Several U.S. presidents have their portraits featured on coins, both in circulation and commemorative series. These coins honor the contributions of these leaders to American history and are an integral part of U.S. currency. Here is a breakdown of which presidents’ heads appear on U.S. coins.
Presidents Featured on Circulating U.S. Coins
1. Abraham Lincoln
| Coin | Details |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Penny (1¢) | First issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. |
| Design | Features Lincoln’s profile on the obverse (front). The reverse has changed over time, including the Wheat Ears, Lincoln Memorial, and Shield designs. |
2. Thomas Jefferson
| Coin | Details |
|---|---|
| Jefferson Nickel (5¢) | Introduced in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. |
| Design | Displays Jefferson’s profile on the obverse. The reverse originally featured Monticello, Jefferson’s estate, and later other designs. |
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt
| Coin | Details |
|---|---|
| Dime (10¢) | First issued in 1946, shortly after Roosevelt’s death. |
| Design | Features Roosevelt’s profile on the obverse. The reverse includes a torch, olive branch, and oak branch symbolizing freedom and strength. |
4. George Washington
| Coin | Details |
|---|---|
| Quarter (25¢) | Introduced in 1932 to mark the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth. |
| Design | Washington’s profile appears on the obverse, while the reverse has featured various designs, including the U.S. eagle and state/park themes. |
5. John F. Kennedy
| Coin | Details |
|---|---|
| Half Dollar (50¢) | First issued in 1964 to honor Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. |
| Design | Features Kennedy’s profile on the obverse. |
Presidents Featured on Commemorative or Special Coins
1. Dwight D. Eisenhower
| Coin | Details |
|---|---|
| Eisenhower Dollar ($1) | Minted from 1971 to 1978, the first U.S. dollar coin to feature a president since 1935. |
2. Theodore Roosevelt
| Coin | Details |
|---|---|
| National Park Quarters | Roosevelt appears on the reverse of the 2016 Quarter commemorating the National Park Service. |
3. Presidential $1 Coin Program (2007–2016)
The Presidential $1 Coin Program issued $1 coins featuring U.S. presidents in the order they served, starting with George Washington and ending with Ronald Reagan. These coins are no longer in circulation but remain popular among collectors.
| Presidents Featured | Notable Coins |
|---|---|
| George Washington | First president featured on a $1 coin in 2007. |
| Abraham Lincoln | Featured on the 2010 $1 coin as part of this series. |
| Ronald Reagan | Last coin in the series (2016). |
Why Are Presidents on Coins?
Presidents are featured on coins to commemorate their contributions to U.S. history and symbolize national pride. Their portraits serve as reminders of their leadership and the principles they championed.
Conclusion
The heads of several U.S. presidents, including Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Kennedy, are featured on circulating coins, with many others honored through commemorative series like the Presidential $1 Coin Program. These coins are more than just currency—they are historical artifacts celebrating America’s most influential leaders.