Side view - letters on edge

As you hold up a Presidential dollar coin and view it from the side you will notice these new and exiting features. 

Surprising Mint Mark Location

An additional feature is that the mint mark will also be located on the side of the coin.  Therefore, to see what mint the coin was produced at, you will need to look at the edge of the coin. 

Two different methods of creating the edge lettering.  

The US mint announced they will be using two different techniques to locate the new information on each coins edge.  For regular "business strikes" the mint will send the coins through a special machine which will add the edge lettering after each coin is struck by the dies.  For "Proof" condition coins, the edge lettering will be added to the collar which holds the coin in place while being struck by the dies.  As the coin expands under great pressure when being struck by the coin dies, the metal will flow into the lettering found on the collar and thereby appear on the finished coins.

Edge lettering is not unique for United States coinage.  However, it hasn't been used in years for coins released into circulation.  The US mint used edge lettering in the early days of US coins back in the 19th century.  (Some old bust half dollars from the early 1800's showed edge lettering.)  Edge lettering gradually gave way to reeded edge and plain edge coinage.

Other websites with Information about Presidential Dollar coins:

• New ! Presidential Dollar Error Coins - Missing edge-lettering Washington dollar error coins - where to buy them.

• Presidential Dollar- Minting schedule

• President $1 - US mint information

• Pictures - Images of new 2007 Presidential Dollars

• Presidential Dollar Coin Proof Sets

• PCGS certified & graded Presidential Dollars

See related US President's spouses gold coins issued in 2007:

• Presidential Spouses - Wives of US presidents Gold Coins

• Pictures of President Spouses Gold Coins for 2007