The Abe Lincoln Dollar Coin
The Abraham Lincoln coin is among the most popular presidential coins in the US. The Abraham Lincoln dollar coin value varies depending on the series and condition of the coin.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States of America, was one of the greatest presidents of all time. Among his many achievements was the abolition of slavery. He served as president from 1861 to 1856, as engraved on his presidential dollar coin.
What is it Currently Worth?
The 2010-P one-dollar coin Abraham Lincoln value is worth about $2.28 in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Usually, the grade and condition of the Abraham Lincoln gold dollar coin determine how much it could be worth.
The Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Dollar Coin’s Value
The Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin act, established by Congress to commemorate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, required the production of a commemorative silver dollar in his honor.
The Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin has a value of about $1. Nonetheless, this depends on its series and condition. A pristine condition Abraham Lincoln gold coin can attract a very high price.
In circulated condition, the 2010 Abraham Lincoln dollar coin value is approximately $1.00. The only condition under which you can purchase these coins is uncirculated.
In uncirculated form with an MS 65 grade, the 2010 P Abraham Lincoln dollar and 2010 D Abraham Lincoln dollar coins have a value of about $3.75.
In PR 65 condition, the 2010 S proof $1 Abraham Lincoln coin has a value of about $6.
The commemorative dollar, designed by Justin Kunz to mark the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, includes a picture of the president based on Daniel Chester French’s famous sculpture from the Lincoln Memorial. The final 43 lines of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, written by Phebe Hemphill, are also printed on the reverse.
Abraham Lincoln celebrated his bicentennial in 2009, and the Secretary of the Treasury produced and distributed $1 silver coins to mark the occasion. Lincoln became president with honesty, ethics, intelligence, and dedication to the United States of America. He assumed office on February 12, 1809, in what is now LaRue County, Kentucky.
Based on his belief that all men are equally created, he led the effort to end slavery in the United States. Abraham Lincoln once stated, “With hate for none, with charity for all.”
Errors on the Abraham Lincoln Dollar Coin
There are three notable errors on the Abraham Lincoln dollar coin: double-edge lettering, missing-edge lettering, and weak-edge lettering.
When the edge inscriptions are missing on the coin during the minting process, it results in a missing edge lettering dollar coin. This sort of error produced the infamous “Godless Dollars” of 2007. Authorities moved the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” from the edge of Presidential $1 coins to the coin’s obverse.
While the missing edge writing flaw occasionally affects other Presidential $1 coins, it seems to happen much less frequently on the Lincoln dollar. As of this writing, no Lincoln dollar coins exist without their edge lettering.
If you placed the discovered specimen for sale, it would fetch thousands of dollars if it were the only example known. However, if you find more cases, the value would unquestionably decline.
The value of other dollar coins with missing edge lettering varies between $50 and $150, depending on the preliminary design and condition.
Variations of this error only barely show the edge lettering of the 2010 Lincoln coins. It is an uncommon breed. The coin’s value can range from $50 to more than $500, depending on its grade. Some Lincoln dollars have a doubled die shape, which doubles the writing around the edge.
You might find both common and uncommon errors of this nature. This thrilling variant costs between $200 and $300.
The Date and Mintmark
Are you looking for the mintmark on your Lincoln dollar to determine its production or value? Look at the coin’s edge!
The date, mintmark, and mottoes are usually on the edges of the Presidential $1 coins, as opposed to the majority of contemporary US coins, which have these inscriptions on the obverse (front) or reverse (rear) of the coin.
Moving these inscriptions to the coin’s edge helped to make more room on the obverse and reverse for the unique designs, but it also resulted in many mistakes and variations with the edge wording!
Tips for Collecting the Coins
Your 2010 Abraham Lincoln coins make wonderful collectibles, regardless of whether they are worth their face value or a ton of cash! These Abraham Lincoln dollar coins are available in gold coin collections in the following ways:
- The 2010 Abraham Lincoln dollars are a part of some coin collectors’ bigger collectibles of $1 Presidential coins.
- Many coin collectors create something called a P-D-S set of Lincoln dollars. They do this by including a proof specimen from the San Francisco Mint and one uncirculated exemplar from each Philadelphia and Denver Mint. (These coins might or might not be all that make up the $1 Presidential coin set.)
- Others will feature dollar coins featuring Abraham Lincoln’s 1 dollar coin in a topical collection centered around such coins.
- Then some collectors specialize in uncirculated or modern proof sets, which in 2010 came packed with Lincoln dollars.
No one approach is “correct” to acquire Lincoln dollars. It’s best to create a collection that includes dollar coins with Abraham Lincoln in a manner that appeals to you and your collecting preferences!
How to Determine Your Abraham Lincoln Coin Grade
Even the most experienced coin collectors need years of practice to master the art of grading your gold Abraham Lincoln coin. Remember that coin grading is the expression of an opinion that describes the condition of a certain piece. The majority of dealers and collectors then share it.
Nevertheless, there is room for interpretation, which can result in a dispute between two parties.
Grading is not a precise science where one can use a formula and get a consistent answer from everyone. Over time, professional numismatists and coin grading agencies have agreed on particular definitions, descriptions, and Sheldon numeric values. This assists coin collectors with accurately describing their coins (to a certain extent).
You must first understand your coin’s grade (or condition) to ascertain its actual value. You will need a copy of the US Coin Grading Standards book and a coin magnifier. Here is how to determine your Lincoln coin grade:
MS 65 gem uncirculated: Strong shine and eye appeal characterize this coin. There might be a few little contact marks, but they are hardly discernible.
PR 65 proof: This coin is perfect; it has no faults. There might be a few imperfections.
Are the Coins Rare or Valuable?
The dollar coins featuring Abraham Lincoln are neither rare nor expensive. Uncirculated versions of these coins can, nevertheless, command a premium. The US produced the 2010 P proof dollar coin, 2010 D dollar coin, and 2010 S dollar coin honoring Abraham Lincoln. The edge of the coin has its mint mark engraved on it.
In essence, proof coins are coins with more detail. They require more time to make because they use unique planchets to mint these coins. You won’t discover any in your spare change because they are exclusively for collectors.
| Series | Mint Location | Mint Quantity |
| 2010 D | Denver | 48,020,000 |
| 2010 P | Philadelphia | 49,000,000 |
| 2010 S Proof | San Francisco | 2,224,613 |
Coin Specifications
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 traditional phrases “E Pluribus Unum,” the date of issuance, and the mint mark are on the coin’s edge.
The reverse side of the coin beautifully portrays the Statue of Liberty. Each US president received the honor of the $1 Presidential Coin series in the order they served. However, the series will not feature any current presidents.
The words “In God We Trust,” “16th President,” and “1861 to 1865” are on the obverse of the Abraham Lincoln dollar coin. It also includes a portrait of the president. The words “United States of America” and “$1” are above a magnificent image of the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. Additionally, there are engravings on the coin’s edge.
Type: Presidential dollar
Mint year: 2010
Diameter: 1.04 inches (2.65 centimeters)
Weight: 0.28 ounces (8.1 grams)
Thickness: 0.07 inches (0.2 centimeters)
Edge: Lettered
Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel
Face value: $1.00
Coin Characteristics
Obverse Inscriptions (Front)
- ABRAHAM LINCOLN
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- 16TH PRESIDENT 1861-1865
Reverse Inscriptions (Back)
- $1
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Incused Inscriptions (Edge)
- 2010
- Mint mark (“P,” “D,” or “S”)
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
Mint and Mint Mark
- Philadelphia
- Denver
The Abraham Lincoln Dollar Coin Background
The Abraham Lincoln $1 coin, which featured one of the most well-known past presidents of the United States, attracted a lot of interest from both coin collectors and the general public. It was the 16th series and final release of 2010, making it the year’s last release.
Abraham Lincoln was a self-taught lawyer who served in the Illinois Senate and the House of Representatives after being born into a poor frontier family. His discussions on slavery with Stephen A. Douglas during his Senate race made him a household name and helped him win the Republican presidential nomination.
Following his election, the American Civil War and the fight to end slavery would take up most of his first term. Just a few weeks into his second term, Lincoln got assassinated as the war ended.
Before the 2009 Lincoln dollar and 2009 Lincoln Commemorative Silver dollar came into circulation, there was a bicentennial commemoration of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It came with four distinct reverse designs for the Lincoln dollar coin. The coin would have a new reverse design starting in 2012 to symbolize his preservation of the union.
The Abraham Lincoln one-dollar coin entered circulation on November 18, 2010, capping two years of growing use in US coinage. An official launch event took place at President Lincoln’s Cottage on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC, to commemorate this publication.
Director of the US Mint, Edmund Moy, director of Lincoln’s Cottage, Erin Carlson Mast, and many passionate attendees were present at the occasion.
Don Everhart created and sculpted a portrait of Abraham Lincoln for the coin’s obverse. His name, the Presidency order “16th,” the terms of the term “1861-1865,” and the motto “In God We Trust” were all inscribed on the coin’s obverse.
Everhart also created and sculpted the coin’s reverse. The image of the Statue of Liberty with the words “United States of America” and the value “$1”. The date, the mint mark, and the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” were all incised into the coin’s incuse edge writing.
For circulation, the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced 97,020,000 coins. Due to the anticipated increased public demand, this series issue had the biggest manufacturing volume in more than a year. The Philadelphia and Denver Mints struck collector versions of the coin in satin finishes.
The San Francisco Mint produced proof versions. Numerous versions of yearly and series sets, 25-coin rolls, first-day coin covers, and the presidential dollar & first spouse medal set were among the numismatic products released. Despite their popularity among collectors, budget restrictions prevented the further production of presidential dollars.
Abraham Lincoln Coin Legislation
- A Denver United States Mint facility got permission under an act passed on April 21, 1862.
- A United States Mint operation obtained permission in Carson City, Nevada, under an act passed on March 3, 1863.
- Act of April 22, 1864, amended Act of February 21, 1857, to “…extend to the coinage herein authorized…all laws now in force relating to the coins of the United States…for the security of the coin, regulating and guarding the process of striking and coining, for preventing debasement or counterfeiting, or for any other purpose.”
- The United States penalized and forbade coin forgery with the June 8, 1864, Act.
- A law enacted on March 3, 1865, permitted the issuance of 3-cent coins.
Who was the Coin Artist?
The designs on American medals and coins go beyond simple sketches; they communicate national history, values, and ideologies. Various artists are often part of the United States Mint’s coin-making team. They ensure that the depictions on the country’s coins and medals accurately reflect America and its history.
Artists for the United States Mint Medals
Medallic artists create designs for coins and medals, submit them for approval, and sculpt the necessary models. The Philadelphia-based facility’s medallic artists, who have a wealth of experience in the field, are crucial to creating coins and medals.
In February 2019, Joseph Menna was appointed the US Mint’s fourteenth Chief Engraver. Other medallic artists include:
- Phebe Hemphill
- John McGraw
- Eric David Custer
- Renata Gordon
- Don Everhart
- Craig Campbell
Designers for the Artistic Infusion Program (AIP)
Brilliant, seasoned American artists from various backgrounds and interests get employed by the Artistic Infusion Program (AIP), established in 2003. These artists work with the medallic artists of the mint to create and submit new designs for our coins and medals.
Numerous coins and medals feature designs created by the AIP painters. You can find information about the artist in historical documents, Certificates of Authenticity, and promotional materials. Credit for producing the finished coins or medals goes to the Mint medallic artist who sculpted the chosen design, along with the artist’s initials.
The following is a list of designers for featured artistic infusion programs:
- Lucas Durham
- Steve Ferris
- Don Everhart
- Jennie Norris
- Emily Damstra
- Thomas Hipschen
- Katelyn Arquette
- Elana Hagler
- Benjamin Sowards
- Beth Zaiken
- Frank Morris
- Laurie Musser
- Matt Swaim
- Dennis Friel
- Robert J. Clarke
- Christina Hess
- Chris Costello
- Justin Kunz
- Emily Damstra
- Beth Zaiken
- Patricia Lucas-Morris
- Christina Hess
- Richard Masters
- Ronald D. Sanders
Don Everhart, Sculptor-Engraver (Reverse), is the artist behind the Abraham Lincoln dollar coin design.
Note that this list is current as of June 15, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Was the Abraham Lincoln Dollar Coin Made?
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Dollar entered circulation on November 18, 2010, capping two years of growing use in US coinage.
How Do I Check the Grade of My Lincoln Dollar Coin?
You can determine a coin’s grade by looking at these five factors: strike, surface preservation, shine, coloring, and eye appeal. Even specialists can disagree regarding the grade of a particular coin because grading is subjective.
Parting Words
Many consider Abraham Lincoln one of the most well-liked presidents in American history. Along with aiding in the controversial Civil War’s geopolitical reunification of the country, he also put an end to slavery with the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.
He has his portrait on numerous coins, such as the 2009 Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Dollar, which celebrates the 200th anniversary of the president’s birth. He is also on the 2010 Abraham Lincoln dollar gold coin.
The Abraham Lincoln Dollar Coin represents a unique chapter in history; it has a high market value. One may add the 2010 Lincoln dollar to the $1 presidential coins collections.
Presidential coins, including the 1861 Abraham Lincoln coin, feature larger edge-incused inscriptions and more dramatic artwork. These coins reinvigorate the design of United States coins and restore circulation money to its status as a work of art.
Collectors love the P-D-S set of Lincoln dollars. In other words, they include proof specimens from the Denver and Philadelphia mints and one from the San Francisco mint. They occasionally include dollar coins with the picture of Abraham Lincoln in collections just for those coins.
In 2010, some people also focused solely on buying uncirculated and contemporary proof sets. We assume you have learned everything there is to know about the Abraham Lincoln dollar coin. It should be no surprise that the 2010 Lincoln dollar is one of the most in-demand $1 Presidential coins. Read our article and find out The Best Way To Clean Old Coins.