The John Adams dollar is the second coin of the Presidential $1 series, released in 2007. The issue was made at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Collectors know it for edge lettering mistakes and two edge positions. Most coins are common, but pieces with clear errors can be valuable. Keep reading to know the current market value of the coin and other nuances.
Coin Overview and Technical Specifications
The John Adams Dollar continued the Presidential $1 series and the visual and technical format established by the George Washington coin. The coin has a golden tone but contains no gold. In the table below you can see main parameters:
| Feature | Description |
| Year of issue | 2007 |
| Series | Presidential $1 Coin Program |
| President | John Adams (2nd President, 1797–1801) |
| Composition | 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel |
| Weight | 8.1 g |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Edge | Lettered — “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” year, mint mark |
| Mint marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco Proof) |
| Designer | Joseph Menna (obverse), Don Everhart (reverse) |
| Reverse | Statue of Liberty |
| Finish types | Circulation, Satin, Proof |
- Obverse: Portrait of John Adams with his name and presidential term.
- Reverse: Statue of Liberty design used on all Presidential $1 coins.
- Edge: Lettered with date, mint mark, and mottos.
Historical Context and the Presidential $1 Coin Program
The Presidential $1 Coin Program began in 2007 and continued through 2016. Each year, four coins were released to honor US presidents. The Mint issued these coins for general use, but most Americans kept them as collectibles instead.
2007 marked the start of the series, and four designs were issued: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
| Coin | Release Date | Mintages | Notable Facts |
| George Washington Dollar | February 2007 | 340M+ | “Godless Dollar” — missing edge lettering |
| John Adams Dollar | May 2007 | 224M+ | Common edge errors and orientation differences |
| Thomas Jefferson Dollar | August 2007 | 197M+ | Improved striking quality |
| James Madison Dollar | November 2007 | 172M+ | Few recorded production faults |
During production, the U.S. Mint experimented with edge lettering alignment. Two orientations exist — Position A and Position B.
- Position A: Edge text reads upright when the coin is flipped top to bottom.
- Position B: Edge text reads upright when flipped left to right.
Both are normal and equally used, but collectors often build sets containing one of each. Rolls from the Mint may include mixed positions, adding appeal for collectors.
Common Varieties and Known Errors
The John Adams Dollar appears in several standard and error varieties.
Standard Varieties
Regular issues from Philadelphia and Denver are the most common. Proof coins were made in San Francisco for collector sets. Satin finish versions appeared in the 2007 Mint Set only.
| Type | Features | Average Price (2025) |
| 2007-P | Circulation issue | $1–$3 |
| 2007-D | Circulation issue | $1–$3 |
| 2007-S Proof | Mirror surface, frosted portrait | $8–$15 |
| 2007 Satin | Matte finish from Mint Set | $10–$20 |
These coins share identical design and composition but differ in finish and striking quality.
Error Varieties
2007 was the first year the Mint widely used edge lettering. Thus, this caused several notable minting mistakes.
Missing Edge Lettering
Letters were not applied during the separate edge process. These “blank edge” coins lack all inscriptions.
- Value: $50–$200 depending on grade.
Double Edge Lettering
The coin passed through the lettering machine twice, creating doubled inscriptions visible in two rows.
- Value: $100–$500.
Upside-Down Edge Lettering
The inscription was applied in the opposite direction relative to the obverse. Not considered a mint error, but collected as a variation.
- Value: $15–$30.
Partial or Weak Edge Lettering
Letters appear incomplete or shallow due to low pressure.
- Value: $20–$50.
Blank Planchet
Coin left unstruck by both dies.
- Value: $300+.
To identify edge errors, view the coin under angled light. Rotate it slowly to check for uneven or missing impressions.
Collectible and Investment Potential
Collectible Appeal
The John Adams Dollar is an affordable coin with moderate scarcity. This fact makes it ideal for new collectors. Most examples are easy to find, but interest centers on edge errors and San Francisco proofs. You can buy these coins from the official U.S. Mint sets or trusted dealers.
Collectors value this issue as part of the first Presidential Dollar release — a year that defined the entire program. The mix of Position A and B coins, proof editions, and minor production variations keeps the series educational and collectible.
Tips for collectors:
- Check the surface for uniform tone and luster.
- Use labeled holders or capsules for organization.
- Store both Position A and Position B varieties together.
- Complete the 2007 set with Washington, Jefferson, and Madison coins.
High-grade coins (MS67+) retain strong market interest, especially when certified by PCGS or NGC.
Investment Perspective
While the John Adams Dollar is not rare, its investment value lies in the consistent demand for the first-year Presidential $1 issues. Edge errors and high-certified grades remain popular.
Proof and MS68 examples show gradual interest, often 10–20% every few years. Certified pieces trade easily due to transparency in condition and population data.
Main factors affecting price:
- Edge error type and strength of strike.
- Certified grade (MS67–MS68 or PR70).
- Original packaging and mint roll origin.
Practical advice: For accurate tracking try the Coin ID Scanner app. It identifies coins from photos, detects type and mint mark, and provides current market estimates. It also offers the possibility to manage collections and check current prices.
What Every Collector Should Know
The John Adams Dollar is the second coin of the Presidential $1 series and one of the main issues from 2007. Coins with clean strikes are common, while errors on the edge or proof versions are more collectible.
Focus on the condition and lettering — these details define the value. The Coin ID Scanner app helps record, compare, and confirm each coin. This dollars a clear example of how small variations can make an ordinary coin worth attention.