Which Presidential Dollar Coins Are Considered Rare? (And Valuable)

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Last Updated on: 8th August 2025, 04:04 pm

The U.S. Presidential $1 Coin Program ran from 2007 to 2016, honoring each deceased U.S. president in the order they served. While most coins in this series are common, a few stand out as valuable collectibles due to minting errors, unique features, or low mintage. In this guide, we'll break down the rarest and most valuable Presidential dollar coins and how much they're worth today.

🪙 What Are Presidential $1 Coins?

Presidential $1 coins were golden-colored (not gold) coins minted by the U.S. Mint. They feature:

• A portrait of a U.S. president on the obverse
• Statue of Liberty on the reverse
• Edge lettering with the year, mint mark, and mottos like “In God We Trust” and “E Pluribus Unum”

Coins were minted in Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S – proof coins only). After 2011, they were produced only for collectors—not for circulation.

🔥 Rare and Valuable Presidential Dollar Coins

1. 2007 George Washington Dollar – Missing Edge Lettering

• Nickname: “Godless Dollar”
• What's rare: Missing “In God We Trust” and other edge text
• Value: $100–$350 in uncirculated condition

2. 2007 John Adams Dollar – Missing or Doubled Edge Lettering

• Errors: Missing edge text or doubled lettering
• Value: $50–$300

3. 2008 Martin Van Buren Dollar – Plain Edge

• Error: Edge inscriptions completely missing
• Value: $100–$250

4. 2007 Thomas Jefferson Dollar – Inverted or Double Edge Lettering

• Error: Text appears twice or upside down
• Value: $50–$200+

5. San Francisco Proof Coins (2007–2016)

• Minted only for collectors with a mirror-like finish
• Value: $3–$15+ each depending on grade

6. Edge Lettering Variants: Position A vs. Position B

• Position A: Edge text readable with heads-up orientation
• Position B: Edge text readable with tails-up orientation
• Note: These aren't errors, but some collectors pay a premium for both variants

⚠️ Common Presidential $1 Coins Worth Face Value

Many coins from 2009–2016 are common and were only sold in collector sets. Unless your coin is uncirculated, has a known error, or is professionally graded MS67+, it’s likely worth just $1.

Examples of common coins:

• Millard Fillmore (2010)
• James Garfield (2011)
• Warren G. Harding (2014)
• Gerald R. Ford (2016)

🧠 Collector Tips

• Check the edge for errors — most rare types involve missing or doubled lettering
• Use gloves and coin capsules when handling potentially valuable coins
• Consider grading rare coins with PCGS or NGC
• Mint-sealed rolls and bags may still contain valuable error coins
• Don't confuse Presidential Coins for collectors coins like the Trump 2020 coin or others.

🧾 Summary Table: Rare Presidential Dollar Coins

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Are any Presidential $1 coins made of real gold?

No. Presidential $1 coins are made of a golden-colored manganese-brass alloy. They contain no actual gold and are not considered bullion coins. Their value is based on collectibility, not metal content.

What’s the difference between bullion coins and Presidential dollar coins?

Bullion coins like the American Gold Eagle or Silver Eagle are made from precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) and are primarily used for investment. Their value is based on their metal content and the current spot price. Presidential dollar coins are commemorative coins meant for circulation or collecting. They have little to no intrinsic metal value and are not made from precious metals.

What is the “Trump coin” and is it part of the Presidential $1 series?

No, the so-called “Trump coin” is not issued by the U.S. Mint and is not part of the official Presidential $1 Coin Program. These coins are privately minted novelty or commemorative items and are often sold as collectibles or political memorabilia. They have no legal tender value and should not be confused with actual U.S. currency.

Are Presidential dollar coins still being made?

No. The U.S. Mint officially ended the Presidential $1 Coin Program in 2016 with the issuance of the Ronald Reagan dollar. Coins minted after 2011 were produced in limited quantities for collectors only and were not released into general circulation.

How can I tell if I have a rare Presidential dollar coin?

Check the edge of the coin. Most rare Presidential dollar coins involve errors in the edge lettering, such as:

• Missing inscriptions
• Doubled or inverted lettering
• Misaligned or incomplete inscriptions

If you suspect your coin may be valuable, consider having it graded by a third-party service like PCGS or NGC.

Are Presidential $1 coins a good investment?

In general, Presidential $1 coins are not considered strong investments unless they are rare error coins in pristine condition. They are more suited for collectors than investors. For long-term value, bullion coins made of gold or silver are preferred by most investors.

Can I use Presidential $1 coins as money?

Yes. All Presidential $1 coins are legal tender with a face value of $1 USD. However, due to their collectible nature and limited circulation after 2011, they are rarely used in everyday transactions.

Can I use Presidential $1 coins as money?

Gold coins and gold bars are quite different. Generally, for investment purposes we recommend holding gold bars or high-purity and low premium gold bullion coins. Rare coins, like the Presidential coins covered in this article, are meant for collectors, not investors.