One of United States Mint’s annual series to feature new designs is the 2015 Presidential $1 Coin Program. This series includes portraits of former Presidents of the United States.
As part of the program, four new coins will appear in 2015 and high resolution images of them are now available. The U.S. Mint has also announced their release dates or months. The 2015 Presidential dollars will honor Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Release Dates
Presidential $1 Coins were introduced in 2007 and showcase obverse portraits of the presidents in the order in which they served in office. They are released at a rate of four each year. That will end after 2015 since the series draws to an end in 2016 with coins depicting Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford. This year’s release dates include:
| Harry S. Truman | Feb, 5, 2015 |
| Dwight D. Eisenhower | April 2015 |
| John F. Kennedy | June 2015 |
| Lyndon B. Johnson | August 2015 |
Congress authorized the $1 coins with the passage of the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005. They are struck to both numismatic and circulation qualities. Since 2012, however, dollar coins no longer released into circulation, halted by the U.S. Treasury Secretary as part of a Campaign to Cut Government Waste, initiated in late 2011. The U.S. Mint now sells circulating-quality dollars within 25-coin rolls, 100-coin bags and 250-coin boxes at prices ranging from $32.95 to $275.95. These dollars are stuck at U.S. Mint facilities in Denver and Philadelphia.
2015 Presidential $1 Coin Images
Now, without further ado, to follow are high resolution images of the four 2015 Presidential dollars in uncirculated quality. These were crafted from the four selected out of the original 20 design candidates.
Harry S. Truman Presidential $1 Coin
The portrait of Harry S. Truman found on the obverse of the coin was designed and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. Inscriptions around the design include "HARRY S. TRUMAN," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "33rd PRESIDENT" and "1945 – 1953."
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential $1 Coin
United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna created the portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was also placed in charge of execution. Inscribed on the obverse are "DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "34th PRESIDENT" and "1953 – 1961."
John F. Kennedy Presidential $1 Coin
Don Everhart also completed the portrait of John F. Kennedy on this Presidential $1 coin. The portrait shows the former President looking downward. Inscriptions include "JOHN F. KENNEDY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "35th PRESIDENT" and "1961 – 1963."
Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential $1 Coin
Lyndon B. Johnson’s portrait was designed and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso. "LYNDON B. JOHNSON," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "36th PRESIDENT" and "1963 – 1969" are found around the portrait.
$1 Coin Reverse Designs and Edges
All coins of the series bear the same reverse design, depicting a rendition of the Statue of Liberty. It was created and engraved by U.S. Mint artist Don Everhart. Reverse inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "$1."
Incused on edges of the dollars are year of issuance, "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the mint mark. In years 2007 and 2008, the words IN GOD WE TRUST were also on the edge. The motto moved to the obverse beginning in 2009.
For past and upcoming information about $1 coins and related products, visit this site’s section of news about dollar coins.
The Kennedy coin is a bit of a downer
I don’t know, it makes him look more human, like he’s walking on the beach and thinking. It is too bad they’re not being made for circulation, though. Spending Nixon dollars would have been a hoot.
I would love Kennedy coin to look the same as half dollar. Some times consistency is a key to success. This one is a downer.
I would hope he doesn’t wear a suit and tie while walking on the beach…
I agree…the Kennedy coin looks really sad. They should really consider a re-do on that one. It doesn’t even look like him.
I have memories of all these men but what the heck happened to JFK.This is not the image of JFK nor does it represent his character.This man never looked down.Ask not what your country can do for you,but what you can do for your country.(JFK quote).I agree they should have used the original 1/2 dollar image.
LBJ looks like he just broke wind in the greeting card isle.
The reason Kennedy is looking down is because the design is based on the Jackie Kennedy sanctioned official white house portrait. It’s a pensive look and is actually appropriate for the coin.
Nice to see Ike back on a Dollar Coin after all these years. Since 1978 I believe.
True, JFK could look more upbeat.
JBJ look like a wicked Used Car Salesman.
There were other better looking designs.
Ike and Truman look OK.
Who The Heck Choose These Designs?
Out of this entire program, all of the presidents were depicted with a front or side profile. President Kennedy is the ONLY one not uniform with the rest, and it irritates me. While we’re on the topic, last year’s FDR $1 coin was uniform, but it was an aweful portrait.. The US Mint did okay up until 2014.
The portrait of JFK makes more sense to me now that I understand how and why it was chosen. I have to agree about LBJ though. To me it looks more like a bad picture of newscaster Chet Huntley (remember him?).
“How and why” the coin is chosen is important, but the look of the coin is important as well. Though depiction of presidents on these coins a bit off, president Kennedy looks much different. I would hesitate to say it’s Kennedy if I didn’t see his name and number.
It is a shame the more well-known Presidents will never be widely available in circulation even if we finally ever switch to dollar coins. We’ll have pockets full of Polks and Fillmores but no Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Reagans.
I’m glad Kennedy will not be in circulation for ALL to see. This is the worst of the president coins. If it was to look more causal, leave off the coat & tie. Not at all like I remember him. Is there a chance this can be changed?
I was really looking forward to the Kennedy $1 coin. He is one of the most recognizable and popular US Presidents ever and a coin with his face looking at you, a proud man just like he was, would be immensely popular. That coin design of him is terrible and looks nothing like any of the other presidents.
What did you guys want? A portrait of Kennehy with a babe in each arm? LOL – get over it!
New to coin collecting. Where can I purchase these coins? Can you only buy online? They are not circulated through the banks, correct?
You have to buy these coins online. Whether it be from the mint sites or 3rd party ones like ebay. You can also get them from the mints themselves in person if you really wanted to
Mike you completely missed the point. Look at EVERY OTHER Presidential coin portrait. They are full face or profile, Kennedy, one of the most popular presidents is looking down. It looks horrible.
Is it just me or doesn’t the Lyndon Johnson depiction look more like the late senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia?
Grandfather was recently gifted one of these JFK coins. The coin is gold but JFK is done in silver inlay. I can’t seem to find anything on this coin and was hoping someone knew it’s worth. It’s in mint condition, out of the packaging. The front and back are covered in a thick, clear, almost plastic material. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
I have a Kennedy just like this one but it’s silver. I can’t find any information about it. I’m not sure if it’s a mistake or not. Everything is the same except for the color and it’s uncirculated.