2008 (S) Proof Presidential Dollar - Martin Van Buren

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,980 PR65 06-17-2010 Bowers & Merena

Description

The 2008 (S) Proof Presidential Dollar - Martin Van Buren is a proof dollar struck at the San Francisco Mint, part of the Presidential Dollars 2007 to Date series. The U.S. Mint produced 3.1 million examples, making this ranked 20th of 44 mint variants by mintage, with less than 1% of production. The obverse features rotating portraits of each U.S. president in order of service, released four per year and the reverse displays the Statue of Liberty. The eighth President (1837–1841), Martin Van Buren was the first president born as a U.S. citizen rather than a British subject, and the only president whose first language was not English — he grew up speaking Dutch. His term was dominated by the Panic of 1837. The second year honored Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Jackson, and Van Buren. Mounting complaints about edge lettering legibility led Congress to move "In God We Trust" to the obverse starting in 2009. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value is approximately $5. Struck in 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese and 2% nickel, weighing 8.1 grams, 26.5 mm in diameter, with a lettered edge. Cataloged as PCGS #394885.