America’s Presidents on Coins
Learn about president’s featured on U.S. coins.
Monthly Mint Trivia: Who was the first president to have his portrait appear on a coin during his lifetime?
The Face of Change
Since 1909, presidents have been featured on U.S. coins in honor of their contributions to the nation. The Mint has a long-standing tradition of recognizing each President of the United States with an official bronze medal issued during their time in office. From 2007 to 2016, the Mint issued four Presidential $1 Coins per year. In 2018, the Mint began producing Presidential Medals in 99.9 percent silver. Learn more about the history of presidents on coins.
Read on for details on how to incorporate coins into classroom lessons.
U.S. Mint Coin Classroom:
- Introduction to Coins (Grades K-2): Examine differences in coin types, characteristics and values.
- Coin Motion (Grades K-2): Practice identifying coins and values using this fascinating lesson plan.
- Parts of a Coin (Grades 3+): Learn the terms associated with the parts of a coin.
- Coin Parts Palooza (Grades 3+): Help students test their knowledge about the parts of a coin with this quiz.
Additional resources from around the web:
- Visit Parks Related to Presidents: Plan a visit to your local park or take a virtual tour to enhance knowledge about president’s honored at parks throughout the nation.
- U.S. Presidential Portrait Gallery: View a list of U.S. presidents and their portraits.
Coin of the Month: 2026 American Innovation $1 Coin – Iowa
The obverse design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions "$1" and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The design includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation. In 2026, the privy mark will incorporate a Liberty Bell with the inscription “250” to commemorate the Semiquincentennial of our Nation’s founding.
The reverse depicts Dr. Norman Borlaug holding a sheaf of wheat and wheat stalks, highlighting his pioneering work developing resilient crops capable of feeding a growing global population. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IOWA,” “NORMAN BORLAUG,” and “FATHER OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION.”
Plinky’s Presidential Challenge
Money Patterns
Coloring Pages
Trivia Answer: Calvin Coolidge