George Washington Coins (1789–1797): Small Coins, Big Value?

There’s a lot about the George Washington dollar coin 1789 to 1797 value. This is not just a currency. As the first release of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, the 1 dollar coin George Washington holds the honor of being a modern tribute to America’s founding father. And yes — it might be worth far more than a buck.

The range of versions — from standard circulation to error ones and gold-plated editions — means that how much is a George Washington dollar coin worth can vary wildly depending on what you’ve got.

But what makes these pieces so valuable? What are the factors that influence their price? And how can you as a collector or as a beginner identify the coins? 

Presidential $1 Coin Program

It was a U.S. Mint initiative launched in 2007 to honor the presidents of the United States by issuing $1 pieces bearing their likeness in the order they served. The program was created under the Presidential $1 Act of 2005, with the goal of celebrating American history and encouraging the use of dollars in commerce.

• Start Year: 2007

• End Year: 2016 (with a final one in 2020 for George H. W. Bush)

• Total Coins Issued: 39 presidents featured (non-living presidents only)

• Material: Manganese-brass alloy (golden in color, not actual gold)

• Face Value: $1

• Edge Lettering: Included mottoes, the mint mark, and year of issue

• Eligibility: Only presidents deceased for at least two years at the time of issuance were included

Design

• Obverse: Portrait of the president, name, order of presidency, and term in office.

• Reverse: Statue of Liberty design (same on all specimens).

• Edge: Inscriptions such as "E Pluribus Unum", year, mint mark, and "In God We Trust" (the latter moved to obverse starting in 2009 due to controversy).

Why It Matters to Collectors

The first one issued was the George Washington dollar coin, dated 1789–1797. This one kickstarted widespread interest, especially because of high-profile minting errors (like missing edge lettering), limited satin finishes, and proof-only versions.

Today, collectors look for:

• High-grade ones from each president

• Error specimens (especially from early years like 2007)

• Complete sets in special albums or government packaging

By the way, the 1977 Roosevelt Dimes are also rather popular among collectors who want to appreciate the president’s influence on the USA. 

One Dollar George Washington Coin Specs

Where is the mint mark on a George Washington dollar coin? — It’s not on the front or back! It’s etched along the edge. That detail alone makes this type unique in U.S. coinage.

George Washington Dollar Coin Value 1789 to 1797 (2007 Issues)

The George Washington 1 dollar coin 1789 to 1797 value is fairly modest for standard issues — unless you've got something rare. It, as well as ancient coins of Greece, may be found for interesting versions that can surprise even seasoned numismatists.

Mint Marks and Their Values

1. 2007 P George Washington Dollar Coin Value (Philadelphia Mint)

• Mint Mark: "P" (on the edge)

• Mintage: 176,680,000

• George Washington dollar coin value 2007 P:

• Circulated (XF/AU): $1.00

• Uncirculated (MS60–MS63): $2.00–$4.00

• High Grade (MS65): ~$10

• MS67 or higher (certified): $50–$150+

2. 2007 D George Washington Dollar Coin Value (Denver Mint)

• Mint Mark: "D" (on the edge)

• Mintage: 163,680,000

• George Washington dollar coin 2007 D value:

• Circulated: $1.00

• Uncirculated: $2.00–$4.00

• MS65: ~$10

• MS67+: $50–$125+

3. 2007 S George Washington Dollar Value (San Francisco Mint - Proof Only)

• Mint Mark: "S" (edge)

• Mintage: 3,965,989

• Proof Coin (mirror finish): Sold in proof sets

• 2007 George Washington dollar coin value S:

• Proof (PR65–PR69): $4.00–$10

• PR70 Deep Cameo: $25–$40

Edge Inscriptions (All Versions)

• Inscriptions include: “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, year, and mint mark

• Located on the edge, not the obverse or reverse

George Washington Dollar Coin Error Examples That Boost Value

While the average George Washington one dollar coin value may not blow your socks off, some errors absolutely can. Here's what collectors prefer in terms of the 2007 George Washington dollar coin error value:

1. No Date

This error is a factory miss: the edge inscriptions didn’t get stamped. That means no date, no “E Pluribus Unum,” no mint mark. This is the holy grail for Presidential dollar errors.

2. Double Edge Lettering

The piece was struck twice with the edge die, giving it a fuzzy, ghost-like duplicate effect. These aren't just interesting — they’re worth real money.

3. Inverted Edge Lettering

You flip the metal expecting the text to flow clockwise — and it goes the other way. A subtle error, but still collectible.

4. Weak Edge Lettering

Partially inscribed edges due to low pressure or worn dies. Worth watching for, especially in early 2007 issues, e.g., 2007 P George Washington dollar coin error specimens.

“Gold” Dollars: Are They Real Gold?

Let’s bust the myth: the gold dollar coin George Washington you found is likely not real gold. It’s made from a golden-hued alloy of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel.

So what about listings talking about the George Washington gold dollar coin 1789 to 1797 value? That’s often referring to standard or privately gold-plated ones.

However, real gold George Washington dollar coin pieces do exist, but they’re not part of the Presidential $1 series.

Don’t confuse these with the George Washington gold dollar coin value of the 2007 manganese-brass edition. These are different ones, with different price tags and audiences.

Important Note on “Presidential” Variants

If you're holding a George Washington 1 dollar coin value specimen, always check for:

• Proof vs. Circulated status

• George Washington dollar coin 2007 P, D or S

• Edge Errors (especially on early 2007 pieces)

• Mint Mark location and presence

• Potential private gold plating (not official, but can raise novelty value)

Even among common specimens, some rare George Washington dollar coin editions sneak through into circulation.

Why Are Collectors So Interested in These?

Because they’re the first issue of a new generation of numismatic metals. The George Washington coin dollar launched the Presidential series with flair — edge lettering, fresh designs, and minting experiments. 

If you spot one listed as a dollar coin with George Washington or see mentions of its value, ask: is it an official Mint product? Is it error-free? Is it proof?

That’s the only way to tell if your 1 dollar George Washington coin value is in the hundreds — or just one buck.

The Smart Way to Find Out What Your Piece Is Worth

So… you’ve got a George Washington specimen. You’re wondering what to do next.

The answer? Don’t guess — scan it.

Coin ID Scanner will help you! This isn’t your average app. It uses advanced AI to:

• Instantly identify your piece from a photo

• Reveal the market prices, e.g., the one dollar coin George Washington 1789 to 1797 value, updated regularly

• Help you catalog your collections securely

• Store your entire collection in a visual archive with notes

Final Thoughts: Value Is in the Details

Let’s bring it home.

• The standard value of George Washington dollar coin pieces is around $1–$8.

• Mint errors like missing or inverted edge lettering can raise that to $100–$350+.

• Proofs, satin finish, and gold-plated novelties have their own markets.

• Real gold versions exist — but they’re commemoratives, not circulation ones.

• Use a scanner app to turn your hobby into real knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does the dollar have the years 1789–1797 if it was minted in 2007?

The years 1789–1797 represent the presidential term, not the minting date. The Presidential $1 Program honored presidents in order of service, using their term years. The actual minting of the pieces began in 2007, which is inscribed along the edge.

2. Are they still being minted?

No, it was only minted in 2007 as the first release of the Presidential $1 Program. Once one was issued for a president, it was not reissued in subsequent years.

3. Can you still use this dollar coin as legal tender?

Yes, all coins from the Presidential $1 Coin Program, including the George Washington one, are legal tender in the United States and hold a face value of $1.00. However, their collectible value may exceed their spending value depending on condition and rarity.

4. Why was the edge lettering controversial?

The edge lettering on the 2007 specimens included “In God We Trust,” which sparked controversy because some were minted without this inscription (due to a minting error). These George Washington dollar no date or missing edge lettering errors were viewed by some as politically or religiously motivated, though they were simply mechanical errors.

5. How can I tell if my piece is proof or a satin finish?

• Proof ones have a mirror-like finish with frosted details and are only minted at the San Francisco Mint (S mint mark) for collector sets.

• Satin finish ones are included in special mint sets and have a matte-like texture different from standard circulation pieces.