2008 James Monroe Presidential Dollar
James Monroe Presidential Dollars were released on February 14, 2008 as the fifth coin in the series. This was the first Presidential Dollar released during the year 2008.
The Philadelphia mint produced 64,260,000 coins. The Denver mint produced 60,230,000 coins.
The obverse of the coin features a portrait of President Monroe and the reverse features the Statue of Liberty design used on all Presidential Dollars. The obverse was designed and sculpted by Joseph Menna. The reverse was designed and sculpted by Don Everhart.
The obverse includes the inscriptions “James Monroe,” “5th President,” and the years of his presidential term “1817-1825.” The reverse inscriptions include “United States of America,” and the denomination “$1.” The date and mint mark are located on the edge inscription of the coin along with the mottoes “In God We Trust” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
Before being elected as President, James Monroe served in the Revolutionary War, championed the Bill of Rights, and helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase. His Presidency is known for the Monroe Doctrine and Missouri Compromise. He served two terms as the 5th President of the United States from 1817 to 1825.
The official launch ceremony for the James Monroe Presidential Dollar was held at Ash Lawn-Highland in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is the estate of President James Monroe. The Acting Deputy Director of the United States Mint Dan Shaver, Ash Lawn-Highland Executive Director Carolyn Coggin Holmes, and the James Monroe Memorial Foundation President G. William Thomas Jr were in attendance. The public was able to exchange paper dollars for the new dollar coins one day before they were officially released into circulation.
Coin Specifications:
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Weight: 8.1g
- Thickness: 2.0 mm
- Edge: Lettered
- Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel
- Mintage: 64,260,000 Philadelphia, 60,230,000 Denver
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