5 Most Valuable Presidential Dollar Coins

The Presidential $1 Coin Program was launched in 2007, and became a significant moment in American numismatics. For the first time, every U.S. president would be honored systematically on circulating dollars. This initiative introduced collectors to a lot of different designs, sometimes with specific errors, and limited mintage. 

Yet, not all these pieces are created equal—some are beloved thanks to their rarity, errors or unique features. This leads collectors to ask: “Which presidential dollar coins are rare?” Below, we will tell you about the 2007 presidential dollar coins value—as well as explore their history, design, and what makes them so desirable (if does).

Most Valuable Rare Presidential Dollar Coins

Disclaimer: The one dollar presidential coins value depends on the condition, market trends, and rarity. Always consult a trusted numismatist or use tools like the Coin ID Scanner app for precise valuations.

*Read more about this coin further, as it is not one from the set described. 

A Brief Historical Overview

The U.S. Mint’s decision to feature presidents on dollar metals in 2007 was a departure from tradition. Historically, dollar coins depicted allegorical figures, such as Lady Liberty, as a symbol of freedom and national ideals. While presidents graced smaller denominations like the penny, nickel, and dime, the dollar’s larger canvas allowed for more designs and detailed artistry.

The Presidential $1 Coin Program honored presidents in the order they served, starting with George Washington. Each obverse displayed a presidential portrait, while the reverse featured the Statue of Liberty. Edge lettering included the year, mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” but some of them famously lack these inscriptions due to minting errors. Intended for circulation, US presidential dollar coins became highly collectible because of their designs, historical significance, and occasional production anomalies.

Related article: 1981 Penny Overview.

Presidential Dollar Coins Complete Set List

2007:

George Washington (1789–1797)

John Adams (1797–1801)

Thomas Jefferson (1801–1809)

James Madison (1809–1817)

2008:

James Monroe (1817–1825)

John Quincy Adams (1825–1829)

Andrew Jackson (1829–1837)

Martin Van Buren (1837–1841)

2009:

William Henry Harrison (1841)

John Tyler (1841–1845)

James K. Polk (1845–1849)

Zachary Taylor (1849–1850)

2010:

Millard Fillmore (1850–1853)

Franklin Pierce (1853–1857)

James Buchanan (1857–1861)

Abraham Lincoln (1861–1865)

2011:

Andrew Johnson (1865–1869)

Ulysses S. Grant (1869–1877)

Rutherford B. Hayes (1877–1881)

James A. Garfield (1881)

2012:

Chester A. Arthur (1881–1885)

Grover Cleveland (1st term, 1885–1889)

Benjamin Harrison (1889–1893)

Grover Cleveland (2nd term, 1893–1897)

2013:

William McKinley (1897–1901)

Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909)

William Howard Taft (1909–1913)

Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921)

2014:

Warren G. Harding (1921–1923)

Calvin Coolidge (1923–1929)

Herbert Hoover (1929–1933)

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945)

2015:

Harry S. Truman (1945–1953)

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961)

John F. Kennedy (1961–1963)

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)

2016:

Richard Nixon (1969–1974)

Gerald R. Ford (1974–1977)

Jimmy Carter (1977–1981) (Not issued due to living status)

Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)

They were only issued for deceased presidents; therefore, living presidents at the time of the program (e.g., Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush) were not included. This program concluded with Ronald Reagan in 2016.

Top 5: Are Any Presidential Dollar Coins Valuable? Yes!

2007-S John Adams Proof

As the second one in the series, the 2007-S John Adams Proof celebrates America’s second president. Struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint, this piece has a polished proof finish that accentuates its details. Unlike standard issues, its edge inscriptions were applied using a segmented collar die.

Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel

As part of a four-coin proof set, this one remains in high demand among collectors. Its value often exceeds $250, underscoring its appeal as one of the most coveted valuable presidential dollar coins.

2007 Missing Edge Thomas Jefferson

A prime example of how errors enhance collectability, the 2007 Missing Edge Thomas Jefferson dollar is a remarkable anomaly. During production at the Philadelphia Mint, some skipped the edge lettering process. The result is in blank edges. This error transformed an otherwise standard issue into one of the most valuable rare presidential dollar coins.

Composition: Same as other presidential dollars

What is the value of presidential dollar coins of this type? With a price tag exceeding $300, this exemplifies the impact of presidential dollar coins errors on market demand.

2009 James K. Polk Position A

This example features James K. Polk, the 11th president. It is in our top thanks to its Position A edge lettering. Unlike most coins, the inscriptions on Position A dollars are upside-down when viewed with the president’s portrait facing up. This subtle quirk has made it a favorite among collectors.

Composition: Standard copper and nickel alloy

Are $1 dollar presidential coins worth anything? Priced at $200 or more, it is a clear example of how presidential dollar coins mint mark and edge lettering variations can drive value.

2010-D Abraham Lincoln Satin Finish

The 2010-D Abraham Lincoln Satin Finish dollar celebrates one of America’s most iconic leaders. Produced at the Denver Mint, this satin finish distinguishes it from standard circulation coins. With a relatively low mintage, it has become a prized possession for collectors.

Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel

Often valued at $400+, it is a shining example of uncirculated presidential dollar coins achieving premium prices.

Here is another coin with Abraham Lincoln: 1978 Penny Value. 

1903 McKinley Gold Commemorative

As the only gold one on this list, the 1903 McKinley Gold Commemorative honors President William McKinley’s legacy. Issued to support the McKinley Memorial, its limited mintage and precious metal composition make it one of the most expensive examples in any collection of rare presidential gold dollar coins (although not a Presidential $1 Program).

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Value: Prices often exceed $5,000. It represents the high value of gold dollar presidential coins.

By the Way… First Spouse Program

The United States commemorated the spouses of presidents recognized under the Presidential $1 Coin Act by releasing half-ounce $10 gold coins (like those with high $1 gold dollar coins presidential value) featuring their portraits. They were issued in the order of First Spouses, starting in 2007. To date, all honorees have been women, commonly referred to as First Ladies.

Each obverse shows the First Spouse’s portrait, along with their name, the years and sequence of their tenure, the year of minting, and the inscriptions “In God We Trust” and “Liberty.” 

They were released in tandem with the corresponding Presidential $1 coins, honoring the presidents themselves. The reverse features a design with themes from the life or work of the spouse, accompanied by inscriptions including “The United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “$10,” “1/2 oz.,” and “.9999 Fine Gold.”

In cases where presidents served without a spouse, an obverse design depicting Liberty, as shown on circulating coins from the era, was used instead. The reverse design highlighted themes relevant to the president’s life or administration. One notable exception is the coin for suffragist Alice Paul, representing Chester A. Arthur’s era, as Arthur was a widower.

The program officially launched on June 19, 2007, at noon EDT. Two versions were available: a proof First Spouse presidential dollar coins complete set value is $429.95 and an uncirculated edition for $410.95. Additionally, the U.S. Mint produced bronze medal duplicates of these coins for collectors, though these are not legal tender.

Interesting First Spouse presidential dollar coins errors occurred in 2007 when some Abigail Adams bronze medals were mistakenly struck with the reverse design of the 2008 Louisa Adams medal. These rare misprints, known as “mules,” were included in the 2007 First Spouse medal sets.

Although the First Spouse coin program officially concluded in 2016, it resumed briefly in 2020 to honor Barbara Bush.

How to Identify Your Coins

Identifying rare pieces can be difficult, but tools like the Coin ID Scanner app can simplify the process. This app allows collectors to upload photos of their coins and instantly learn about their grade, value, and any notable features. What presidential dollar coins are worth money? Do you want to verify a potential rarity? The app will help you with these ones and other examples. 

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidential_dollar_coins 

2. https://www.blanchardgold.com/market-news/presidential-dollar-coins