2014-D Enhanced Uncirculated Native American $1 Coin Laser Treatments

Another key coin from the United States Mint this year is the 2014-D Enhanced Uncirculated Native American $1 Coin within the 2014 American $1 Coin and Currency Set.

Priced at $13.95, some collectors commented early that the set was inexpensive yet overpriced since the face value of its contents added up to just $2. But then it wasn’t clear then that the set held a $1 coin with a unique finish and that it also hadn’t been released elsewhere. Now that price seems like a bargain.

Here’s a color-coded graphic showing areas of the coin that received unique treatments:

A wire brush (bright) finish has been applied to both obverse and reverse fields and artwork on the dies. The obverse and reverse artwork was then frosted, according to the color key below:

• White represents areas with a standard uncirculated finish,
• Blue shows regions of standard laser frosting, and
• Yellow indicates areas of light laser frosting

The enhanced uncirculated finish is VERY noticeable with the coin in hand — especially the reverse. You don’t need a loupe to best see the effects like on the 2014-S Enhanced Uncirculated Kennedy Half-Dollar (see its treatments) from the four-piece 2014 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half-Dollar Silver Coin Collection. Here are some additional U.S. Mint-provided details about the enhanced uncirculated dollar:

Being an Enhanced Uncirculated program, the base finish on the obverse & reverse was wire brushed. This was developed specifically for this program and implemented into production for the first time. This approach gives the coins a bright finish without appearing polished (like proof coins do).

On the obverse, standard laser frosting was applied to the field and particular elements of the artwork to accentuate the design. Specific elements of the artwork and all lettering are in the wire brush finish to further accentuate them against the laser frosted field.

On the reverse, standard laser frosting was applied to the field. A lighter level of laser frosting was then applied to particular elements of the artwork to enable it to stand out. Specific elements of the artwork, all lettering and the compass are in the wire brush finish to further accentuate the design.

In addition to the coin, the set includes a 2013 $1 Federal Reserve note printed for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. As an added bonus for buyers of multiple sets, some are finding that the serial numbers on their bills are in sequential order.

Limited to 50,000 units, 2014 American $1 Coin & Currency Sets are available from the United States Mint website, found right here. Currently, the set’s product page is showing that they are "out of stock." This does not mean they have sold out. Here’s how the Mint describes the status:

Out Of Stock: When products are in an "Out of Stock" status, this means we do not have inventory of the product and we do not have an anticipated in stock date. Products in this status cannot be ordered online or through our customer contact center, but you can request to be reminded when the product will be returning to sale (through the "Remind Me" function on the product detail page.)

The "Remind Me" function works by entering your email address and subscribing to receive product updates. Good luck in grabbing a set.

For our U.S. readers, Happy Thanksgiving! We’ll return after the holiday with a photo presentation of the set. We’ll include a short video as well since the finish is best viewed as the coin moves. Photos don’t do it justice.