Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon a shiny, golden-colored coin and wondered about its story? Well, if it features a stern-looking dude who kinda resembles a 19th-century politician, chances are you've found a Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin! Let's dive deep into the history, design, value, and everything else you need to know about this interesting piece of American coinage.

What is the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin?

The Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin is part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which was launched by the U.S. Mint in 2007. The program aimed to honor each deceased U.S. president in order of their term of service. These coins are made of a manganese brass alloy, giving them a distinctive golden color. The Franklin Pierce coin, specifically, was released on February 14, 2010, and honors the 14th President of the United States. The Presidential $1 Coin Program was a fascinating initiative by the U.S. Mint, seeking to reignite interest in coin collecting while simultaneously paying tribute to the nation's leaders. Each coin in the series features a portrait of a president on the obverse (front) and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse (back). The edge of the coin is inscribed with the year of minting, the motto "E Pluribus Unum," and the phrase "In God We Trust". The decision to put the inscriptions on the edge was initially controversial but ultimately added a unique element to the coins, distinguishing them from traditional U.S. currency. The alloy composition, consisting primarily of copper, contributes to the coin's golden appearance while also making it durable for circulation. However, these coins didn't quite catch on as everyday currency, as many people found them too similar in size to the Susan B. Anthony dollar and disliked their tendency to get mixed up with quarters. Despite their limited success in circulation, the Presidential $1 Coins have become popular among collectors. The Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin, with its detailed portrait and historical significance, is a particularly sought-after piece. Understanding the historical context of the coin adds to its appeal. Franklin Pierce served as president during a tumultuous period in American history, marked by increasing tensions over slavery that ultimately led to the Civil War. His presidency is often viewed critically due to his policies and decisions that exacerbated these divisions. Owning a Franklin Pierce coin is like holding a small piece of that complex history in your hand. The Presidential $1 Coin Program ran from 2007 to 2016, releasing four coins per year. The program concluded with coins honoring Ronald Reagan, as federal law stipulates that no living person can be featured on U.S. currency. While there were discussions about continuing the series to honor subsequent presidents, the program was eventually discontinued due to a lack of public interest and the large number of uncirculated coins already in storage. Nevertheless, the Presidential $1 Coins remain a popular collectible, with many enthusiasts trying to assemble complete sets. The Franklin Pierce coin is an essential part of any such collection. The U.S. Mint continues to offer these coins for sale in various collectible products, such as uncirculated sets and proof sets. These sets often include coins from all the minting facilities, allowing collectors to acquire examples from different locations. For those interested in numismatics, the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin offers a great starting point to learn about U.S. presidential history and coin collecting.

The Design of the Coin

The design elements of the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin are pretty neat. The obverse features a portrait of Franklin Pierce, looking all presidential and serious. The reverse showcases the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing freedom and democracy. What’s unique is that the inscriptions – “E Pluribus Unum,” “In God We Trust,” and the year of minting – are stamped on the edge of the coin, a departure from traditional coin design. The obverse design of the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin is the work of sculptor Don Everhart. Everhart's rendition of Pierce captures the former president's dignified demeanor, with careful attention to detail in his facial features and clothing. The portrait is framed by the words "FRANKLIN PIERCE" above and "14th PRESIDENT" below, clearly identifying the subject. The reverse design, featuring the Statue of Liberty, is a standard element across all coins in the Presidential $1 Coin Program. Designed by sculptor John Flanagan, the Statue of Liberty symbolizes the nation's ideals of freedom and opportunity. Its inclusion serves as a unifying element, connecting each president to the core values of the United States. The decision to place the inscriptions on the edge of the coin was a deliberate attempt to create a distinctive and secure design. The edge inscription includes the year of minting, the motto "E Pluribus Unum" (meaning "Out of many, one"), and the phrase "In God We Trust." This placement was intended to make the coins more difficult to counterfeit and also provided a unique design element that set them apart from other U.S. currency. However, the edge inscriptions also led to some errors, such as missing or doubled inscriptions, which have become valuable collector's items. The composition of the coin also plays a role in its design. The manganese brass alloy, consisting of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel, gives the coin its distinctive golden color. This alloy was chosen for its durability and resistance to tarnishing, ensuring that the coins would maintain their appearance even after extensive handling. The Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin adheres to the standard specifications for Presidential $1 Coins, with a weight of 8.1 grams and a diameter of 26.5 millimeters. These dimensions were intended to make the coins easily distinguishable from other U.S. currency, but in practice, many people found them too similar to the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. Despite its limited success in circulation, the design of the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin is a testament to the skill and artistry of the U.S. Mint's engravers and designers. The coin's intricate details and symbolic imagery make it a valuable and attractive addition to any coin collection. The combination of historical significance and artistic design makes the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin a captivating piece of American numismatic history. Its design elements, from the portrait of Pierce to the Statue of Liberty, tell a story of the nation's past and its enduring values.

Value of the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin

So, what’s this coin worth? Well, the face value is, of course, one dollar. However, its collectible value can vary. Most circulated Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coins are worth only a dollar or two. But, if you have an uncirculated coin or one with errors (like a missing edge inscription), it could be worth significantly more to collectors. Condition is key! The value of the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin is primarily determined by its condition, rarity, and any errors it may possess. Circulated coins, which have been used in general circulation, typically have minimal value above their face value. These coins often show signs of wear, such as scratches, dents, and fading of the original luster. In most cases, circulated Franklin Pierce coins are worth only around $1 to $2. Uncirculated coins, on the other hand, are in pristine condition and have never been used in circulation. These coins retain their original mint luster and show no signs of wear. The value of uncirculated Franklin Pierce coins can range from $3 to $10, depending on the grade assigned by professional grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Coins graded as MS-65 (Mint State 65) or higher are particularly valuable, as they exhibit exceptional eye appeal and minimal imperfections. Error coins are among the most sought-after by collectors. These coins have defects or anomalies that occurred during the minting process. One of the most common errors found on the Presidential $1 Coins is a missing or doubled edge inscription. These errors can significantly increase the value of the coin, with some examples selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The value of error coins depends on the rarity and severity of the error. The mint mark also plays a role in the value of the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin. The U.S. Mint produced these coins at two facilities: the Philadelphia Mint (indicated by a "P" mint mark) and the Denver Mint (indicated by a "D" mint mark). Coins from the Denver Mint tend to be slightly more common than those from the Philadelphia Mint, but the difference in value is usually minimal. In addition to individual coins, the U.S. Mint also sells Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coins in various collectible products, such as uncirculated sets and proof sets. These sets often contain coins from both minting facilities and are packaged in special holders to protect their condition. The value of these sets depends on their completeness and the condition of the coins they contain. Market demand also influences the value of the Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin. If there is high demand for the coin among collectors, its value will likely increase. Conversely, if demand is low, the value may remain stagnant or even decrease. To accurately determine the value of your Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin, it is recommended to consult with a professional coin appraiser or refer to reputable coin price guides, such as the "Red Book" (A Guide Book of United States Coins). These resources provide up-to-date information on coin values and can help you assess the condition and rarity of your coin.

Interesting Facts About Franklin Pierce

Franklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. He was known for his good looks and was quite popular before his presidency. However, his administration is often criticized for its role in escalating tensions that led to the Civil War. One of the most notable events during his presidency was the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed settlers in those territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. This act effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise and further divided the nation. Franklin Pierce's personal life was marked by tragedy. Just before he took office, his only surviving child, Bennie, was killed in a train accident. This loss deeply affected Pierce and is believed to have influenced his presidency. Despite his shortcomings, Franklin Pierce remains an important figure in American history. The Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin serves as a reminder of his time in office and the challenges he faced as president. Franklin Pierce's early life and career laid the foundation for his eventual rise to the presidency. Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1804, he came from a politically active family. His father, Benjamin Pierce, was a Revolutionary War veteran and a two-time governor of New Hampshire. Franklin Pierce attended Bowdoin College in Maine, where he befriended future literary figures such as Nathaniel Hawthorne. After graduating, he studied law and established a successful legal practice in Concord, New Hampshire. Pierce's political career began in the New Hampshire state legislature, where he served from 1829 to 1833. He then served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1833 to 1837 and in the U.S. Senate from 1837 to 1842. During his time in Congress, Pierce was a staunch supporter of Andrew Jackson and the Democratic Party. He advocated for states' rights and opposed federal intervention in economic and social issues. In 1842, Pierce resigned from the Senate to focus on his family and legal practice. However, he remained active in Democratic politics and played a key role in the party's efforts to nominate James K. Polk for president in 1844. When the Mexican-American War broke out in 1846, Pierce volunteered for military service and was commissioned as a brigadier general. He served with distinction in several battles, including the Battle of Churubusco, where he was seriously injured. Pierce's military service enhanced his national profile and helped him emerge as a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1852. The 1852 election pitted Pierce against Winfield Scott, a Whig Party candidate and a hero of the Mexican-American War. Pierce won the election by a landslide, carrying 27 of the 31 states. His victory was attributed to his charismatic personality, his military record, and the divisions within the Whig Party. As president, Pierce sought to maintain national unity and avoid the issue of slavery. However, his policies often had the opposite effect. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which he supported, inflamed sectional tensions and led to violence in Kansas. Pierce also faced criticism for his administration's efforts to acquire Cuba, which opponents feared would expand slavery. By the end of his term, Pierce had become deeply unpopular, and he was not renominated by the Democratic Party in 1856. He retired to his home in Concord, New Hampshire, where he lived until his death in 1869. Despite his controversial presidency, Franklin Pierce remains a significant figure in American history. His story is a reminder of the complexities and challenges of leadership during a time of profound social and political change. The Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin serves as a tangible link to this period, inviting us to reflect on the events and decisions that shaped the nation.

Tips for Collecting

If you’re thinking of starting a collection of Presidential Dollar Coins, here are some tips:

• Start with circulated coins: They’re cheap and easy to find.
• Look for uncirculated coins: These are worth more and are in better condition.
• Keep an eye out for errors: They can be quite valuable.
• Store your coins properly: Use coin holders or albums to protect them from damage.
• Do your research: Understanding the history and value of your coins makes collecting more enjoyable.

Happy collecting, guys! Hope you found this guide helpful. Now go out there and hunt for that Franklin Pierce One Dollar Coin! You never know, you might just find a hidden gem!