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

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

Collecting coins may be a difficult but interesting hobby anyway. Among the most desirable coins for collectors are those that commemorate the first president of the United States, George Washington. His presidency (1789 - 1797) is immortalized through various coins that honor his legacy and the birth of a new nation.

Collecting coins may be a difficult but interesting hobby anyway. Among the most desirable coins for collectors are those that commemorate the first president of the United States, George Washington. His presidency (1789 - 1797) is immortalized through various coins that honor his legacy and the birth of a new nation. 

But what makes these coins so valuable? What are the factors that influence their price? And how can you as a collector or as a beginner identify the coins you suspect the George Wahington 1789 dollar coins are? 

many 1792 US coins in numismatic collection

George Washington: A Legacy Minted in Coins

What do we think of when we hear George Washington's name? A revolutionary hero? A wise statesman? For numismatists, he’s a symbol of rare and valuable coins that span silver, gold, and commemorative dollar pieces. 

But what makes the George Washington dollar coin 1789 to 1797 stand out from other historical coins? Is it their value, their composition, or simply their rarity?

Let’s start by acknowledging that coins such as the George Washington dollar coin are very significant to the whole nation. They are about the nation's infancy, its struggles, and triumphs. The moneda de George Washington (French), for example, reflects the founding of the United States, where Washington's leadership represents a time of immense political and financial transformation. 

a portrait of George Washington whose picture is on 1789 to 1797 George Washington coins

Why Collectors Prize George Washington Coins

Are these coins simply examples of something from the past, or do they represent something far more valuable? Coins from 1789 to 1797 mark a time in U.S. history, a period when George Washington set the country on its democratic course. Let it be the 1789 silver dollar coin or the 1792 US coins, they all evoke the beginning of the American financial system.

Coins like the 1792 coin are rather special as they were among the first federal coins minted by the U.S. government. In fact, the 1792 dollar coin and other coins from that era are some of the rarest and most valuable pieces in the numismatic area. They are highly prized for their role in American history.

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

an elderly coin collector explains the George Washington coin 1789 to 1797 value to the audience at a coin show

Rarity, Composition, and Appeal of George Washington Coins

When evaluating a coin’s value, several factors influence it: the rarity, its metal composition, and its condition. A George Washington gold coin will obviously have a higher base value due to its precious metal content, while a 1789 silver dollar holds its own due to both rarity and silver content. But how do you know which coin is a rare one and which is more common?

To help, here’s a table outlining the numismatic descriptions of some of the most notable George Washington coins from this period:


Coin

Year

Composition

Design Details

Rarity

George Washington Dollar Coin

1789-1797

Copper-Nickel Clad

George Washington bust on the obverse

Common

George Washington 1 Dollar Gold Coin

1789-1797

Gold

Washington bust with "First President"

Rare

1792 US Coin

1792

Silver/Copper Alloy

Eagle and Shield, no portrait

Extremely Rare

1789 Silver Dollar

1789

90% Silver

Bust of George Washington

Rare

George Washington $1 Coin

1789-1797

Copper-Nickel

Bust of George Washington, "In God We Trust"

Common

George Washington Gold Coin

1789-1797

24K Gold

Bust of George Washington, inaugural date

Very Rare

George Washington Coin 1789 to 1797 Value

For those collectors who are curious about the moneda de 1789 precio (Spanish), or wondering, "¿Qué valor tiene una moneda de un dólar de 1797?" (Spanish), it's essential to consider several factors. Coins from this period have seen an increase in demand over the years. That’s why some certain types fetch high prices but it depends on their condition and material.

The 1789 silver dollar value, for instance, can vary based on the coin’s wear and whether it has any minting errors, which are particularly coveted by collectors. Likewise, a gold George Washington dollar coin value 1789 to 1797 will generally be worth more than its copper-nickel counterpart. That is connected with the high value of the gold itself.

Here’s a quick overview of typical George Washington 1 dollar coin 1789 to 1797 value examples:


Coin

Condition

Estimated Value

George Washington Dollar Coin

Circulated

$1 - $10

George Washington 1 Dollar Gold Coin

Uncirculated/Mint

$500 - $5,000

1792 US Coin

Uncirculated

$50,000+

1789 Silver Dollar

Good Condition

$1,000 - $20,000

George Washington Gold Coin

Mint Condition

$2,500 - $10,000

1789 Dollar Coin

Fair Condition

$50 - $200


Disclaimer: The prices are approximate. To understand current 1789 to 1797 George Washington coin worth, contact auction houses or official grading services.

What Drives These Prices?

Why are some rare George Washington coins worth thousands, while others cost only a few dollars? The reason is in rarity and composition. Take the 1792 U S coins, for example—these were among the very first coins minted under the U.S. Mint. This explains why they are so collectible. 

In contrast, a standard dollar coin George Washington minted in large quantities can be relatively common.

So, wouldn't you rather have a unique coin minted in 1792 than a mass-produced one from a more modern era?

Then there's the question of material. Coins like the George Washington one dollar gold coin or 1789 silver dollar are prized not only for their history but also for the value of the metals themselves. Gold and silver will always hold high value. So, these coins are a good investment for both collectors and investors alike.

a Spanish coin collector explores moneda de 1789 precio under a magnifying glass

By the Way… The Popularity of Monedas de 1 Dólar Valiosas 1789

In the Latin American coin-collecting community, monedas de 1 dólar valiosas 1789 have become highly prized. Collectors often inquire, “Qué valor tiene una moneda de un dólar de 1797?” These coins, particularly the moneda de George Washington are rather desirable there. The George Washington moneda 1789, as well as ancient coins of Greece, may be found for well-preserved versions that can surprise even seasoned numismatists.

Should You Add George Washington 1$ Coins to Your Collection?

Collecting George Washington coins is an interesting part of American history in your hands. From the birth of the nation to its financial evolution, these coins symbolize the growth of the United States under the leadership of its first president.

1789 to 1797 George Washington coin pieces remain a key focus for numismatists from everywhere, e.g., from Spain, as we have discussed today. Just try to find rare versions, mint condition coins, and unique finds that could turn an ordinary collection into something extraordinary. 

And if you want to find out which coin exactly you have, download the Coin ID Scanner app that can show you all the necessary numismatic information just after you upload your coin’s picture. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/george-washington-one-dollar-coin-1789-to-1797-value/ 

  2. https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-medal-programs/presidential-dollar-coin/george-washington

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