The 2016-P Ronald Reagan Presidential Dollar is an important coin for collectors and history enthusiasts. This coin commemorates Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, who played a significant role in American history during his two terms in office from 1981 to 1989. In this guide, we will explore the background of the coin, its design, specifications, and some details about its market value.
The Presidential Dollar Coin Act
The Presidential Dollar Coin Act was passed on December 22, 2005. This law required the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in honor of the past presidents of the United States. The goal was to increase the circulation of the $1 coin. Before this law, the $1 coin wasn’t very popular with the public, even after its introduction in 2000.
The first four presidential dollar designs came out in 2007. However, just like the earlier Sacagawea Dollar, these coins didn’t gain much popularity among everyday users. By 2011, the U.S. Mint decided to produce these coins only for collectors, not for general circulation.
Ronald W. Reagan: A Brief Overview
The Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Dollar was released as part of a series honoring U.S. Presidents. This coin is the last of three coins released in 2016 and is the 39th coin in the 40-issue series.
Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Illinois. He started his career in radio as a sports announcer before becoming a well-known actor in Hollywood. During this time, he was a member of the Democratic Party and supported various liberal causes. He even served as the president of the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) in the late 1940s, where he worked against communism in Hollywood.
In 1949, Reagan married Nancy Davis after helping her with a Hollywood blacklist issue. The couple became conservative Republicans and gained prominence in politics, especially after supporting Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign in 1964.
Reagan served as the Governor of California in 1966 and ran for president several times before winning against Jimmy Carter in 1980. He is known for managing significant events, such as the Iran Hostage Crisis and the Cold War. Unfortunately, his presidency also faced criticism due to the Iran-Contra Affair and slow responses to health crises, like AIDS.
Ronald Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004, and his wife, Nancy, died in 2016.
The Design of the Coin
Obverse (Front Side)
The front side of the 2016-P Ronald Reagan Presidential Dollar features a portrait of Reagan. The design was created by Richard Masters and engraved by Joseph Menna. The inscriptions around the portrait include:
- RONALD REAGAN at the top
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- 40th PRESIDENT
- The years of his presidency, 1981-1989, at the bottom
Reverse (Back Side)
The back side of the coin, designed by Don Everhart, shows an image of the Statue of Liberty. The design is unique to the Presidential Dollar series, with the following features:
- Liberty positioned to the left
- The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding the design
- The denomination of the coin, $1, beneath Liberty’s arm
Edge
The edge of the coin is smooth and includes important inscriptions, such as:
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- The year 2016
- The P mintmark, indicating it was minted in Philadelphia.
Specifications of the Coin
Here are some key specifications of the 2016-P Ronald Reagan Presidential Dollar:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 2016 |
| Denomination | One Dollar (USD) |
| Mintmark | P (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage | 7,140,000 |
| Alloy | 88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2% Nickel |
| Weight | 8.10 g |
| Diameter | 26.49 mm |
| Quality | Uncirculated |
Market Value and Collectibility
As of September 2024, the market data shows various grades for the 2016-P Ronald Reagan Presidential Dollar:
- PCGS MS68: 1 specimen recorded
- NGC MS69: 5 specimens recorded
- Recent sales on eBay for uncirculated coins range from $3.25 to $19.
These coins are valued not only for their design and history but also for their rarity and condition in the collector’s market.
Conclusion
The 2016-P Ronald Reagan Presidential Dollar is more than just a coin; it is a piece of history honoring a significant American figure. Its unique design and specifications make it a valuable addition to any collection. As collectors seek to honor past presidents, this coin serves as a reminder of Reagan’s impact on the nation and his legacy in American politics. Collecting these coins can also provide a fun way to learn about U.S. history and the leaders who shaped it.
FAQ’s
What is the value of the 2016-P Ronald Reagan Presidential Dollar?
The 2016-P Ronald Reagan Presidential Dollar is typically valued around $3 to $19, depending on its condition and grading. Uncirculated versions are generally more sought after by collectors.
How many 2016-P Ronald Reagan Presidential Dollars were minted?
A total of 7,140,000 2016-P Ronald Reagan Presidential Dollars were minted by the United States Mint, making it a collectible coin among enthusiasts.
