Yes, you can order dollar coins from most banks, but you'll need to ask in advance and may pay a small fee
Most banks will order dollar coins for you if you request them, but they don't keep them in stock at the teller window. You'll need to go to a branch, ask a teller or manager, and place an order. The bank then gets the coins from the Federal Reserve, which takes three to seven business days. Some banks charge a small fee (usually $5 to $10) to order coins; others do it free if you have an account with them. A few banks won't order them at all, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
Dollar coins are legal tender and the Federal Reserve produces them, but they're uncommon in everyday circulation. Most people and businesses don't use them, so banks have to special-order them rather than stock them like quarters or dimes. If you need them for a specific reason—a vending machine, a collection, or a business that uses them—ordering from your bank is the most straightforward way.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank before visiting to confirm they order dollar coins and ask whether there's a fee.
- The order typically arrives in three to seven business days from the Federal Reserve.
- You'll need to specify which type of dollar coin you want: Presidential dollars, Native American dollars, or Sacagawea dollars.
- Some banks charge $5 to $10 to order coins; others waive the fee for account holders.
- If your bank won't order them, a coin dealer or the U.S. Mint's online store are alternatives.
What to do before you visit the bank
Call your bank's main branch or the number on the back of your debit card and ask whether they order dollar coins. Not every bank does—some smaller institutions or credit unions may decline. When you call, ask three things: whether they order them, how long it takes, and whether there's a fee. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date, in case you need to follow up.
Decide which type of dollar coin you want. The Federal Reserve currently produces three types: Sacagawea dollars (gold-colored, with a Native American woman and her infant son on the reverse), Presidential dollars (also gold-colored, featuring deceased U.S. presidents), and Native American dollars (gold-colored, with rotating designs honoring Native American cultures). Tell the bank which one you want and how many. If you don't have a preference, Sacagawea dollars are the most common.
How to place your order at the bank
Visit the branch in person or call and ask to speak with a manager or customer service representative. You'll need to provide your account number and identification. The bank will ask how many coins you want and which type. Most banks have a minimum order (often $100 to $500 worth of coins) and a maximum per order, though these limits vary.
If there's a fee, the bank will tell you the amount and when you'll pay it—usually when you pick up the coins. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number so you can track the order. The bank will give you a pickup date or call you when the coins arrive from the Federal Reserve.
What happens when your order arrives
The Federal Reserve ships the coins to your bank's branch, usually within three to seven business days. The bank will call or email you to let you know they're ready. Go to the branch during business hours with your ID and the confirmation number or receipt from your order. The teller will count out the coins and hand them to you.
Dollar coins are heavy—a single coin weighs about 8.1 grams, so $100 worth (100 coins) weighs roughly 1.8 pounds. Bring a bag or ask the bank for a coin wrapper or bag to carry them. The coins come in rolls of 25 coins per roll, so $100 worth is four rolls.
Fees and costs to expect
Some banks charge a flat fee to order coins, ranging from $5 to $10. Others waive the fee if you maintain a checking or savings account with them. A few banks don't charge at all. The fee is separate from the face value of the coins—if you order $100 in dollar coins and the bank charges $5, you pay $105 total.
If your bank declines to order them or charges a high fee, a local coin dealer may sell dollar coins at face value or a small markup. The U.S. Mint's online store also sells dollar coins directly, though shipping costs and minimum order amounts apply.
If your bank won't order dollar coins
Some banks, especially small credit unions or branches in rural areas, don't order coins from the Federal Reserve. If yours declines, you have two alternatives. A local coin dealer (search "coin shop near me" or check the Professional Numismatists Guild directory) will usually have dollar coins in stock and sell them at face value or a small markup. Call ahead to confirm they have the type you want.
The U.S. Mint's online store (usmint.gov) sells dollar coins directly, but they come in sets or rolls with a minimum purchase. Shipping adds $5 to $15 to your order, so this route is more expensive than a bank order unless you want a large quantity or a specific commemorative set.
Why banks don't stock dollar coins
Dollar coins are legal tender and the Federal Reserve produces them every year, but they're rarely used in stores or by consumers. Most people pay with bills, cards, or smaller coins. Businesses that need dollar coins—laundromats, vending machine operators, casinos—order them in bulk directly from the Federal Reserve or through armored car services. Because demand is low, banks don't keep them on hand and order them only when a customer requests them.
This doesn't mean dollar coins are rare or hard to get—it just means you have to ask for them. The Federal Reserve has no shortage and can fill orders within a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order dollar coins online from my bank?
Most banks require you to order in person or by phone, not through their website. Call the branch directly or visit in person. Some larger banks may have an online form, but you'll still need to pick up the coins at a physical branch.
What if I want a specific year or design?
The Federal Reserve supplies whatever dollar coins are currently in production. You can request a specific type (Sacagawea, Presidential, or Native American), but not a specific year. If you want rare or older dollar coins, a coin dealer is your better option.
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to order dollar coins?
Most banks require you to have an account with them. Call ahead to confirm. If you don't have an account, a coin dealer or the U.S. Mint's online store are your alternatives.
Can I exchange dollar bills for dollar coins at the bank?
Yes. If you already have dollar coins and want to exchange them for bills, or vice versa, any bank teller will do this for free at face value. You don't need to place an order—just bring the coins or bills to the teller window.
How long do dollar coins stay in circulation?
Dollar coins are produced every year and remain legal tender indefinitely. The Federal Reserve will continue to supply them as long as there is demand, so you can order them whenever you need them.