825 errors include cases like missing edge lettering, off-center strikes, die cracks, die clashes, or doubled dies.

• Edge lettering is one of the most reported errors. What is a James Monroe dollar coin worth when it is missing edge lettering? $50+.

• Verified James Monroe dollar coin errors are worth more.

6. Packaging and Release Type:

• Coins sold in special formats often add value.

• Presidential coins are often sold in themed packaging with other accessories.

• Many listings also include a certificate of authenticity, bringing slightly more value to the bit.

7. Market Demand:

• Commemorative pieces rise in value when the people or events they represent have anniversaries.

• If the president the coin represents is popular, the piece itself turns valuable, too.

• At the moment, James Monroe’s dollar is of moderate demand.

Even if your Monroe dollar has low value, this coin is still more than precious. After all, it honours someone vital to the United States. Someone who pushed the nation forward.