Who Was James Garfield?
The James Garfield dollar coin value is neither expensive nor uncommon. Uncirculated versions of these coins can, nevertheless, command a premium. So, who was James Garfield?
James Abram Garfield was the 20th president of the United States. He served from March 4, 1881, but was later assassinated six months into his first term. The year 1881, written on the coin, denotes when he took office. Let’s look at the James Garfield dollar coin value (1881).
The James Garfield Dollar Coin Value
The presidential dollar coin is one of the boldest and most gorgeous coins the US Mint has ever produced. It stands out among circulating coins because the typical phrases “E Pluribus Unum,” the mint mark, and the date of issuance are on the coin’s edge. The reverse side of the coin beautifully depicts the Statue of Liberty.
In the order they served, each of the US presidents will get honored on the $1 presidential coin series. However, the series will not feature any current presidents.
The 2011 James Garfield one-dollar gold coin value is $1 in circulation condition and commands a premium only when uncirculated. In uncirculated form with an MS 65 grade, the 2011 P James Garfield dollar coin and 2011 D James Garfield dollar coin are worth around $11. In PR 65 condition, the 2011 S proof James Garfield 1 dollar coin value is about $8.
On the other hand, the James Garfield 1881 dollar coin value, when in the circulated condition, is between $225 and $475 as of November 2022. This is according to the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC Price Guide). However, you can purchase the James Garfield gold dollars in flawless, uncirculated condition for as much as $48,500 on the open market.
Are They Rare?
Although the Garfield coin is common, it is getting harder to locate in circulation. It was one of the more prevalent contemporary dollar coins in 1981 when more than 500 million Garfield dollars got struck. However, the Garfield dollar is getting harder to find because of its low circulation and collectors’ tendency to hoard them.
You shouldn’t experience too much difficulty finding a circulated Garfield dollar coin if that’s what you’re searching for. Uncirculated coins or proof are a little more difficult to find, but they are still easily accessible. Coins in circulation start at roughly $1 and increase based on supply and condition. You can purchase proof or uncirculated coins for $5 or more.
What About Uncirculated Coins?
The James Garfield dollar coin is the first in the series of presidential dollar coins to have a portrait of a past president on the obverse (front) side who has never featured on a circulating coin.
Inscribed below a close-up image of James Garfield on the front of the coin are the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “20th PRESIDENT”. The Statue of Liberty is on the coin’s reverse (back), along with the date and mint mark.
James Garfield dollar coins come in circulated and uncirculated varieties. Circulated coins are those frequently used and consequently show signs of wear. Uncirculated coins are those that have yet to be in circulation.
The type and condition determine the 1881 James Garfield dollar coin value. Because they have been in circulation before and exhibit wear, circulated coins have less value than uncirculated coins. Due to their perfect condition and lack of use, an uncirculated James Garfield dollar coin’s worth is higher than a circulated one.
Coins verified as being in outstanding condition by reputable numismatic organizations like PCGS or NGC are worth considerably more than common uncirculated coins. Compared to ungraded coins of the same sort and condition, graded coins sell for more money.
Coin Specs
The metal content determines the James Garfield one-dollar gold coin value, as it does with most other dollar coins. The coin weighs 0.28 ounces (8.1 grams). It consists of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. The coin is 0.08 inches (2.03 millimeters) thick and 1.04 inches (26.41 millimeters) in diameter.
The front part of the coin displays James Garfield, the 20th president of the United States. The date and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” are underneath the portrait. On the coin’s reverse side (back), you’ll find the official seal of the United States with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” inscribed on it.
On the coin’s edge, you will see the mint mark. Coins with additional detail are also known as proof coins. They take longer to make since they get minted on unique planchets. Since their creation had coin collectors in mind, you won’t discover any in your spare change.
The Grading System
The grading system is crucial to collectors regarding the James Garfield dollar coin 1881 value. Why? Because a coin’s grade can greatly affect its worth. Here is an overview of the many coin grades available:
- Uncirculated: These coins look like they have just left the mint and have never been in use (commerce/trading). These coins typically have a higher value than those in circulation.
- Circulated: These coins have been in circulation yet still have some of their original brilliance. These coins will have different values depending on how well their maintenance has been.
- Damaged: These are coins that somehow have damages and are no longer in mint condition. The value of these coins is typically lower than that of circulating or uncirculated coins.
Strong shine and eye appeal characterize this MS 65 gem uncirculated coin. There might be a few little contact marks, but they are hardly discernible. There are no faults in this coin, PR 65 proof. There might be a few imperfections.
Other Facts About the Coin
The 2011 P and D Series
There were 37,100,000 dollar coins made in this series, all of which got struck in Philadelphia. The value of the James Garfield dollar coin increases significantly to around $11 if the coin in this series is in uncirculated condition. But it also needs to have an MS 65 grade.
The US Mint produced the same number of dollar coins in Denver for the 2011 D series James Garfield dollar coin. Since the 2011 P series includes coins with an MS 65 grade and in uncirculated condition, the value of the coins in this series is equal to the value of the coins in that series.
The 2011 S Proof Series
Compared to the 2011 P and D series, the 2011 S proof series is more valuable and unique. This is because the James Garfield dollar coins in this series are accurately printed on a unique planchet, making them unchangeable collector’s items.
A total of 1,972,863 James Garfield dollar coins in this series got struck in San Francisco. The value of the dollar coin in this series will be somewhere in the range of $8 if the PR 65 condition applies.
Coin Artist Information
The United States medals’ and coins’ designs go beyond simple sketches. They convey the beliefs, goals, and common history of the country. The team that creates coins at the United States Mint must include artists. They help ensure the images on the nation’s coins and medals accurately represent America and its history.
United States Mint Medallic Artists
To produce coins and medals, medallic artists conceive designs, submit them for review, and sculpt the necessary models. The medallic artists, based in the Philadelphia facility, have extensive experience in medallic art and are essential to developing coins and medals.
In February 2019, Joseph Menna got appointed United States Mint’s fourteenth Chief Engraver. Other medallic artists include
- Craig Campbell
- Eric David Custer
- Renata Gordon
- Phebe Hemphill
- John McGraw
Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designers
The Artistic Infusion Program (AIP), founded in 2003, employs brilliant, experienced American artists from various backgrounds and interests. To develop and submit fresh designs for our coins and medals, these artists collaborate with mint medallic artists.
You’ll see the AIP painters’ designs on numerous coins and medals. Historical records, Certificates of Authenticity, and advertising materials all contain artist information. The Mint medallic artist who sculpted the chosen design receives credits for creating the finished coins or medals, along with the artist’s initials.
Here is a list of featured artistic infusion program designers:
- Katelyn Arquette
- Frank Morris
- Laurie Musser
- Dennis Friel
- Elana Hagler
- Benjamin Sowards
- Matt Swaim
- Robert J. Clarke
- Chris Costello
- Thomas Hipschen
- Justin Kunz
- Emily Damstra
- Lucas Durham
- Don Everhart
- Steve Ferris
- Barbara Fox
- Donna Weaver
- Beth Zaiken
- Christina Hess
- Patricia Lucas-Morris
- Richard Masters
- Jennie Norris
- Ronald D. Sanders
- Heidi Wastweet
Keep in mind that this list is as of June 15, 2022.
That’s All, Folks
The presidential dollar coin is one of the boldest and most gorgeous coins the United States Mint has ever produced. The James Garfield dollar coin is no different. Issued in 2011, this dollar coin is a tribute to the 20th president of the United States.
The year James Garfield became president,1881, is beautifully engraved on this dollar coin. Precious metals, such as gold or silver, are not used to construct the James Garfield dollar coin. Coin trackers estimate the one-dollar 1881 James Garfield value to be $1 for an average condition coin. The value could go up to between $4 and $8 for a mint state coin.
Usually, the life of a coin begins as a concept. The US Mint then creates and distributes to individuals and organizations after congress approval. Most circulating coins consist of thick sheets of metal wound into coils.
The Federal Reserve Banks receive the mint’s brand-new, gleaming coins. From there, they distribute them to local banks to start trading. The lifespan of a dollar coin is approximately 30 years. The Federal Reserve takes coins out of circulation after they reach the end of life. Read our article and find out The Best Way To Clean Old Coins.