The "Missing God" Dollar: A Coin That Caused a National Stir
In 2007, the U.S. Mint released the first Presidential dollar, featuring George Washington. Almost immediately, reports flooded in from across the country: people were finding coins missing the edge lettering, including the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST."The media frenzy was instant, dubbing them the "Godless Dollars." How did this happen? The mint's new edge-lettering technology failed on a massive scale. As blank planchets fed into the press, some missed the step where the edge lettering was applied. The result? A fully struck coin with a plain, smooth edge.While the Mint stated these were just defective coins, collectors went wild. They are a fascinating and accessible modern error. Finding one in change is a genuine thrill and a neat piece of 21st-century minting history. For a coin where the key detail is on the edge, clear photos are crucial. That’s where a dedicated coin identifier app can be a huge help for getting a proper ID.