Presidents Day offers more than a moment to honor America’s leaders—it invites us to look closer at the symbols, stories, and artistry behind the presidents who appear on U.S. coinage. Every cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar featuring a commander‑in‑chief carries a piece of American history. Far from random portraits, these designs reflect national values, commemorate defining eras, and reveal the evolving story of the nation itself.
What follows is a journey through the presidents who shaped America—and the coins that continue to celebrate their legacies in the hands of collectors and everyday Americans alike.
From the Lincoln cent to the Eisenhower dollar, each portrait, symbol, and reverse design represents far more than artistic choice. These coins quietly teach history, celebrate achievement, and connect generations with the leaders who defined the nation.
Presidents on Everyday Circulating Coins
These are the coins Americans handle every day—familiar designs that quietly carry pieces of the nation’s history from one generation to the next.
Abraham Lincoln – The Cent That Changed History
In 1909, the Lincoln cent broke a 116‑year tradition. Until then, real historical figures did not appear on U.S. circulating coins. Lincoln’s centennial provided the moment to shift from allegorical Liberty figures to honoring true American leaders.
More than a century later, Lincoln remains one of the most enduring symbols of unity, perseverance, and leadership.
Obverse & Reverse Variations:
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Wheat Reverse (1909–1958)
- Obverse: Right-facing portrait by Victor David Brenner
- Reverse: Twin wheat stalks representing prosperity and growth
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Lincoln Memorial Reverse (1959–2008)
- Obverse: Classic Brenner portrait
- Reverse: The Lincoln Memorial, honoring his lasting national legacy
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2009 Bicentennial Series
- Obverse: Classic Brenner portrait
- Reverse: Four rotating designs depicting Lincoln's life - Birthplace, Formative Years, Professional Life. and Presidency
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Union Shield Reverse (2010–2025)
- Obverse: Classic Brenner portrait
- Reverse: Union Shield symbolizing national unity and strength
Honorary Mention: Lincoln also appears on $5 Federal Reserve Notes, reinforcing his place as a pillar of American leadership.
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Thomas Jefferson – The Nickel’s Architect of Liberty
Jefferson debuted on the nickel in 1938, chosen for his pivotal role as author of the Declaration of Independence and advocate for liberty. The long-running Monticello reverse reinforced his legacy, turning every nickel into a tribute to American ideals.
Obverse & Reverse Variations:
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Classic Monticello (1938–2003)
- Obverse: Left-facing profile by Felix Schlag
- Reverse: Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia home
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Westward Journey Series (2004–2006)
- Obverse: Updated portrait of Jefferson, still left facing
- Reverse: Designs celebrating Lewis & Clark, the Louisiana Purchase, and westward expansion
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Forward-Facing Jefferson (2006–Present)
- Obverse: First forward-facing presidential portrait on a circulating coin
- Reverse: Monticello restored with updated sculptural detail
Honorary Mention: Jefferson also appears on $2 Federal Reserve Notes, extending his presence beyond coinage.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt – Leadership on the Dime
Introduced in 1946, the Roosevelt dime honors FDR’s leadership through the Great Depression and World War II. The dime’s denomination reflects Roosevelt’s personal battle with polio and his key role in establishing the March of Dimes, the nationwide effort dedicated to fighting the disease.
Obverse & Reverse Variations:
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Roosevelt Dime (1946–Present)
- Obverse: Left-facing portrait by John R. Sinnok
- Reverse: Torch, olive branch, and oak branch symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength
Note: Silver issues struck through1964 remain popular among collectors.
 
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George Washington – The Quarter’s Enduring Icon
Though Washington resisted having his portrait on coins during his lifetime, the nation honored him in 1932 for his 200th birthday. Today, he remains one of the most familiar faces in American currency.
Obverse & Reverse Variations:
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Heraldic Eagle Reverse (1932–1998)
- Obverse: Left-facing profile of Washington
- Reverse: Heraldic eagle, symbolizing national strength
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50 State Quarters (1999–2008)
- Obverse: Left-facing profile of Washington, with reduced bust
- Reverse: Rotating designs honoring each U.S. state
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D.C. & Territories Quarters (2009)
- Obverse: Left-facing profile of Washington, with reduced bust
- Reverse: Rotating designs honoring each territory
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USA the Beautiful Quarters (2010–2021)
- Obverse: Left-facing profile of Washington, with reduced bust
- Reverse: National parks and landmarks.
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U.S. Women Quarters (2022–2025)
- Obverse: Portrait of Washington adjusted from left to right facing
- Reverse: Featuring trailblazing women.
- Special Anniversary Design (2026) – For America’s 250th birthday.
Honorary Mention: Washington appears on $1 Federal Reserve Notes and remains a cornerstone of U.S. currency.
 
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John F. Kennedy – A National Memorial on the Half Dollar
Released just months after his assassination, the 1964 Kennedy half dollar became an immediate national memorial. Americans lined up at banks to collect the coin, and many were saved as keepsakes rather than spent.
Obverse & Reverse Variations:
- 1964 Issue: 90 percent silver, Presidential Seal reverse
- 1965–1970: 40 percent silver
- 1971–Present: Copper‑nickel clad
- 1975–1976: Bicentennial reverse featuring Independence Hall
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Before Kennedy: The Franklin Half Dollar
 
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The replacement of Franklin with Kennedy marked a historic shift—transforming the half dollar from a tribute to Enlightenment ideals into a modern presidential memorial, reflecting a nation in mourning and transition.
Dwight D. Eisenhower – Strength on the Dollar
The Eisenhower dollar (1971–1978) honored both the 34th president and the Apollo 11 mission—blending leadership and the space age into one powerful design.
Obverse & Reverse Variations:
- 1971–1974: Apollo‑themed eagle landing on the moon
- 1975–1976: Bicentennial reverse featuring the Liberty Bell with the moon
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Presidential Dollar Coins
The Presidential Dollar Series celebrates each U.S. president with a bold portrait, detailed inscriptions, and the Statue of Liberty reverse. Edge lettering makes each coin even more distinctive, noting the mint mark, motto, and date.
Key Features:
- Obverse: Portrait of the president with inscriptions: Name, Order of Presidency, Years Served, and IN GOD WE TRUST (added to obverse starting in 2009).
- Reverse: Common design featuring the Statue of Liberty with inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and $1.
- Edge Lettering: Year of issue, mint mark, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
- Composition: Manganese-brass clad, giving a golden color.
Series Highlights:
From 2007–2016, this program honored presidents from George Washington through Ronald Reagan, then resumed in 2020 with the release of the George H.W. Bush coin. Jimmy Carter is expected to be eligible for inclusion in a future continuation of the series, potentially in 2026–2027.
Listed in Order of Release
- George Washington (1789–1797)
- John Adams (1797–1801)
- Thomas Jefferson (1801–1809)
- James Madison (1809–1817)
- James Monroe (1817–1825)
- John Quincy Adams (1825–1829)
- Andrew Jackson (1829–1837)
- Martin Van Buren (1837–1841)
- William Henry Harrison (1841)
- John Tyler (1841–1845)
- James K. Polk (1845–1849)
- Zachary Taylor (1849–1850)
- Millard Fillmore (1850–1853)
- Franklin Pierce (1853–1857)
- James Buchanan (1857–1861)
- Abraham Lincoln (1861–1865)
- Andrew Johnson (1865–1869)
- Ulysses S. Grant (1869–1877)
- Rutherford B. Hayes (1877–1881)
- James A. Garfield (1881)
- Chester A. Arthur (1881–1885)
- Grover Cleveland (1885–1889)
- Benjamin Harrison (1889–1893)
- Grover Cleveland (1893–1897)
- William McKinley (1897–1901)
- Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909)
- William Howard Taft (1909–1913)
- Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921)
- Warren G. Harding (1921–1923)
- Calvin Coolidge (1923–1929)
- Herbert Hoover (1929–1933)
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945)
- Harry S. Truman (1945–1953)
- Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961)
- John F. Kennedy (1961–1963)
- Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)
- Richard Nixon (1969–1974)
- Gerald R. Ford (1974–1977)
- Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)
- George H.W. Bush (1989–1993)
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Why These Presidents?
Each president featured on U.S. coinage reflects a turning point in American history—founding principles, national unity, expansion, resilience, or modern leadership. Their portraits aren’t merely decorative; they’re reminders of the values that continue to shape the nation.
Collector Tips for Presidents Day
- Watch for Key Dates: Early issues, limited mintages, and special reverses can offer strong collector value.
- Condition Matters: Even everyday coins can carry premium value in higher grades.
- Explore Proof Sets: Ideal for collectors who enjoy pristine examples of circulating designs.
Honor History—One Coin at a Time
Whether you’re expanding your collection or just beginning your journey, Presidents Day is the perfect moment to discover the stories behind America’s most iconic coins. Each piece is more than metal. It’s leadership, legacy, and history—shaped into something you can hold in your hand.
Shop our President's Day Collection!