The 2008 James Monroe Dollar is a coin with many varieties, some with a ton of potential. But what is its value in today’s numismatic market? In this coin guide, we’ll be discussing all the varieties in the 2008 James Monroe Dollar Coin, how much they’re worth, and why they cost that much.
But just to tantalize you, below is an at-a-glance look at the value of the James Monroe Dollar:
James Monroe Dollar Coin Valuation Chart
| Coin Condition | Mint Variety | ||
| 2008-P Presidential Dollar | 2008-D Presidential Dollar | 2008-S Proof Presidential Dollar | |
| Good (G4) | $1 | $1 | – |
| Fine (F12) | $1 | $1 | – |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $1 | $1 | – |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $3 | $3 | – |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS65) | $7 | $7 | $4 |
Source: PCGS, 2023
James Monroe Dollar Coin: Historical Background
We cannot talk about the history of the James Monroe Dollar Coin without mentioning the Presidential Dollar Coins.
Authorized by Congress, the Presidential Dollar Coins are a series of dollar coins minted to honor our deceased presidents. For eligibility, a former president has to be dead for at least two years prior to the date of minting. As per these tough eligibility rules, George H. W. Bush was the last eligible president at the time of writing.
Since James Monroe was the fifth U.S. president, his dollar coin was issued fifth, right between James Madison’s and John Quincy Adams’ Dollar coins. All these dollar coins were released in 2008 and bore that date.
2008 James Monroe Dollar Coin: Physical Features
Congress may have authorized the Presidential Dollars but they failed to specify their colors. That decision fell on the U.S. Mint, and they went with the then-current Golden Dollar. That’s why the 2008 James Monroe Dollar is golden in appearance.
To achieve this color, the U.S. Mint went with a copper core sandwiched in manganese and brass cladding.
Below is a highlight of the 2008 James Monroe Dollar Coin’s physical attributes:
James Monroe Dollar Coin: Physical Characteristics
| Physical Feature | Notes |
| Color | Golden |
| Metallic Composition | 88.5% Copper
6.0% Zinc 3.5% Manganese 2.0% Nickel |
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
| Diameter | 26.49 mm |
| Thickness | 2.00 mm |
| Edge | Engraved with letters and symbols |
Obverse Design and Features
The obverse of the 2008 James Monroe Dollar Coin was designed by future Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, Joseph Menna.
His design for the 2008 James Monroe Dollar Coin included the following elements:
- A three-quarter view of the fifth U.S. president, James Monroe
- The name “JAMES MONROE”
- The description “5th PRESIDENT 1817-1825”
- Joseph Menna’s initials “JFM”
Reverse Design and Features
The reverse was the handiwork of Don Everhart, a sculptor and engraver. Everhart’s design has been used and will continue to be used on all reverses of the Presidential Dollar Coin series.
The rendition of his design that was used on the 2008 James Monroe Dollar Coin reverse included:
- A partial image of the Statue of Liberty
- The country of issue, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
- The denomination “$1”
- The designer’s initial “DE.”
Edge Design and Features
The Presidential Dollar series features an engraved edge, making it the first coin series to have engravings since the St. Gaudens Double Eagle.
This engraving included the following characters:
- The mint year, “2008”
- The mint mark(P, D, or S)
- The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
- The Motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”
These elements are arranged in the following order:
- 2008 [Mint Mark] E PLURIBUS UNUM IN GOD WE TRUST
2008 James Monroe Dollar Coin: Varieties and Valuation
All the big three mints took part in producing the James Monroe Dollar Coin, giving us the three mint mark varieties we’re all accustomed to. However, the minting techniques that these mints used led to the rise of two sub-varieties, Position A and Position B coins.
Position A coins will have the lettering on their edges inverted (or reading upside down) when James Monroe’s portrait is facing up.
Position B coins, on the other hand, will have the lettering on the edges reading normally when James Monroe’s portrait is facing up.
Some varieties were also missing the lettering on the edge entirely. Since the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is part of the missing engraving, coins in this variety were branded “the Godless Dollars.” While some people would like to consider this a mint error, we like to think of it as just another variation of the minting process.
2008-P James Monroe Dollar Coin Value
- U.S. Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 64,260,000
- Mint Mark: P
The Philadelphia Mint struck both Position A and Position B James Monroe Dollar Coin in unknown proportions. However, it’s easy to notice that there’s not much difference between the value of equally-graded coins from the two varieties.
Below is a highlight of how much PCGS values the different grades of these coin varieties:
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value | |
| Position A | Position B | |
| Good (G4) | $1 | $1 |
| Very Good (G8) | $1 | $1 |
| Fine (F12) | $1 | $1 |
| Very Fine (F20) | $1 | $1 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $1 | $1 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $1 | $1 |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $3 | $3 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS65) | $7 | $7 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS68) | $260 | $375 |
Source: PCGS, 2023
The coin market does not work like the supermarket; there are no fixed prices. The table above just shows how much PCGS values coins of different grades. Once a coin hits the auction block, it can sell beyond or below the prices above.
A prime example of a 2008-P James Monroe Position A Dollar Coin selling above and beyond its estimated value is an MS68 dollar coin that sold for $525.
Things are slightly more optimistic on the Position B side of the fence—an MS68 Position B dollar coin sold for a record-breaking $822.50.
2008-P Special James Monroe Dollar Coin with Satin Finish
- U.S. Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 743,464
- Mint Mark: P
The Philadelphia Mint also struck special versions of the 2008-P James Monroe Dollar Coins with a satin finish. This variety may have a low mintage, but it is not rare. And yes, they also came in either Position A or Position B varieties.
These coins will almost certainly be in mint condition. But what does that do to their value? Not much, apparently.
Check out PCGS’ value estimates in the table below:
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value | |
| Position A | Position B | |
| Uncirculated (SP60) | $3 | $3 |
| Uncirculated (SP61) | $3 | $3 |
| Uncirculated (SP62) | $3 | $3 |
| Uncirculated (SP63) | $4 | $4 |
| Uncirculated (SP64) | $4 | $4 |
| Uncirculated (SP65) | $5 | $5 |
| Uncirculated (SP66) | $6 | $6 |
| Uncirculated (SP67) | $8 | $8 |
| Uncirculated (SP68) | $12 | $12 |
| Uncirculated (SP69) | $75 | $215 |
Source: PCGS,2023
Notable sales from this variety include:
| 2008-P SP James Monroe Dollar Variety | Grade | Sale Price | Firm |
| Position A | SP69 | $175 | eBay |
| Position A | SP69 | $51 | Heritage Auctions |
| Position B | SP69 | $339 | eBay |
| Position B | SP68 | $21 | Great Collections |
2008-D James Monroe Dollar Coin Value
- U.S. Mint: Denver
- Mintage: 60,230,000
- Mint Mark: D
The Denver Mint also unintentionally struck 2008 James Monroe Dollar Coins in Position A and Position B varieties. 2008-D James Monroe Dollar coins are equally as valuable as 2008-P James Monroe Dollar Coins of the same grade.
The table below shows how much PCGS values 2008-D James Monroe Dollar Coins of different grades and varieties.
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value | |
| Position A | Position B | |
| Good (G4) | $1 | $1 |
| Very Good (G8) | $1 | $1 |
| Fine (F12) | $1 | $1 |
| Very Fine (F20) | $1 | $1 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $1 | $1 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $1 | $1 |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $3 | $3 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS65) | $7 | $7 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS67) | $15 | $15 |
Source: PCGS, 2023
Notable auction sales in the 2008-D James Monroe Dollar Coin family include:
| Coin Variety | Grade | Sale Price | Auction Firm |
| Position A | MS68 | $22 | David Lawrence |
| Position A | MS68 | $18 | David Lawrence |
| Position B | MS68 | $17.95 | eBay |
| Position B | MS68 | $517 | Heritage Auctions |
2008-D Special James Monroe Dollar Coin with Satin Finish
- U.S. Mint: Denver
- Mintage: 745,464
- Mintmark: D
Denver also struck special 2008-D James Monroe Dollar Coins with a satin finish. Production numbers are only 2,000 more than what the Philadelphia Mint produced. How valuable are they? Not so much. You need to have a nearly perfect coin just to break the $100 milestone.
The table summarizes the value of the common grades of this coin:
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value | |
| Position A | Position B | |
| Uncirculated (SP60) | $3 | $3 |
| Uncirculated (SP61) | $3 | $3 |
| Uncirculated (SP62) | $3 | $3 |
| Uncirculated (SP63) | $4 | $4 |
| Uncirculated (SP64) | $4 | $4 |
| Uncirculated (SP65) | $5 | $5 |
| Uncirculated (SP66) | $6 | $6 |
| Uncirculated (SP67) | $8 | $8 |
| Uncirculated (SP68) | $12 | $12 |
| Uncirculated (SP69) | $110 | $100 |
Source: PCGS,2023
As for the notable sales, here are four 2008-D Special James Monroe Dollar Coins and how they performed in various auctions.
| Coin Variety | Grade | Sale Price | Auction Firm |
| Position A | SP69 | $200 | eBay |
| Position A | SP69 | $84 | Heritage Auctions |
| Position B | SP69 | $185 | eBay |
| Position B | SP68 | $24 | Greate Collections |
2008-S James Monroe Dollar Coin Value
- U.S. Mint: San Francisco
- Mintage: 3,083,940
- Mint Mark: S
Since 1975, the San Francisco Mint has almost exclusively produced proof coins. Unlike the Denver and Philadelphia Mints, San Francisco was careful with how they were punching their edges. All their coins have uniform edges.
The 2008-S James Monroe Dollar Coin skipped circulation and was specifically sold to collectors. And because these coins didn’t have to deal with the hustle of exchanging hands often, they are almost always in mint condition.
How much are they worth?
Below is a summary of how much PCGS values 2008-S James Monroe Dollar coins of various grades:
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | – |
| Uncirculated (MS61) | – |
| Uncirculated (MS62) | – |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $3 |
| Uncirculated (MS64) | $3 |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $4 |
| Uncirculated (MS66) | $4 |
| Uncirculated (MS67) | $5 |
| Uncirculated (MS68) | $5 |
| Uncirculated (SP69) | $12 |
| Uncirculated (SP70) | $70 |
Source: PCGS, 2023
Some notable auction sales over the years include:
| Coin Variety | Grade | Sale Price | Auction Firm |
| 2008-S Proof James Monroe Dollar | PR67DCAM | $176 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2008-S Proof James Monroe Dollar | PR70DCAM | $219 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2008-S Proof James Monroe Dollar | PR70DCAM | $115 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2008-S Proof James Monroe Dollar | PR70DCAM | $150 | Heritage Auctions |
2008 James Monroe Godless Dollar Coin Value
- U.S. Mint: Philadelphia, Denver
- Mintage: Unknown
- Mint Mark: None
In the Presidential Dollar Coin series, the Godless Dollars are those missing the lettering on their edges. The 2008 James Monroes Dollar Coins had an unknown number of Godless Dollars. This mystery led to a lot of speculation and inflated valuations:
Below is a summary of what the 2008 James Monroe Godless Dollar coin could be worth:
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value | |
| Regular Struck | Special with Satin Finish | |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $50 | – |
| Uncirculated (MS61) | $55 | – |
| Uncirculated (MS62) | $65 | – |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $100 | – |
| Uncirculated (MS64) | $115 | $150 |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $130 | $200 |
| Uncirculated (MS66) | $150 | $260 |
| Uncirculated (MS67) | $250 | $375 |
| Uncirculated (MS68) | – | $525 |
| Uncirculated (MS69) | – | $1,600 |
Source: PCGS, 2023
The 2008 James Monroe Godless Dollar has also sold some valuable coins, including an MS67 coin that sold on eBay for $415.99. Another coin with the superior grade of SP68 was auctioned for $312. This example had a satin finish, hence the SP or Special grading.
James Monroe Dollar Coin: Valuable Error James Monroe Dollar Coins
With all these varieties, the James Monroe Dollar Coin is a gold mine of error coins. Below are just five examples we found on the internet:
1. 2008-P James Monroe Dollar Coin Struck on Improperly Annealed Planchet: Selling for $102.74
Annealing is the heat treatment that mints use to combine the metals of the clad. If improperly done, the metals that make the clad may separate in an effort to purify themselves. This particular coin shows this effect around the lower lip of James Monroe.
2. 2008-P James Monroe Dollar Coin Struck on Improperly Annealed Planchet: Selling for $99.95
Here’s another coin showing the same error. This particular dollar coin is in better condition than the previous one, as it is graded MS67 by PCGS. From the quality of the pictures posted, it’s hard to identify the troubled spots.
3. 2008-P James Monroe Dollar Coin Struck on Improperly Annealed Planchet: Selling for $449.97
Here’s a coin with a combination of errors. The first is that it was struck on an improperly annealed planchet. This error is confirmed on its grading by PCGS. The other error is that it was a victim of a filled die. The name “Monroe” is not fully-struck. So is the description “5th President 1817-1825,”
4. 2008-P James Monroe Dollar Coin with Weak Edge Lettering: Sold for $69
Minting is never a smooth operation; sometimes, it’s plagued with production issues. While striking the edges, some dies failed to fully engrave the lettering on the edge. That is exactly what happened to this particular coin. It has weak lettering on its edge and earned its owner $69.
5. 2008-D James Monroe Dollar Coin with Weak Edge Lettering: Sold for $61.50
Even the Denver Mint didn’t escape minting issues, and this coin proves it. This 2008-D James Monroe Dollar Coin features weak lettering on its edge, struck in Position B. It may not be your perfect coin, but this example still managed to convince PCGS of its MS65 grading.
James Monroe Dollar Coin: Is it Worth Collecting
If you like coins with multiple varieties, you will love the 2008 James Monroe Dollar Coin. The problem is that the Monroe Dollar Coin, along with the Presidential Dollar Coins that came before it, suffered from overminting. So much so that 2012 and later releases were only sold to collectors.
But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some good varieties out there. You want to hunt for the very lucrative Godless Dollars. Those coins have tons of potential.
Jenson is a professional numismatist, a dedicated coin collector, a graduate of the College of Business at Oregon State, a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), and an overall coin nerd. He is the founder of Coin Value List.