The 2008 John Quincy Adams Presidential Coin is part of the U.S. Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program launched in 2007. Four coins are issued yearly in the series that the late US presidents served in honor of them. This commemoration coin celebrated John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, who presided throughout the country from 1825 till 1829. In this article, we will discuss a comprehensive summary of the coin’s design, specifications, history, rarity, and value for enthusiasts.
History of 2008 John Quincy Adams Presidential Coin
George Washington was the first former US president who had his achievements celebrated through the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which launched in 2007. The Most Valuable Presidential Dollar Coins are sought after by collectors, and strict rules were followed by the program, specifying that a president could not be recognized on a coin until they had died for two years. In 2008, the John Quincy Adams coin was released, the fourth in the series.
Adams, the second American president’s son, became famous for his important diplomatic accomplishments, which included helping to create the Monroe Doctrine. Although having mixed ratings for his presidency, his post-presidential years were defined by his work as a congressman and his opposition to slavery. The coin pays honor to his legacy and the roles he played in shaping the foundation of the American government.
Specifications
- Weight: 8.1 grams
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Mint Marks: Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D)
- Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel
- Years of Minting: 2008
The coin features unique edge lettering, which includes the year of issue, mint mark, “E Pluribus Unum,” and “In God We Trust.” This feature makes the Presidential $1 Coins stand out from other U.S. coins, adding to their collectibility.
Design
Obverse
The obverse side of the Coin was designed by Joseph F. Menna. It shows a portrait of John Quincy Adams. Around the portrait, Adams’ name and his presidential term (“6th President 1825-1829”) are inscribed on it. Menna’s design captures the stately appearance of Adams, reflecting his hard yet dignified leadership class.
Reverse
The reverse design of the coin was designed by Don Everhart. It has the Statue of Liberty in a dynamic pose. The inscription “United States of America” is around the image with a large “$1” positioned to the right of Lady Liberty.
Types, Rarity, and Condition
The John Quincy Adams $1 Coin is two types:
- 2008-P: 58,290,000 coins minted at the Philadelphia Mint
- 2008-D: 57,720,000 coins minted at the Denver Mint
These coins are common in terms of mintage, but their scarcity in circulation is because of limited public use, as many people opted to collect them instead of spending them. Uncirculated and proof coins, those are in pristine condition are more desirable among collectors.
Proof coins, struck at the San Francisco Mint (S mint mark), are part of unique collections for collectors. These coins have a higher level of detail, with a mirror-like finish. They are struck with greater precision than standard circulation coins.
Collectibility and Rare Varieties
While the 2008 John Quincy Adams coin is not inherently rare, certain varieties and errors can increase its value. Some collectors seek coins with unique characteristics, such as:
- Off-Center Strikes: Coins that were not properly aligned during minting, resulting in an off-center design.
- Double Dies: Coins that show a duplication of design elements due to misalignment of the die, adding to the coin’s appeal for error collectors.
Additionally, coins graded in uncirculated (Mint State) condition or those encapsulated in proof sets can fetch higher values in the market. The encapsulation of these coins protects them from wear and environmental damage, preserving their condition and enhancing their appeal to collectors.
Grading and Value
The value of the John Quincy Adams $1 Coin depends on the coin’s condition, with higher-graded coins commanding a premium, and using a coin value checker can help determine its worth. Coins are graded from 1 to 70, where 70 denotes a perfect, faultless copy. Coins in this series that are graded MS67 or higher are among the most desired.
Coins graded in MS66 or MS67 (Mint State) condition are usually without major defects, show no wear, and have more precise details. These coins may be worth more than ordinary uncirculated coins, especially if they are part of a Proof Set or were issued on the First Day of Release.
Value of 2008 John Quincy Adams Presidential Coin
- Uncirculated (MS65-MS67): $2 to $5
- Proof Coins: $6 to $10
- Error Coins (such as Double Dies or Off-Center Strikes): Prices depend on the type of error and its rarity, but they can depend from $50 to several hundred dollars for important errors.
Also Read – 2008 Andrew Jackson Presidential Dollar Coin: History, Value, and Design
Conclusion
The 2008 John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin celebrates one of the nation’s founding presidents and is a fascinating part of American numismatic history. This coin brings serious numismatists and also to casual collectors because of its complex designs, uncommon edge lettering, and the possibility of rare error variations. A unique addition to any coin collection, the John Quincy Adams $1 Coin attracts the interest of coin collectors because of its historical value and collectibility.