Expert: PAPAJACK - 3/11/2008

Question
I NOTICED THAT THE PRINTING ON THE SIDE OF ONE WASHINGTON DOLLAR IS UPSIDE-DOWN WHEN COMPARING IT TO OTHER FIRST-YEAR PRESIDENTIAL DOLLAR COINS.  IS THIS NORMAL OR IS IT AN EXCEPTION?

Answer
Hello Dennis,      

As for this edge lettering I have not seen any hard evidence from the mint about which is correct.
Many people have found them to be "up-side-down" so the printing both ways seems to be common. And I do not see a huge demand for having one of each kind.

The mint is again counting on many people keeping the coins as collectors’ items. For each one never redeemed as a medium of exchange it is another dollar on the governments pocket and over a 90 cent profit to the U.S. Mint, since they sell the coins at face value to the bank and manufacture them for a few cents each.
There does seem like some people are creating an artificial mark-up and selling as rare collectables, what will be a common coin.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack