The Best Places to Get 1 Dollar Coins

Dollar coins are part of the United States currency system, serving as legal tender for transactions. While paper dollar bills are more common, dollar coins remain in circulation. The United States Mint produces these coins, distributing them into the economy through Federal Reserve Banks. These coins can be acquired through various channels.

Accessing Dollar Coins at Financial Institutions

One reliable way to acquire dollar coins is directly from financial institutions like banks and credit unions. Individuals can typically request dollar coins from a teller, often in rolled quantities or as loose coins. Contact the branch beforehand to confirm availability, as the immediate supply can fluctuate.

Banks can order dollar coins from the Federal Reserve if not readily available on site, with delivery usually taking a few business days. Many institutions provide this service to customers without additional fees, though some may require an account.

Finding Dollar Coins in Daily Transactions

Dollar coins can also be encountered incidentally through everyday transactions, often received as change rather than specifically requested. Post offices commonly give dollar coins, such as the Sacagawea dollar, as change for purchases. This practice helps circulate the coins to the public.

Vending machines frequently utilize dollar coins for snacks, beverages, or public transportation fares. These machines accept dollar coins and may dispense them as change. Change machines in laundromats or car washes can also be sources, converting larger denominations into coins.

Understanding Dollar Coin Types

The United States has issued several distinct types of dollar coins in circulation. The Sacagawea dollar, often called the “golden dollar,” features Sacagawea and her infant son on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Its distinctive golden color comes from its manganese brass composition. Since 2009, its reverse design changes annually to depict different aspects of Native American cultures.

Presidential dollars, minted from 2007-2016 and again in 2020, feature portraits of deceased U.S. presidents on the obverse and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. These coins are also golden in appearance and are notable for having their year, mint mark, and mottos incused on the edge.

The Eisenhower dollar, produced from 1971-1978, is a larger coin depicting President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the obverse and an Apollo 11 moon landing insignia or a Bicentennial design on the reverse. The Susan B. Anthony dollar, a smaller coin from 1979-1981 and 1999, is sometimes encountered, though its similar size to the quarter often led to confusion.