Top 10 Most Valuable Presidential Coins
Posted by Andrew Adamo on Feb 28th 2024
Presidential Coins Worth Money
The US Mint produced a series of dollar coins honoring US presidents. Are they worth more than their face value today? What are the Most Valuable Presidential Coins?
In this article, we will discuss the most valuable presidential coins to have come to the market and what made them so special.
The Most Valuable Presidential Coins
1. 2007-D George Washington Dollar, First Day Of Issue, MS67
Some modern coins are produced in large numbers and the presidential coins series are one of those. Even though mintages are high, some presidential coins worth more than their face value, if there is something special about them. For some collectors, that’s a coin that’s issued on the very first day of the mintage, for others - rare coin errors.
Coins issued on the very first day of the mintage are known as “first day of issue”, or FDI. In order to be designated, they need to be submitted to an independent coin grading agency such as NGC or PCGS on the first day of release. In the case of the 2007 D Washington dollar, that was 15 February 2007.
The agency will then incorporate the FDI designation into the description of the coin printed on its holder, typically resulting in a slight premium added to its value.
Nevertheless, the majority of FDI coins do not hold significant monetary worth. In 2007, over 163 million George Washington coins were minted in Denver, with an additional 176 million struck in Philadelphia during the same year, indicating a high production volume on the initial day.
The mintmark, which indicates where your coin was struck, can be found on the edge of the coin. "D" represents Denver, and "P" represents Philadelphia.
In the world of coins, quality and condition play a pivotal role in determining their value. Coins in pristine condition, often referred to as "mint state," are highly sought after. However, even most mint state 2007 Denver Washington dollars are typically valued at around $2.
There are exceptions, though. The most exceptional specimens are graded as MS67 by independent coin graders like PCGS. Due to the rarity of coins certified at this level (only two exist), they command significantly higher values.
For instance, one of these coins was sold on the online auction platform eBay for $228 in 2012. Presently, the PCGS estimates their worth to be $475 each.
2. (2007) George Washington Dollar, Missing Edge Lettering, MS68
In 2007, a portion of the Washington dollars lacked any lettering on their edges, rendering it impossible to determine whether they were struck in Denver or Philadelphia. Furthermore, the date, which was supposed to appear on the edge, was also absent.
Collectors quickly identified this issue, with such coins surfacing as early as a couple of weeks after their release.
Initially, the rarity of this error and its nomenclature were uncertain. Given that the motto "In God We Trust" was also meant to be on the coin's edge, some referred to it as the "Godless dollar."
Early discoveries of these coins garnered substantial prices, as collectors speculated on their scarcity. In 2010, the auction record for a Washington dollar with missing edge lettering was established when a coin graded MS67 sold for $1,007.
However, as more examples emerged over time, prices declined. Today, the PCGS assesses the value of the same MS67 coin at $260.
The most exceptional known specimens, consisting of three coins graded MS68, command a substantial premium. PCGS values each of these coins at an impressive $4,250 apiece.
3. (2007) Thomas Jefferson, Missing Edge Lettering, MS68
Several presidential coins, including some with missing edge lettering, can command significant value for their highest quality specimens.
Among the presidential coins minted in 2007, there are examples honoring President Thomas Jefferson that lack edge lettering. Consequently, these coins lack a mint mark indicating their place of origin, and there is no date mark either, as they were only produced in the year 2007.
Similar to other error coins in the presidential coins series, prices initially soared as collectors speculated about their rarity. In 2009, just a couple of years after their release, the auction record was established. The specific coin in question received a PCGS rating of MS66 and sold for an impressive $1,725.
However, a significantly higher number of coins of that quality have since surfaced. PCGS has certified over 700 of them, currently valuing each at slightly over $100. Additionally, there are over 100 MS67 coins, with each carrying an estimated value of $375.
Nevertheless, collectors are still willing to invest substantial sums for the best examples from a particular mintage. In the case of the 2007 Jefferson dollar with missing edge lettering, the highest accolade goes to a solitary coin graded as MS68, which the PCGS values at $6,500.
4. (2007) James Madison, Missing Edge Lettering, MS67
A similar narrative unfolds for another presidential dollar minted in 2007, which also lacks edge lettering. This particular coin pays tribute to James Madison and holds the distinction of being the fourth in the series.
A substantial number of over 200 million of these coins were struck in both Denver and Philadelphia. However, only a much smaller subset of them are missing their edge lettering. If you happen to come across one in mint state, graded 60 or higher, its value significantly exceeds its face value.
The PCGS estimates the worth of a coin graded MS60 at $70, and values increase into three figures at MS63. However, they experience a steeper ascent at MS66 and beyond.
To date, the PCGS has certified 33 coins as MS66. One of these coins was last auctioned in 2013, fetching $441, and presently, the PCGS appraises it at $600.
Nevertheless, the most exceptional specimen is a single coin graded one point higher. While its value has not been publicly tested through a sale, the PCGS places it at an impressive $4,000.
5. (2008) John Quincy Adams Dollar, Missing Edge Lettering, MS68
The dollar coin commemorating John Quincy Adams was minted in 2008, and similarly to the previous year's dollars, some of them lacked edge lettering.
By that time, collectors had become accustomed to encountering dollar coins with plain edges. However, it became evident that the John Quincy Adams versions were rarer than the plain edge Washington dollars.
Nevertheless, prices for these coins have generally declined over time. The auction record for a plain edge Adams dollar was established in 2012 when a coin graded MS66 was sold on eBay for $1,104. Presently, the PCGS has certified four coins at that level, valuing each at $200.
The highest-quality specimens identified thus far are graded MS68. However, the PCGS has certified seventeen of them, making them slightly less sought after than other "best in class" examples. The PCGS assesses their value at $425 each.
6. 2008-D Andrew Jackson, Position A, MS67
Andrew Jackson's dollar coin, as the seventh U.S. president, marked the seventh coin in the series. It was minted in 2008, with a total production of just over 122 million coins. Approximately half of these were struck in Denver and bear the "D" mintmark on the edge.
The inclusion of coin edge lettering led to the existence of two distinct variants for most presidential coins. In the "Position A" variant, the coin's edge lettering is upside down when the president's portrait is facing up. Conversely, in "Position B" coins, the opposite orientation is observed.
Coins in circulated condition, including "about uncirculated" examples, hold a value equivalent to their face value. Mint state coins graded as MS60 can be acquired for just a few dollars more.
Among the Position A coins, the cream of the crop, as of now, are coins graded as MS67. The PCGS has certified seven of these coins, valuing each at $370.
7. (2008) Andrew Jackson, Satin Finish, Missing Edge Lettering, MS69
Even the highest-quality standard Jackson dollars do not command substantial sums. However, should you come across a unique coin with an error, it has the potential to fetch a significantly higher price.
This holds true for two known coins that lack edge lettering. While such coins are relatively common, these particular ones are also classified as "special strikes," produced in limited quantities for collectors and featuring a special satin finish.
This combination, while not unique, has resulted in the PCGS grading hundreds of Jackson dollars with missing edge lettering and a satin finish. Over 100 of them have been certified at the SP67 level alone (with the PCGS using the SP prefix for special strike coins).
Yet, these two specific examples are in nearly flawless condition, graded as SP69. This exceptional quality is the reason the PCGS values each of them at $1,000.
8. 2009-P John Tyler, Position A, MS68
In 2009, which marked the third year of presidential dollar minting, some collectors were beginning to lose their enthusiasm, leading to a decline in mintage numbers. During that year, just over 87 million dollar coins were struck to honor the tenth U.S. president, John Tyler.
Similar to other presidential dollars, the positioning of the coin edge lettering distinguishes the variant. An exceptional coin that made headlines was a Position A example.
This coin was produced in Philadelphia and was auctioned off just a year after its release. It received a PCGS grade of MS67 and achieved an impressive price of $1,150.
However, this is another instance where prices have decreased over the years due to the discovery of more high-quality coins. Presently, the same coin is valued by the PCGS at approximately $225. The highest-quality known specimen is graded as MS68 and holds a value of $900.
9. (2009) WH Harrison, Missing Edge Lettering, MS69
William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the USA, had his dollar coin issued in 2009. Similar to previous presidential dollars, a portion of the 98.4 million mintage lacked edge lettering.
The PCGS has authenticated Harrison dollars with missing edge lettering across grades starting from MS63 and beyond. You can acquire one at the lower end of this spectrum for approximately $30, and prices continue to stay in the double-digit range up to and including MS67.
However, at the MS67+ grade, the value increases to $200, and at MS68, it approaches nearly $1,000.
The most exceptional coin in existence bears a grade of MS69. It changed hands twice in recent years, selling at Heritage Auctions in 2019 for a modest $456. Just three years later, it reappeared on eBay and was ultimately sold for a best offer of $1,250.
10. (2010) Millard Fillmore, Missing Edge Lettering, MS69
Millard Fillmore, the 13th president, had dollar coins commemorating his presidency struck in 2010. Mintage numbers had continued to decline, with approximately 74.5 million coins being produced.
However, three years after the first presidential coins were introduced, the issue of missing edge lettering persisted. Collectors, as always, were willing to pay a premium for high-quality coins exhibiting this error.
Values for mint state examples begin at around $15, and a top-notch MS65 coin could be obtained for approximately $40. Coins at this level are not considered rare, as the PCGS has certified well over a thousand at MS65.
Interestingly, this wasn't always the case. The record-setting auction price for this mintage and error is $646, established in 2016 for a coin graded MS65. This serves as a reminder that speculating on the rarity of modern coins doesn't always yield significant returns.
Even at the MS68 grade, these coins remain relatively affordable today, with a PCGS population of 270 and a modest value of $275 as a result.
However, moving up by half a grade alters the picture. If you happen upon a coin graded as MS68+, its value increases to around $875. The finest-known coin of all is a solitary example graded as MS69. While it has never been sold, the PCGS appraises its worth at $5,500.
Presidential Dollars That Are Worth Money
This concludes our exploration of some of the most valuable presidential coins available. We trust that you've found this information enjoyable and enlightening.
Typically, circulated coins do not carry a value higher than their face value. However, if you possess one in immaculate condition, its worth could be significantly greater, particularly if it boasts an intriguing error.
FAQ
How does the U.S. Mint handle the distribution and public availability of error coins that become highly valuable among collectors?
The U.S. Mint has stringent quality control measures in place to minimize the production and distribution of error coins. However, when error coins do become available to the public, either through direct sales or circulation, the Mint does not actively manage or intervene in their secondary market distribution. Instead, the responsibility falls to collectors, dealers, and auction houses to recognize and trade these error coins based on their rarity and demand among collectors. The Mint occasionally acknowledges the occurrence of errors and may provide information on production processes, but it does not directly handle the sale or valuation of error coins once they enter the public domain.
Are there specific years or mints known for producing higher quantities of error coins within the Presidential Coins series?
Regarding the production of error coins within the Presidential Dollar series, while there isn't a specific year or mint that is known for producing a higher quantity of errors systematically, certain issues have become famous for their errors. For example, the 2007 George Washington dollar coins with missing edge lettering were among the first and most widely publicized errors in the series. These errors are not limited to a single year or mint but can occur sporadically due to the complexities of the minting process and the series' unique edge lettering feature. Collectors often keep a keen eye on new releases for potential errors, which can occur at any mint at any time.
What measures do grading agencies like NGC and PCGS take to ensure the authenticity and accurate grading of Presidential coins, especially those with errors or special designations like FDI?
Grading agencies such as NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) and PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) employ rigorous procedures to ensure the authenticity and accurate grading of coins, including those from the Presidential coins series. These procedures include thorough examination by multiple expert graders, the use of advanced technology to detect counterfeits and alterations, and strict adherence to standardized grading criteria. For coins with errors or special designations like FDI (First Day of Issue), additional verification steps ensure the error is genuine and the coin meets the criteria for special designations. These agencies also maintain detailed records and encapsulate coins in tamper-evident holders with unique certification numbers, further ensuring the coin's provenance and condition are preserved and can be trusted by collectors and dealers alike.