After the initial buzz around the Presidential Dollar series faded and collectors lost interest in the now-infamous “Godless Dollars,” the U.S. Mint’s ambitious project began to drag along with little fanfare. Introduced in 2007, the series had all the ingredients of a numismatic hit—honoring every deceased U.S. President with four new coins yearly. But as the novelty wore off and lesser-known presidents began to feature, the public’s attention dwindled. These coins rolled out with barely a whisper, despite the Mint’s noble efforts.
Congress passed the Presidential Dollar Coin Act (Public Law 109-145) on December 22, 2005, with big dreams in mind. The law aimed “to improve circulation of the $1 coin, [and] to create a new bullion coin.” But like many government plans, this one hit a wall—people simply didn’t warm up to using dollar coins in daily life. Add to that the rise in gold prices, which made the accompanying $10 First Spouse Gold Coin series a hard sell for average collectors, and the entire initiative seemed doomed from a practical standpoint.
In reality, the coins ended up more like commemoratives than circulating currency. The vision was there, but the execution never quite took off. The more obscure the President, the less people seemed to care. But then came 2015—and with it, a little spark.
When Eisenhower and Kennedy Hit the Scene
Fast forward to 2015, and suddenly the Presidential Dollar series got a breath of fresh air. That year’s lineup featured two names that still resonate deeply with Americans: Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. These weren’t obscure 19th-century politicians most Americans couldn’t name; these were giants of the 20th century, known well beyond their presidencies.
Kennedy, in particular, brought a wave of emotional nostalgia. His assassination in 1963 had frozen him in time—forever young, charismatic, and full of promise. When the 2015-D John F. Kennedy Presidential Dollar was released, collectors and fans alike were eager to get their hands on it. Even though this wasn’t Kennedy’s first appearance on a coin—he famously graced the Kennedy Half Dollar mere months after his death—this version had a unique aura.
Unlike the stoic, forward-facing image on the half dollar, this dollar featured a portrait inspired by Aaron Shikler’s 1971 official painting, a strikingly somber representation that showed JFK with arms crossed, head down, and eyes averted. This design choice gave the coin a reflective tone, almost like a silent tribute to a man who left too soon.
A Design Of the 2015- D Kennedy Dollar That Broke the Mold
The design of the 2015-D Kennedy Dollar truly stands out in the entire Presidential series. Artist Don Everhart modeled the obverse portrait on Shikler’s painting, capturing the late president’s introspective side. On this coin, Kennedy doesn’t look heroic or presidential in the traditional sense. Instead, he appears deep in thought, somber and human. It’s a poignant departure from the confident and energetic version seen on the Kennedy Half Dollar designed by Gilroy Roberts.
Kennedy’s face left, his facial muscles appearing tense as if burdened by the weight of office—or perhaps destiny. His hair is neatly combed, and his suit is sharp and well-fitted. It’s detailed, clean, and respectful. Around the rim, the inscriptions read: JOHN F. KENNEDY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 35th PRESIDENT, and 1961–1963. Everhart’s initials, “DE,” are etched discreetly on Kennedy’s left shoulder.
Flipping to the reverse, we see the familiar Statue of Liberty design shared by all coins in the series. Again, crafted by Everhart, this depiction shows Liberty from an ant’s-eye view, giving it a dynamic feel. She stretches upward with her torch held high, symbolizing freedom and hope. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arches along the rim, with the denomination $1 tucked beneath the raised arm.
This design pairing works unexpectedly well. Both sides show upward or downward gazes, creating a visual symmetry rarely found on coins. It’s this subtle artistry that makes the Kennedy dollar quietly brilliant.
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Why the 2015-D Kennedy Dollar Never Made It Into Circulation
Despite its beauty and emotional weight, the 2015-D Kennedy Presidential Dollar never saw the inside of a cash register. That’s right—not a single one entered circulation. The Federal Reserve didn’t order them, likely due to poor performance of previous dollar coins in commerce. As a result, every 2015-D Kennedy Dollar remained in uncirculated condition, mostly available through U.S. Mint rolls, bags, or special sets.
The good news for collectors is that this means millions of pristine examples still exist. The bad news? Because there are so many, the coin isn’t particularly rare or valuable in lower grades. That said, collecting these coins raw—meaning straight from the roll or in basic flips—is still affordable, with loose examples hovering around $3.50.
However, golden dollar coins have their own challenge: tarnishing. Even coins stored in protective holders can develop unsightly spots or discoloration over time, which reduces their appeal. This is particularly common with the Sacagawea/Native American Dollar series too. So, if you’re planning to hold onto a Kennedy Dollar long-term, proper storage is key—think dry, cool environments and air-tight containers.
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The Grading Game: Is It Worth Getting Certified?
So, you’ve got your hands on a shiny 2015-D Kennedy Presidential Dollar—should you get it graded? Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Sending coins to grading companies like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS can be costly, and unless your coin is top-tier quality (we’re talking MS67 or MS68), you’re probably not going to see a great return on investment.
Let’s talk numbers. In early 2025, coins certified MS67 sold for a wide range of prices—from as low as $14 to as high as $90 on eBay. That’s a huge spread and a bit of a gamble. Some buyers got lucky; others probably overpaid. There are currently 6 coins graded MS68 by PCGS and 63 by NGC, making that grade extremely rare and desirable.
For average collectors, buying certified examples only makes sense if you find a deal or you’re building a high-grade registry set. Otherwise, the cost of grading might be more than the coin is worth.
The Coin Market Speaks: 2015-D Kennedy Dollar Sales Data
When it comes to collecting, understanding market trends is everything. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual hobbyist, pricing tells the real story. And the 2015-D John F. Kennedy Presidential Dollar has seen some interesting action on the secondary market. While these coins didn’t circulate, their abundance didn’t entirely flood demand—especially for higher-grade certified pieces.
Throughout early 2025, eBay has been the go-to marketplace for these coins, and prices for MS67-certified examples have been a rollercoaster ride. On February 17, a PCGS MS67 example sold for $89.95 via Buy It Now. But just over a month later, another one from ANACS went for $64.95 on March 30. Not too shabby, right?
Well, then things got more puzzling. On January 23, a PCGS MS67 sold for just $20, and another NGC MS67 barely crossed $14.95 on April 10. Even more startling was the March 2 auction, where a similar NGC MS67 coin fetched just $14 after only one bid.
What does all this mean? Simply put, the market is unpredictable. The wide pricing range shows that many collectors are unaware of what the coin is truly worth—or perhaps aren’t all that picky about the grade for this particular issue. It also means that timing and seller reputation play a big role. New collectors should tread carefully. Not every shiny coin with a slab is worth top dollar, so do your homework, watch auctions, and compare prices before buying.
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Understanding the Population Reports and Grading Rarity
Let’s dig a little deeper into what makes a coin valuable—its population count. As of April 2025, grading company PCGS has recorded 6 examples of the 2015-D Kennedy Dollar in MS68, which is the current top grade for this coin. That’s extremely low for a modern coin, making MS68s highly desirable. On the other hand, NGC lists a total of 63 MS68 examples in its population report, a bit higher but still rare.
So, why the fuss about MS68? It’s all about perfection. An MS68 coin is basically flawless to the naked eye and nearly so under magnification. Coins graded MS67 are still very nice, but one tick down on the scale can dramatically affect market price—especially for modern coins where perfection is expected.
If you’re lucky enough to find a raw coin that looks pristine, it may be worth submitting for grading—but only if you’re reasonably sure it will hit MS67 or higher. Anything below that and you’re looking at grading fees exceeding the coin’s market value.
There’s no CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) presence for this coin yet, which means even the highest-graded examples haven’t been verified by that extra layer of quality control. Still, a PCGS or NGC MS68 slab is enough to make any collector’s eyes light up.
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Design Details That Deserve a Closer Look
Let’s take a moment to truly appreciate the design and craftsmanship behind the 2015-D Kennedy Presidential Dollar. Both the obverse and reverse were designed by Don Everhart, and though the Statue of Liberty reverse is standard across the series, it pairs remarkably well with the unique Kennedy portrait.
Obverse :
- Portrait: Based on Aaron Shikler’s official White House portrait, the design shows Kennedy with a bowed head and arms crossed, offering a rare glimpse into his contemplative side.
- Inscriptions:
- JOHN F. KENNEDY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- 35th PRESIDENT
- 1961–1963
- Designer Initials: “DE” can be found on the President’s left shoulder.
- Artistic Touches: The texture on Kennedy’s suit, the soft fall of his hair, and the subtle shadows around his face add depth and emotion to the design.
Reverse:
- Statue of Liberty: Seen from a low, upward angle—this view gives the coin motion and majesty.
- Legend: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA wraps around the inner circle of the coin.
- Denomination: The bold $1 sits neatly beneath Liberty’s outstretched arm.
- Visual Balance: The reverse may be standard, but it never looks dull. In fact, it enhances the Kennedy design by offering a symmetrical upward gaze that complements Kennedy’s downward-facing pose.
Together, these elements create a narrative of reflection and hope—a quiet yet profound tribute to one of America’s most beloved leaders.
What’s on the Edge? A Closer Look at Edge Lettering
One of the coolest features of the Presidential Dollar series is something most people miss entirely—the edge lettering. It’s not flashy. It’s not front and center. But it’s important.
The edge of the 2015-D John F. Kennedy Dollar is lettered, not reeded like a quarter or dime. The inscriptions here include:
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- Mintmark (D for Denver)
- Year (2015)
- 13 five-pointed stars
And here’s a fun twist: the edge lettering can appear in one of two orientations. If it faces the obverse, it’s called Position A. If it aligns with the reverse, it’s Position B. Collectors often seek both positions to complete a set, especially those hunting for minor variations that could one day become key identifiers.
The edge details add an element of surprise and tactile appeal. It’s something you notice when you run your fingers along the coin’s edge—reminding you that every inch of this coin was carefully designed with intent.
Specifications:
Let’s wrap up this segment with a look at the hard data—the cold, hard specs that give this coin its shape and feel. Whether you’re buying, trading, or just admiring your collection, it helps to know what you’re holding.
Specification Detail
Country: United States of America
Year of Issue: 2015
Denomination: $1 (USD)
Mintmark: D (Denver Mint)
Mintage: 5,180,000
Metal Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel
Weight: 8.10 grams
Diameter: 26.5 mm
Edge-lettered: with stars and inscriptions
Obverse Designer: Don Everhart
Reverse Designer: Don Everhart
Quality: Uncirculated
This coin is a well-designed modern collectible. It has history, artistry, affordability, and just enough rarity to keep things interesting.
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Conclusion
The story of the 2015-D John F. Kennedy Presidential Dollar is one of promise, reverence, and artistic beauty. Though it never entered circulation, it left a lasting impression on collectors. From its Shikler-inspired portrait to its precise edge lettering and iconic Statue of Liberty reverse, every element feels thoughtfully crafted. It’s more than just a coin—it’s a modern tribute to a president whose legacy still stirs emotion.
While it may not bring instant riches, the 2015-D Kennedy Dollar holds steady appeal thanks to its design, symbolism, and accessibility. Its value lies not only in dollars and cents, but in the connection it creates with American history and numismatic art.
For collectors and investors alike, using a coin value checker is essential when evaluating market trends, auction results, and grading premiums.