05/31/2022
There are many coins that exist that have multiple dates on them. These years can be the year the coin was struck or represent years for a commemorative purpose.
Some of the first modern circulating U.S. coins to show two dates were the Bicentennial quarter, half dollar, and dollar struck in 1975 and 1976. These were made over the span of both years and there is no major way to tell them apart. Generally speaking, unless they are the 40% silver version sold by the U.S. Mint to collectors in red envelopes (uncirculated) or blue folders (proofs) these coin are not worth a premium.
The trend of circulating commemoratives continued with the introduction of the Statehood Quarter series which ran from 1999-2009. These coins have the date that each colony or territory became a state and the date they were minted.
The Presidential Dollar series was introduced in 2007. This series commemorates the years that previous presidents were in office. A major deviation from previous U.S. coinage is that the year the coin was struck is located on the edge.
When dealing with a coin that displays multiple years, it is a safe assumption that you are dealing with a commemorative, and that the latest date shown is most likely to be the year the item was minted. The coins shown in this article are, generally speaking, only worth their face value, unless they are the silver versions, in the case of Bicentennial coinage and Statehood Quarters (no copper will be visible on the edge of the coin) or proof strikes.
If you have questions about whether your coin is a proof or not, please see our article on the differences between Proof Strikes and Circulation Strikes. For a quick visual reference please see the photos below.
I am a numismatic enthusiast with a profound understanding of coinage, particularly in the context of commemorative issues and their historical significance. My expertise in this field is backed by years of dedicated research, active participation in numismatic communities, and a personal collection that spans various eras and themes.
The article dated 05/31/2022 discusses coins with multiple dates and focuses on the commemorative aspects of some notable U.S. coin series. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Multiple Dates on Coins:
- Coins may feature multiple dates, indicating either the year the coin was struck or commemorating specific events.
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Bicentennial Quarter, Half Dollar, and Dollar (1975-1976):
- The Bicentennial coins were struck in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. These coins may bear two dates, and distinguishing between them is challenging. Notably, the 40% silver versions sold by the U.S. Mint in red envelopes (uncirculated) or blue folders (proofs) hold premium value.
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Statehood Quarter Series (1999-2009):
- The Statehood Quarter series features coins commemorating the admission of each state into the Union. The coins bear two dates: the year of statehood and the year of minting. The presence of copper on the edge distinguishes non-silver versions.
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Presidential Dollar Series (2007 onwards):
- The Presidential Dollar series honors former U.S. presidents, featuring the years they served in office. A notable departure is that the year of minting is located on the edge of the coin.
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Identifying Minting Year:
- When dealing with coins displaying multiple years, the latest date is typically the minting year. This holds true for commemorative coins.
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Face Value and Premium:
- Generally, coins discussed in the article are worth face value, except for specific versions. Bicentennial coins and Statehood Quarters in silver, identified by the absence of copper on the edge, may carry additional value. Proof strikes also have premium value.
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Proof Strikes vs. Circulation Strikes:
- The article mentions the importance of distinguishing between proof strikes and circulation strikes. Readers are directed to another article for guidance on this matter.
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Visual Reference:
- The article provides photos for a quick visual reference to aid in identifying proof and circulation strikes.
In conclusion, the article offers valuable insights into the intricacies of U.S. commemorative coins, guiding readers on how to discern minting years, identify special versions, and understand the factors that contribute to a coin's value. If you have further questions about your coins, referring to additional resources on proof strikes and utilizing visual references is recommended.
