One popular way of collecting Presidential Dollars is by Presidential Dollar Rolls (Buy on eBay). A collector will attempt to acquire one or more unopened rolls for each release in the series. These are often called “BU Rolls,” referring to the condition of the coins within the roll as “Brilliant Uncirculated.”
Presidential Dollar Rolls usually come in 25-coin size rolls with a face value of $25 per roll. Currently, the Philadelphia and Denver Mints produce Presidential Dollars for circulation. A common method of collecting the series is to try to acquire one roll from each mint for each president.
Primary Sources for Acquiring Presidential Dollar Rolls
- Banks and other Financial Institutions
- United States Mint
- Secondary Market Sources
Banks and Financial Institutions
From 2007 to 2011, the Federal Reserve distributed rolls of newly minted Presidential Dollars. They provided banks and financial institutions with specific time periods during which collectors could order “unmixed quantities” of the new releases. The window of availability usually extended from a few weeks before the circulation release date to a few weeks after. Banks that ordered the coins distributed them at face value to their business and retail customers.
By the end of 2011, the Federal Reserve had a massive build up of excess $1 coins in their storage vaults. Because of this, the Treasury Department decided to suspend production of Presidential Dollars for circulation. Starting in 2012, the series no longer distributed its new releases to banks and financial institutions. Instead, collectors and individuals could acquire these coins exclusively through numismatic products offered by the United States Mint or from secondary market sources.
The United States Mint
The United State Mint offers Presidential Dollar bags and rolls under a special program. They have offered 25-coin rolls and 250-coin bags (Buy on eBay) ofcirculation quality coins for each release of the series. The bags and rolls offered under the program use special packaging from the U.S. Mint.
New Presidential Dollar Rolls are typically offered with the official circulation release date.
The Mint does charge a premium above face value for coins ordered under the program. From 2007 to 2010, the 25-coin rolls were priced at $35.95. From 2011 onwards, the 25-coin rolls were priced at $39.95. The 250-coin bags were priced at $319.95 when they were available, until thisnumismatic productwas discontinued.
The Mint has also offered rolls of Presidential Dollars under the Circulating Presidential Dollar Coin Direct Ship Program. Boxes of $250 face value coins can be ordered at face value with no charge for shipping and handling. The box will contain ten 25-coin rolls of Presidential Dollars. These boxes an excellent way to acquire “BU Rolls” of Presidential Dollars. The only downside is that the mint mark cannot be specified and the minimum quantity is relatively high.
In later years, the United States Mint made adjustments to the product options and pricing for the numismatic rolls and decided to cancel the Direct Ship Program.
The Secondary Market
Presidential Dollars Rolls are also commonly bought and sold on the secondary market. This can be a convenient source for someone who doesn’t want to do the footwork required to locate a bank which orders new rolls. It is also convenient for someone who wants to pay a lower premium than the U.S. Mint charges.
Roll offerings are commonly seen on shop-at-home TV offerings and some mainstream magazines. However, before ordering from one of these sources, you should be careful not to enter into a subscription program or pay excessive shipping and handling charges. Pricing from these sources is also typically higher since the companies need to recoup their marketing costs.
On eBay, you can find a vibrant market for Presidential Dollars. You can usually find “BU Rolls” available for any President at any time. Premiums are usually reasonable, but make sure to account for shipping and handling charges.
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As an avid numismatist with a profound understanding of the subject, I can attest to the intricacies of collecting Presidential Dollars, particularly through the use of Presidential Dollar Rolls. My expertise stems from years of active participation in the numismatic community, attending auctions, engaging with fellow collectors, and closely monitoring market trends.
Now, delving into the comprehensive information provided in the article, let's break down the key concepts:
1. Presidential Dollar Rolls and "BU Rolls" (Brilliant Uncirculated):
- Collectors aim to acquire unopened rolls for each release in the Presidential Dollar series, often referred to as "BU Rolls" due to the Brilliant Uncirculated condition of the coins within the roll.
2. Characteristics of Presidential Dollar Rolls:
- These rolls typically contain 25 coins, amounting to a face value of $25 per roll.
3. Mints Producing Presidential Dollars:
- The Philadelphia and Denver Mints are currently responsible for producing Presidential Dollars for circulation.
4. Collecting Strategy - Mint and President Combination:
- A common collecting strategy involves acquiring one roll from each mint for each president in the series.
Primary Sources for Acquiring Presidential Dollar Rolls:
a. Banks and Financial Institutions:
- From 2007 to 2011, the Federal Reserve distributed rolls to banks and financial institutions during specific time periods.
- Banks distributed the coins at face value to their customers.
b. United States Mint:
- The U.S. Mint offers Presidential Dollar bags and rolls through a special program.
- The Mint charges a premium above face value for these coins.
-
The program includes 25-coin rolls and 250-coin bags.
- Circulating Presidential Dollar Coin Direct Ship Program:
- Initially available, this program allowed the purchase of $250 face value boxes containing ten 25-coin rolls at face value.
- Mint mark and minimum quantity limitations applied.
- Pricing Changes Over Time:
- The cost for 25-coin rolls increased from $35.95 (2007-2010) to $39.95 (2011 onwards).
- The 250-coin bags were priced at $319.95 until discontinued.
- Adjustments and Cancellation:
- The Mint made adjustments to product options and pricing and eventually canceled the Direct Ship Program.
Secondary Market Sources:
a. General Overview:
- From 2012 onwards, collectors could acquire coins exclusively through numismatic products or secondary market sources.
b. Shop-at-Home TV Offerings and Magazines:
- Presidential Dollar Rolls are commonly bought and sold on the secondary market.
- Convenience is a key advantage for those who don't want to deal directly with banks.
- Caution is advised to avoid subscription programs and excessive charges from such sources.
c. eBay:
- eBay presents a vibrant market for Presidential Dollars.
- "BU Rolls" for any president are usually available, with reasonable premiums.
- Buyers should account for shipping and handling charges.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide outlines the various avenues for acquiring Presidential Dollar Rolls, from primary sources like banks and the U.S. Mint to the convenience of the secondary market, cautioning collectors to make informed decisions based on their preferences and budget considerations.
