Yes, you can order dollar coins at most banks, but they don't keep them in stock
Most banks will order dollar coins for you, but you have to ask. Dollar coins sit in a vault somewhere—the Federal Reserve holds them, your bank's regional branch holds some, but your local branch teller drawer almost never has them. When you request them, the bank places an order through its regional processing center, and the coins arrive within a few business days to a week. You then pick them up at your branch or have them mailed to you.
The catch: not every bank does this, and some charge a small fee to order them. Call your branch first and ask whether they order dollar coins and what their process is. Some banks require you to order a minimum quantity—often $100 or $500 worth—so check that too before you make the trip.
Key Takeaways
- Dollar coins are available through banks but must be ordered in advance; they are not kept in regular teller drawers.
- The order typically arrives within three to seven business days at your local branch.
- Some banks charge a fee for ordering coins, and many require a minimum order amount.
- If your bank will not order them, credit unions and the Federal Reserve's coin and currency offices can also supply dollar coins.
Which dollar coins are in circulation and where to find them
The U.S. Mint produces four types of dollar coins currently: Presidential dollars (no longer minted but still in circulation), Native American dollars, American Innovation dollars, and Susan B. Anthony dollars (older, rarely seen). Most people have never handled them because they circulate so slowly—people hoard them, vending machines do not accept them, and retail stores rarely stock them in registers.
When you order from a bank, you get whatever the Federal Reserve sends. You cannot usually request a specific type or year. If you need a particular series for collecting, you may have better luck ordering directly from the U.S. Mint's online store or through a coin dealer, though those routes cost more because you pay a markup.
How to order dollar coins from your bank
Call your bank's main branch number and ask to speak with someone in the cash management or coin department. Tell them you want to order dollar coins and ask three things: whether they do this, what the minimum order is, and whether there is a fee. Write down the answers.
If they say yes, you will either go to the branch in person to place the order or do it over the phone. Bring your account number and a form of ID. The bank will tell you when to pick up the coins—usually within a week. Some banks mail coins to your address on file instead. Ask which option they offer.
When you pick up the coins, count them on the spot. The bank should hand you a receipt showing the quantity and denomination. Keep that receipt in case there is a discrepancy later.
Fees and minimum orders vary by bank
Most large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) order coins for free if you have an account with them, but they often require a minimum order of $100 to $500 in face value. Regional and community banks vary widely—some charge $5 to $10 per order, and some have no minimum. Credit unions often have lower minimums and no fees.
Before you order, ask whether the fee is charged to your account or deducted from the coins themselves. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the order. If the fee is high relative to what you are ordering, it may not be worth it.
What to do if your bank will not order dollar coins
If your bank declines, try a different bank or credit union in your area. Many credit unions have coin-ordering programs and are more flexible about minimums and fees. You can also contact your Federal Reserve's coin and currency office directly. The Federal Reserve operates 12 regional banks across the country, and most have public coin distribution services. Search "Federal Reserve coin office near me" to find the one serving your area, then call to ask about ordering dollar coins.
Another option is a local coin dealer. They stock dollar coins and will sell them to you at face value plus a small markup (usually 5 to 10 percent). This costs more than ordering from a bank, but you get the coins immediately and can often choose the type or year you want.
Why dollar coins are hard to find in everyday use
Dollar coins circulate slowly because people do not use them. Vending machines, parking meters, and laundromats do not accept them. Retail cashiers are unfamiliar with them and often treat them as unusual or suspicious. Customers who receive them in change tend to pocket them as curiosities rather than spend them, so they never re-enter circulation.
The U.S. Mint keeps producing them because they are legal tender and some people collect them, but there is no push to make them common. If you want to use dollar coins regularly, you will have to order them yourself and then spend them intentionally—most merchants will accept them without issue once they see they are real U.S. currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order dollar coins online from my bank?
Some banks allow you to request coins through their website or mobile app, but most require a phone call to the branch. Check your bank's website first, or call the branch directly to ask whether online ordering is an option.
Do I have to have an account at the bank to order dollar coins?
Most banks require you to have an account. If you do not bank there, contact the Federal Reserve's coin office or a local coin dealer instead.
What happens if I order dollar coins and then change my mind?
Once the coins arrive at your branch, you can deposit them back into your account or exchange them for other currency. There is usually no penalty, but confirm this with your bank before you place the order.
Are dollar coins worth more than their face value?
No. Circulating dollar coins are worth exactly one dollar. Older or rare dollar coins may be worth more to collectors, but standard modern dollar coins have no premium value.
How long does it take to get dollar coins after I order them?
Most orders arrive within three to seven business days. Some banks can expedite orders to two to three days if you pay a rush fee. Ask your bank what their standard timeline is.