How Much Is a Martin Van Buren Dollar Coin Worth?

Many U.S. citizens consider the president's work to be invaluable. So much responsibility, so many decisions, and you become the face of the whole country. Are Presidential coins just as invaluable? To find out, we will analyze the bit featuring the first true American president.

How much is a Martin Van Buren dollar coin worth? What varieties did this bit have, and what makes them so valuable? We shall explore these questions and find the answers.

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Overview of the Martin Van Buren Dollar Coin

In 2007, the U.S. Mint launched its new Presidential $1 Coin Program to honor deceased U.S. presidents in the order in which they served. The Martin Van Buren 1 dollar coin was minted in 2008 and showcased the 8th President of the United States (1837–1841).

The eighth President did many things, but just his existence hit a major milestone. Martin Van Buren was the first American citizen to become president, not a British-originated person

“As president, Van Buren initiated an independent federal treasury system to take the place of state banks’ handling of federal monies and peacefully settled disputes with Great Britain that were threatening to take the country to war. However, a deep economic depression persisted throughout his term in office...”
— United States Mint
Official Website

Like other bits from the Presidential series, the dollar coin Martin Van Buren was a $1 denomination coin made of copper.

Please keep in mind that there is no gold dollar coin Martin Van Buren. The alloy Presidential dollars were struck in gave them a golden appearance, but they are not gold coins, really.

However, there were extremely limited silver versions going around. Their value almost completely depends on the silver spot price, and most go for around $10.

Martin Van Buren One Dollar Coin

Now let’s cover the design part, something very important to commemorative sets. 

• The obverse (front) features a portrait of President Martin Van Buren. His image was designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. There are also indications “MARTIN VAN BUREN”, and “8TH PRESIDENT 1837-1841”.

• The reverse (back) features a Statue of Liberty, a motif used consistently across all issues in the Presidential dollar series. The reverse side was designed and sculpted by Don Everhart. There are inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “$1”.

You may ask, where is the mint mark on this coin? Surely it was created in multiple minutes. The mint marks have a rather interesting placement. Presidential dollars place the date and mint mark on the coin’s edge. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” also occupy the edge.

Where was the Van Buren issue minted? In three Mint facilities:

• Philadelphia (P) Mint had 51,520,000 bits minted. 

• Denver (D) Mint had 50,960,000 bits minted. Martin van Buren dollar coin 2008 D issues are almost identical to Philadelphia issues, but have a letter “D” on the rim.

• San Francisco (S) Mint made proof coins, a special edition with more defined details. Approximately 3,083,940 bits were struck.

How Much Is a Martin Van Buren Dollar Coin Worth

In most cases, the 2008 Martin Van Buren dollar coin value is around its face value (a dollar). However, the bits that were preserved well or came from the San Francisco Mint are worth around $5. The 2008 D Martin Van Buren dollar coin value is rarely different from the Philadelphia issue. 

Now that you know the value of this bit and see its relative affordability, you might want to get this coin for yourself. Where can you buy it? From retailers, of course: 

• eBay remains one of the most popular platforms for circulated low-grade coins and more expensive graded examples (e.g., NGC MS67 graded pieces).

• You can also buy Presidential bits from more coinage-oriented websites like Bullion Shark or Littleton Company.

• There was a time when you could buy the piece from the official United States Mint Website, but this issue is now too old to buy.

Factors That Affect Martin Van Buren Dollar Coin Value

Several factors make the Martin Van Buren dollar more valuable. What are those factors?

1. Condition/Grade

• Coins in higher grades (such as MS-65 and above) are worth more than face value and attract the collector with their shiny look.

• What could be a sign of a high grade? A coin with minimal wear and strong luster is usually in a Mint State.

• You can also ask a third party to grade your coin. For example, the PGC grading service.

2. Mint Mark and Variety

• Different mint marks (“P,” “D,” “S”) show where the coin was produced.

• Some mint marks (and by extension their Mint facilities) have different rarity. Philadelphia (“P” / no mint mark) and Denver (“D”) Mints are relatively widespread, but the San Francisco Mint (“S”) is rare.

3. Proof vs. Circulating Strike

• Proof coins are struck with special dies and polished, making them more attractive to collectors.

• Proof issues tend to be worth more than standard circulation strikes.

4. Errors

• The Presidential dollar, just like any other bit, can be made with errors, even if errors are rarely identified on them. 

• The most common error for the Presidential dollar is the missing edge lettering. Edges are tricky to engrave, so many issues come up with flawed edges. In case the incisions are missing, the value could be worth $70+.

• Other minting anomalies like double dies or off centres are rare, but are highly sought after and can significantly increase a coin’s value.

5. Market Demand

• Coins are a part of the economy. Like everything in the economy, their values fluctuate based on collector interest and general market trends.

• Basically, popular series or coins are often worth more because people are ready to pay more for something they really want.

• The Martin Van Buren dollar has its fans, but it is far from the most desired Presidential issues. However, when the eighth president has his new anniversary, these coins will temporarily gain a higher value.

Overall, most Presential dollars have rather humble values. However, with time, they will become more valuable. As more Presidential dollars get eroded and damaged, the ones left pristine become rarer and more valuable.

Conclusion

Americans have always beenfascinated with the president of their nation. Some presidents were only adored, others hated, and some are still causing controversy. These emotions are strong, so it’s not a surprise that dollars were dedicated to these important people.

Related Coin Value Guides:

• George Bush Dollar Coin Value
• James Monroe Dollar Coin Value
• John Tyler Dollar Coin Value
• What President Is On the Dime?
• James Madison Dollar Coin Value
• Thomas Jefferson Dollar Coin Value