However, any collectors of valuable coins will know that James Buchanan was immortalized on the coinage in 2010 as the 15th President of the United States.
Here we will learn more about the value of James Buchanan dollar coins. We will investigate what separates a special coin from an average one. We will discover just how much rarer examples can be and find out their worth.
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James Buchanan dollar coin error
(2010) James Buchanan dollar coin, satin finish, missing edge lettering
Valuable and sought-after coins also include those with Mint mistakes. Typically, only the highest quality James Buchanan dollar coins are worth more than their nominal value, as we have observed.
These are much rarer. Some of the special coins also appeared for the dollar of Buchanan, but it was an issue for business to strike coins throughout the Presidential dollar series. The best known errors on the Buchanan dollar coins are the missing edge lettering.
The PCGS has certified the only graded SP66 coin, valued at $1,150. If you happen to come across a James Buchanan dollar with a satin finish and a plain edge, it could potentially hold significant monetary value.
If you find one of these coins, be sure to take care when filing off the lettering on the edge of the coin, as it has been authenticated by a reputable grading agency.
2010 P James Buchanan dollar coin, Position A, weak edge lettering
This was an issue. The dollar coins minted in Philadelphia with a weakly struck variant A position had lettering on their edge. Some of them were of James Buchanan.
The prices of these coins depend on their quality. An example graded MS63 will be worth around $15. Four coins have been graded MS67, and at the other end of the scale, those coins are valued at $250 each by PCGS.
This YouTube video from Collectibles Coin features another interesting example of a Buchanan dollar error coin, where the entry at check out was for 35 seconds. The video showcases the various errors on the Presidential dollar coins.
James Buchanan dollar coin value guides
2010 P James Buchanan dollar coin, Position A and Position B value
The Philadelphia Mint facility produced a total of 36,820,000 James Buchanan dollars. These coins can be identified by the upper case “P” mint mark on the coin edge.
The majority of these coins have a value that is more than their face value, which means that there is still a plentiful supply of these coins.
“What qualifies as exceptional state? Therefore, the utmost exemplary instances demand a significant premium. Nevertheless, coins in outstanding state can fetch a slightly higher value.”
Coins are graded on a scale of 1 to 70, where only denomination and year determine the value. A coin in poor condition indicates a grade of 1.
The coin has never been circulated and “MS” stands for the mint. In order for it to be graded at least MS60, the dollar will need to be worth more than its face value, which is a 2010 Philadelphia James Buchanan dollar.
The value fluctuates slightly depending on whether the coin in question is a “Position A” or “Position B” variety.
When the coin is facing up, if it reads upside down, Position A is the same way as when the President’s portrait is facing up. Position B is the same way as when the lettering is facing up the right way.
“High-quality” coins are referred to as “coins graded MS65”, which are worth $7. A coin graded MS60 is valued at $3 by the PCGS, the reputable coin graders. Collectors regard coins in position A as slightly more scarce and consequently more valuable.
One impressive accomplishment in 2020 was the sale of a PCGS-certified coin on eBay for $150. Thirteen of those coins have been certified, and they are considered to be the finest examples with a higher value. However, the value rises significantly to $12 when they reach the MS66 point.
The Coins valued at MS66, priced at $15 and increasing by $2 at PCGS, are at a level that is considered valuable. For a coin to be graded at least MS63, it will need to be worth more than its face value. Position B is for such a coin.
The coin was sold for $100 in an auction set by eBay, which once again set a record. This particular coin has been graded by PCGS and is at the top of its class, with a Quality rating of MS67.
2010 D James Buchanan dollar coin, Position A and Position B value
Although they are rare and come from a far distance, over 36 million of the 2010 coin presses have been released. However, they have an upper case “D” on the edge of the coin. We have seen slightly fewer dollars struck in Denver than in Philly, as we have seen with Buchanan.
The orientation of the lettering on the edge of the coin is relevant to the premium value. In order for a coin to be worth more than its face value, it will need to be in exceptional condition, just like its counterparts from Philadelphia.
Collectors who are prepared for a slightly higher pay may find examples of Buchanan Denver graded at MS65 or higher to be worth more than $6 or $5 per dollar.
PCGS offers the highest estimates for MS66 grades. The coin at that grade will be worth around $25. For example, a coin at B Position will be worth around $10 less.
The coin, which was graded MS68 and had no finer coins with it, was sold on eBay in 2022 for a mere $25. It holds the record for the highest auction price for a coin in Position B of the set.
The coin, which was sold on eBay in 2020 for $129 and graded as MS69, is still reasonably priced. It demonstrates that you can obtain the finest Buchanan coin for a very affordable price, but its value is higher due to its exceptional condition. It holds a record for being in a superior position.
2010 S James Buchanan dollar coin, proof, deep cameo value
Enthusiasts were focused on, and over 2.2 million coins were manufactured. These were minted using specifically prepared molds on impeccably smooth blanks by the San Francisco Mint establishment, alongside the regular coins distributed by Philadelphia and Denver. Buchanan dollar proofs were manufactured.
Only approximately $32 holds value for a pristine specimen assessed as PR70. Merely a single dollar carries worth for a coin assessed as PR60. The finest coins are only obtained at reasonable prices, and they were carefully stored, both near and far.
All proofs of the Buchanan dollar are referred to as “deep cameos”, featuring an appealing contrast between frosted designs and shiny surfaces.
2010 P James Buchanan dollar coin, Position A and Position B, satin finish value
Variants B and Position A are similar to business strikes. These coins were produced at the Denver and Philadelphia facilities and had a satin finish. Another version of the Buchanan dollar coin is known as a special “strike.”
The most precious ones are the extremely exquisite ones, but only a couple of dollars are worth the most. All of them are in uncirculated condition, so they were specially produced for Mint Sets.
At SP68, you have the option to acquire a Position A coin for approximately $15 and a Position B for roughly $20.
The Position B equivalent is valued at approximately $850. A 2010 Philadelphia Position A dollar, graded SP69 by the PCGS, is valued at $350. Moreover, the value significantly increases if the grade improves by one point.
2010 D James Buchanan dollar coin, Position A and Position B, satin finish value
The best examples for value in a jump are found in the “Class” versions. In Philadelphia, the value of the Buchanan strike is most similar to the special grades in Denver, but there are big dollars involved.
The highest quality coins are classified as SP69, for both the Position A and Position B versions. A Position A coin at that grade is worth $275, as determined by the PCGS, whereas the Position B coin is valued at $400.
Features of the James Buchanan dollar coin
Obverse of the James Buchanan dollar coin
Like all the Presidential dollar coins, the front side features the picture of the respective president.
Phebe Hemphill, an artist who had previously worked for the private Mint of Franklin, joined the US Mint in 2008. Her portrait was the work of James Buchanan.
His shirt, cravat, and jacket are visible, and he wears a slightly curious expression. In Buchanan’s portrait, only his head and neck can be seen as he is positioned three-quarters on.
Underneath it, the rim of the coin displays the engraving “15th President 1857-1861” and the phrase “In God We Trust” above his picture, while his complete name curves.
Reverse of the James Buchanan dollar coin
The official name of the design is “Liberty Enlightening the World,” and it prominently displays the arm holding her torch high. When viewed from below, the head and upper body of Lady Liberty are identical to the rest of the series on the back of the James Buchanan dollar coin.
Throughout his professional journey, Everhart has created blueprints for more than 1,000 medals and coins. Since 2004, Everhart has been employed at the Philadelphia Mint establishment. This exceptional craftsmanship is attributed to Don Everhart, an acclaimed sculptor from America.
The font utilized is ITC Benguiat. The raised arm of Liberty is positioned beneath the monetary value of one dollar, while the design is encircled by the phrase “United States of America”.
Other features of the James Buchanan dollar coin
The year of release and the mint mark can be located on the rim of the James Buchanan edition, just like the rest of the Presidential dollar coins.
The establishment of the United States is denoted by the phrase “From the many, one” and is derived from the Latin expression “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. The phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and a constellation of thirteen stars are also featured on the periphery.
The slogan “In God We Rely On” likewise had the perimeter lettering prior to 2009. Nevertheless, when it came to the Buchanan dollar, it had shifted to the front side.
Each coin measures 26.5 millimeters in diameter and weighs 8.1 grams. It has a clad core made of a combination of 77 percent copper, 12 percent zinc, and 1 percent gold, resulting in an attractive pale gold finish.
You can witness an illustration of a Philadelphia James Buchanan dollar coin on this YouTube video from Coin World UK.
History of the James Buchanan dollar coin
Following the passing of President George H. W. Bush, a concluding coin was manufactured in 2020. The primary collection spanned from 2007 to 2016 and aimed to pay tribute to late US presidents. The Dollar Presidential series was initiated in 2007.
Prior to transitioning to the subsequent president, every coin was released for a duration of three months. The issuance of the coins followed the sequential order of the presidents’ respective terms in office.
Introduced in August 2010, the coin of James Buchanan served as a tribute to the fifteenth president. Approximately 73 million coins were produced. The coins were divided between the Mint establishments in Philadelphia and Denver (with Philadelphia producing 280,000 more coins than Denver), resulting in the overall tally.
Simultaneously, Sacagawea coins and a separate collection commemorating “First Spouses” were also released. It was uncommon for other dollar coins to be circulated alongside the Presidential dollars. A distinctive characteristic of the Presidential coins was the inclusion of the date and mint mark on the rim.
The stipulation was swiftly reduced to one in every five coins. Statute mandated that every third dollar coin manufactured should be a Sacagawea dollar.
For the first time, a real individual had emerged on a coin in the United States. Theoretically, they were not bound by the identical qualifications, but the coins depicting First Spouses were introduced concurrently with those featuring their husbands.
Despite the fact that Nancy Reagan passed away just a few months before her coin was issued, this did not happen.
The image of the suffragist Alice Paul was utilized instead of Chester A. Arthur, who served as president after the death of his spouse. On the other side, the second dollar coin still featured the depiction of Lady Liberty, even though not all presidents were married.
