Let’s talk about the Franklin Pierce dollar coin 1853 to 1857. The Franklin Pierce dollar coin remains an intriguing piece of American history. Minted for only a few years in the mid-19th century, these rare coins give us a glimpse into the turbulent times leading up to the Civil War.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Franklin Pierce dollar coin was minted in 2010 as a part of the Presidential $1 coin program. Many people make a mistake by thinking these coins were minted between 1853-1857.
Overview and History of the Franklin Pierce Dollar
The Franklin Pierce Dollar coin is part of the Presidential Dollar coin series. This series was created to honor the former Presidents of the United States and showcase their contributions to the nation’s history.
The Franklin Pierce Dollar pays tribute to the 14th President of the United States, Franklin Pierce, who served from 1853 to 1857.
When and why the coin was minted
The Franklin Pierce Dollar coin was first minted in 2010 as part of the Presidential Dollar series. This series was established by the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, to honor the legacy of past Presidents and educate the public about their achievements.
The act required the United States Mint to issue a series of circulating $1 coins featuring the likeness of each President, in the order of their service.
Low mintage amounts
The Franklin Pierce Dollar coin had a relatively low mintage compared to other Presidential Dollar coins. According to the United States Mint, the total mintage for the Franklin Pierce Dollar was approximately 79 million coins.
This makes it one of the lower mintage coins in the series, which can make it more desirable for collectors.
Details and design of the coin
The Franklin Pierce Dollar coin features a portrait of Franklin Pierce on the obverse side. The reverse side of the coin features a rendition of the Statue of Liberty. The edge of the coin is inscribed with the year of minting, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
The coin is made of a copper-nickel-clad composition, measures 26.5mm in diameter, and weighs 8.1 grams.
Like other Presidential Dollar coins, the Franklin Pierce Dollar coin has a smooth edge and lacks the traditional reeded edge found on most other U.S. coins. This unique edge design was introduced to distinguish the Presidential Dollar series from other circulating coins.
Collectors and history enthusiasts can still find the Franklin Pierce Dollar coin through various channels, such as coin dealers, online marketplaces, and coin shows. Its low mintage and historical significance make it a fascinating addition to any collection.
Minting Details by Year and Location
Philadelphia mint
The Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin was first minted in 2010 at the Philadelphia Mint. This particular minting location was chosen due to its long-standing history of producing high-quality coins. The coins minted in Philadelphia are known for their impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The Philadelphia mint Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin features a stunning portrait of the 14th President of the United States on the obverse side and the iconic American eagle on the reverse side.
Denver and San Francisco mints
The production of the Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin expanded to include two additional minting locations: Denver and San Francisco. The decision to mint these coins in multiple locations was driven by the increasing demand for the coin across the country.
The Denver and San Francisco mints played a crucial role in meeting this demand, ensuring that collectors and enthusiasts from all regions had access to the Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin.
Rarity and Value for Collectors Today
When it comes to the Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin, collectors are always on the lookout for rare and valuable pieces. Understanding the rarity and value of these coins can help collectors make informed decisions and potentially add a valuable piece to their collection.
Surviving population today
The surviving population of Franklin Pierce Dollar coins from 1853 to 1857 is relatively good compared to other coins. For collectors, this population lowers the desirability and value of these coins.
Most valuable mintmarks and conditions
When it comes to determining the value of a Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin, the mintmark and condition play crucial roles. Mintmarks indicate the specific mint where the coin was produced, with each mint having its level of scarcity and desirability among collectors.
Among the most valuable mintmarks for the Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin are those from the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark), and the Denver Mint (D mintmark). and San Francisco Mint (S mintmark). The S mintmarks are highly sought after by collectors and can significantly increase the value of the coin.
In addition to the mintmark, the condition of the coin also plays a vital role in determining its value. Coins in mint condition, with minimal wear and no damage, are highly coveted by collectors. These coins often command higher prices at auctions and in the collector’s market.
The Franklin Pierce Presidency and Era
Franklin Pierce served as the 14th President of the United States from 1853 to 1857. His presidency was marked by several key events and a unique cultural context that shaped the era.
Key events during Pierce’s presidency
One of the major events during Franklin Pierce’s presidency was the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854. This act, which repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, allowed for the possibility of slavery in new territories.
The act led to widespread controversy and further deepened the divide between the North and the South.
Another significant event during Pierce’s presidency was the Gadsden Purchase in 1853. This acquisition of land from Mexico expanded the United States territory and aimed to facilitate the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad.
Additionally, Pierce played a role in the expansion of the United States’ influence in foreign affairs. Under his administration, the United States negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa with Japan in 1854, opening up trade relations between the two countries.
Cultural context of the 1850s
The 1850s were a time of great transformation and cultural change in the United States. The country was experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to significant social and economic shifts.
The Second Great Awakening, a religious revival movement, also had a profound impact on American society during this time.
The 1850s were also marked by a growing tension between the North and the South over the issue of slavery. This tension would ultimately lead to the outbreak of the Civil War. The debate over the expansion of slavery into new territories and the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act were key issues that drove the nation toward conflict.
Leading up to the Civil War
The presidency of Franklin Pierce played a crucial role in the events that led up to the Civil War. Pierce’s support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act and his attempts to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act further deepened the divide between the North and the South.
The controversial Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court case in 1857 also occurred during Pierce’s presidency. The court’s decision, which declared that African Americans were not citizens and that Congress could not regulate slavery in the territories, further fueled tensions between the North and the South.
By the end of Pierce’s term, the nation was on the brink of war. The issues surrounding slavery and the growing divide between the North and the South would ultimately lead to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.
To learn more about Franklin Pierce’s presidency and the era in which he served, you can visit whitehouse.gov.
The Franklin Pierce Dollar Coin 1853 To 1857 – Conclusion
In summary, the rare Franklin Pierce dollar coin from 1853 to 1857 provides a fascinating look into a turbulent period in American history. Though minted for only a year in small numbers, these coins will be highly sought-after by collectors in the years that will come.
Examining these coins and the era in which they were struck provides insights into the economic, political, and social pressures building towards the Civil War.
