Where to get 1-dollar coins? Are you looking to get your hands on some $1 coins for a collection, or gift, or just to have some unique change? $1 coins are an interesting alternative to the typical $1 bill that many people don’t even know exists.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The best places to find $1 coins include banks, post offices, online retailers like eBay or direct from the U.S. Mint, or coin dealers/collectors.
What Are $1 Coins?
Basic Information
$1 coins, officially known as gold dollars or silver dollars depending on the metal composition, are a type of currency issued by the United States Mint. Unlike the widely used $1 banknotes made of paper, these coins are made entirely of metal alloys and have a distinctive golden or bright silver appearance.
The U.S. Mint first began producing $1 coins made of gold in 1849 during the California Gold Rush era. Over the years, the coins were periodically issued in small batches before being discontinued in 1889.
$1 silver coins, often referred to as Morgan dollars or Peace dollars based on the goddess Liberty depicted on the obverse, started production in 1878 and continued through 1935.
In modern times, the U.S. Mint introduced a new $1 coin known as the Sacagawea dollar in 2000. The golden-colored coins have Sacagawea, the Shoshone interpreter and guide on the Lewis and Clark expedition, on one side.
These durable gold-tinted coins with distinctive smooth edges are still being produced today alongside the Presidential $1 coins featuring portraits of deceased U.S. presidents which debuted in 2007.
Current and Past $1 Coin Designs
The most recent $1 coin is the American InnovationTM $1 Coin Program introduced in 2018. This ongoing series features noteworthy innovations and pioneers from each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia with unique reverse designs each year.
Vermont mathematician Marjorie Rice is seen on the 2023 coin’s reverse celebrating women’s contributions to American innovation.
Before this program, Presidential $1 Coins depicting past presidents were minted from 2007 to 2016 under the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005. With four coin designs released each year, the series honored distinguished leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.
Mintage stopped once the act’s requirement to honor presidents was fulfilled, but these educational $1 coins circulate today and are still sought out by collectors.
The Sacagawea dollar, first released in 2000 with a soaring eagle reverse design, saw several updated versions in the following years. The Native American series launched in 2009 added important contributions of American Indians with reverse designs showing symbols like the peace pipe and bountiful harvests.
In 2012, the coin got a makeover depicting a young Shoshone woman carrying her son Jean Baptiste on her back.
Before the modern $1 coins, Morgan dollars named after designer George T. Morgan were mass-produced from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. They feature a left-facing liberty head with wings on one side. Peace dollars minted from 1921-1935 were designed by sculptor Anthony de Francisci depicting the goddess Liberty on one face and a bald eagle on the reverse clutching an olive branch.
The very first official United States $1 coins were minted in gold from 1849-1889. With a liberty head design on the front, these 19th-century gold pieces are a popular collectible today and their current melt value exceeds $1,500 for uncirculated coins according to coin appraisal sites like PCGS and NGC.
Where to Get Rolls or Bags of $1 Coins
Banks
One of the best places to get rolls or bags of $1 coins is directly from your local bank branch. Most banks will have $1 coins available upon request, often in the form of rolls containing 25 $1 coins each. Some banks may also have full bags of $1,000 in $1 coins available.
To get rolls or bags of $1 coins from a bank, simply go to your local branch and speak to a teller. Let them know how many rolls or bags you would like. In most cases they will be happy to accommodate your request, assuming they have enough $1 coin inventory on hand.
You may need to place an order in advance if you need a large quantity.
The great thing about getting coins directly from a bank is convenience and authenticity. The $1 coins will be legit circulated or uncirculated legal tender, rolled or bagged straight from the bank’s reserves.
U.S. Post Offices
Another reliable source for rolls and bags of $1 coins is the United States Postal Service. Certain post office locations sell $1 coins at face value, making it easy to pick up rolls or bags.
Supplies can vary by location when getting coins from the post office. But many branches keep at least some stock of $1 rolls and bags to meet customer demand. Calling your local post office ahead of time is recommended to check on availability.
The U.S. Mint also partners with select post offices across the country to sell newly released $1 coin rolls and bags directly to the public. For example, when a new American InnovationTM $1 Coin launches, participating post offices sell rolls and bags so collectors can obtain the new release.
So be sure to check if your local post office has an ongoing U.S. Mint partnership for access to the latest $1 coin offerings.
Buying $1 Coins Online
U.S. Mint
The U.S. Mint is the official producer of coinage for the United States government. On their website collectors can purchase brand new $1 coins directly from the source.
Some key things to know about buying from the Mint:
- Their selection includes the latest coin releases, such as the 2023 Native American $1 Coin.
- Most coins are sold in rolls (25 coins) or boxes (250 coins). Buying in bulk brings the per-coin cost down.
- New releases often sell out quickly as collectors rush to purchase them.
- There is a household order limit of 5,000 coins to give everyone a fair chance.
The major advantage of purchasing directly from the U.S. Mint is the guarantee that the coins will be in pristine, uncirculated condition.
eBay and Other Retailers
In addition to the U.S. Mint, many third-party retailers sell $1 coins online. This includes large marketplaces like eBay and specialty retailers catering specifically to coin collectors.
Compared to the Mint, third-party retailers offer some advantages:
- Greater selection of dates and types of $1 coins.
- Ability to purchase single coins instead of rolls or boxes.
- Discounted prices on circulated coins.
- Fun, hunt-like experience searching listings.
However, there are some risks when buying from random sellers:
- Potential for counterfeit or altered coins.
- Overgraded coins that are not in as nice condition as described.
- Seller fraud, non-shipment, etc.
To mitigate risks, purchase from sellers with strong feedback scores, inspect coins upon arrival and learn to spot fakes.
Finding Rare or Collectible $1 Coins
Coin Dealers and Collector Shops
One of the best places to find rare or collectible $1 coins is at coin dealers and collector shops. Reputable dealers often have an extensive inventory of certified and graded coins available for purchase.
According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), some of the rarest modern $1 coins include the 2000-P Sacagawea Cheerios variety, rated at $14,000 in Mint State 68 condition, and the 2007-P John Adams Presidential dollar with missing edge lettering errors, which can sell for over $2,500 in top grades.
Collector shops provide access to a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts who can share tips on locating scarce $1 issues like the 1880 Morgan silver dollar, worth well above melt value for coins exhibiting prooflike or rainbow toning attributes.
Shops also frequently conduct appraisal events to identify hidden rarities in patron collections.
Coin Shows and Expos
Attending major coin shows and expositions represents a prime opportunity to discover and purchase rare $1 coins. With hundreds of top-tier exhibitors and dealers present, the inventory numbers are in the thousands for all types of U.S. coinage.
The annual Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo, taking place in March and November, offers a vibrant bazaar ideal for locating key date Morgan and Peace dollars. Another recommended event is the June Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp & Sports Collectible Expo, which provides access to a high concentration of skilled dealers and extensive inventory.
Expos also deliver unrivaled access to leading third-party coin certification services like PCGS and NGC for on-site review and grading. Collectors can leverage this immediate assessment to solidify purchase decisions on premium rarities.
Circulated vs Uncirculated $1 Coins
When collecting $1 coins, there are two main types to consider: circulated and uncirculated. Understanding the difference between these two categories can help collectors make informed purchasing decisions.
Circulated $1 Coins
Circulated $1 coins have been in general circulation and show signs of wear. This includes marks, scratches, or toning on the coins’ surfaces. Circulated coins tend to have lower market values than uncirculated coins.
There are different levels of circulation. Lightly circulated coins show minor wear and tear, while heavily circulated coins exhibit substantial surface marks. As wear increases, eye appeal decreases along with market value.
However, circulated coins may still appeal to collectors on a budget or type set builders.
Uncirculated $1 Coins
Uncirculated (or mint state) $1 coins show no signs of wear and tear. They have crisp, flawless surfaces just as when they left the United States Mint. Uncirculated coins fall into one of two major categories:
- Mint-sealed – Coins sold in unopened United States Mint packaging.
- Verified uncirculated – Independent third-party grading services have certified the uncirculated condition.
Uncirculated $1 coins are typically worth a substantial premium over circulated examples. Their undamaged surfaces and flawless eye appeal make them highly desirable to serious collectors.
| Condition | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Shows signs of wear from being used in commerce face | e value or small premium above |
| Uncirculated | No wear/damage; in perfect mint condition | Moderate to a heavy premium over face value |
In the end, choosing between circulated and uncirculated comes down to collector preferences, the type of set being built, and budget. Understanding the differences equips shoppers to select coins aligned with their goals and resources.
Where To Get 1-Dollar Coins – Conclusion
As you can see, $1 coins can be found from a variety of sources, depending on what your intended use is. Banks and post offices are the easiest options for getting $1 coins for spending. Going through online retailers, the U.S. Mint or coin dealers opens up more possibilities for building a collection or finding rare coin designs.
No matter why you want some golden $1 coins, just remember the various places you can grab them next time the need arises!
