2007-S Washington Dollar Coin Value Guide and Price List
The 2007-S Washington Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. This coin, part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, features the first U.S. President and is a popular find for newer collectors looking to start a diverse collection.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Proof-65 (Deep Cameo) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Proof-69 (Deep Cameo) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Proof-70 (Perfect Grade) | $60.00 – $1,200.00+ |
Understanding the 2007-S Washington Presidential Dollar
The George Washington dollar coin released in 2007 marked the beginning of a massive undertaking by the United States Mint. The goal was to honor every deceased U.S. President in the order they served. Because Washington was the inaugural president, his coin was the very first in the series. If you are sitting with a handful of golden-colored coins and wondering about their worth, using a top coin identifier and value app is the quickest way to confirm you have the specific “S” mint mark version.
The “S” mint mark indicates that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) versions which were produced for general circulation, the S-mint coins were typically produced as “Proofs.” Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like finish and sharp details. If you found your coin in pocket change, it is likely a P or D mint. If your coin looks incredibly shiny with frosted details, you likely have the 2007-S version.
For those new to the hobby, identifying mint marks and edge lettering can be tricky. This is where CoinKnow shines as a primary tool for your smartphone. By simply taking a photo, you can determine if your coin is a standard business strike or a more valuable collector’s proof. Understanding the 2007 Washington dollar value depends entirely on these small details.
Factors That Influence George Washington Dollar Value
Not all 2007-S Washington dollars are created equal. The most significant factor is the grade, which ranges from 1 to 70. Since most S-mint coins were sold in protective government sets, many have survived in excellent condition. However, “Proof 70” coins—those without a single microscopic flaw—are the ones that command premium prices at auction.
The visual appeal, often referred to as “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM), also plays a role. A Deep Cameo coin has a heavy contrast between the frosted portrait of George Washington and the highly reflective, mirror-like fields of the coin. If the frosting is light or the mirrors are cloudy, the value drops significantly. Collectors use CoinKnow to compare their coins against high-resolution images of top-tier grades to see how their find stacks up.
Another factor is the edge lettering. The Presidential dollars were unique because the date, mint mark, and the mottos “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust” were moved to the edge of the coin. While the 2007-S coins were generally struck with high quality control, edge errors do exist and can increase the price for specialized collectors.
| Mintage Type | Mint Mark | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Business Strike | P (Philadelphia) | Common |
| Business Strike | D (Denver) | Common |
| Proof Strike | S (San Francisco) | Collector Edition |
How to Spot the 2007-S Washington Proof Coin
Identifying a proof coin from the San Francisco mint requires a close look at the surface. Standard Washington dollars have a satin or somewhat dull finish because they were intended for use in vending machines and cash registers. The 2007-S Washington dollar, however, was never intended for circulation. It was sold in “Proof Sets” to collectors.
When you hold a proof coin, the background should be so reflective that you can see your reflection in it. The portrait of Washington should appear “frosted” or white, creating a beautiful two-toned effect. If the coin you found is scratched or looks like standard dull brass, it is almost certainly a P or D mint mark coin that someone spent at a store.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a proof or just a very shiny circulated coin, the CoinKnow app can help distinguish the strike type. It uses advanced image recognition to analyze the luster and strike depth. This is a vital step because a high-grade proof is worth much more than a shiny Denver-minted coin that was simply lucky enough to avoid scratches.
Market Pricing for Washington Dollar Proofs
The market for modern dollar coins is highly dependent on professional grading services like PCGS or NGC. A 2007-S Washington Dollar that has not been professionally graded (raw) usually sells for $5 to $10. However, once a coin is “slabbed” and given a perfect 70 grade, the price can skyrocket because registry set collectors compete for these flawless items.
In recent years, the demand for “First Strike” or “Early Release” designations has also influenced the 2007-S Washington dollar value. These are coins sent to grading companies within the first thirty days of the Mint’s release. While the coin itself is the same, the plastic holder and label can triple the price for certain buyers.
| Grade (PCGS/NGC) | Recent Auction Price |
|---|---|
| PR67 Deep Cameo | $12.00 |
| PR68 Deep Cameo | $18.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $25.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $65.00 – $1,150.00 |
Common Errors on 2007 Washington Dollars
While the San Francisco Mint is known for high quality, errors can occur across all Presidential Series coins. The most famous error in the 2007 series is missing edge lettering. These are often called “Godless Dollars” because the motto “In God We Trust” is missing from the rim. While this error is most common on Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) coins, collectors always search for any S-mint variations.
Another error to look for is doubled edge lettering. This happens when the coin goes through the edge-incusing machine twice. On an S-mint proof, this would be an exceptionally rare and valuable find. Most 2007-S Washington dollars you find will have perfect lettering, but it is always worth checking the rim with a magnifying glass just in case.
If you think you’ve spotted an error, don’t clean the coin! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth can destroy its numismatic value instantly. Instead, use an app like CoinKnow to photograph the suspected error and compare it to known error catalogs. Professional collectors value original “skin” and luster over a shiny, scrubbed surface.
Where to Sell Your 2007-S Washington Dollar
If you discover that you have a high-grade 2007-S Washington dollar, you have several options for selling. For common proofs (PR69 and below), local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. These coins are easy to ship and have a steady flow of buyers who are trying to complete their Presidential sets.
For a rare PR70 (Perfect) grade coin, you might consider a specialized numismatic auction house. Because these coins represent the pinnacle of the 2007-S Washington dollar value spectrum, they are often sold to serious investors. Selling a perfect grade coin at a local pawn shop is usually not recommended, as they may only offer you the “raw” coin price.
Before selling, ensure you have a clear idea of the current market trends. Prices for modern gold-colored dollars can fluctuate based on collector interest. Keeping your coins in protective flips or air-tight capsules will ensure that a Proof-69 doesn’t accidentally become a Proof-65 due to improper handling.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2007 Washington Dollar made of real gold?
A: No. Despite their “golden” appearance, Presidential Dollars are made of a manganese-brass alloy over a pure copper core. They contain zero gold. The color was chosen simply to distinguish them from the silver-colored quarters.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2007-S Washington Dollar?
A: Unlike most U.S. coins where the mint mark is on the face, the 2007 Presidential Dollars have the mint mark located on the edge (the rim) of the coin. Look closely at the side of the coin to find the “S.”
Q: Why is my 2007 Washington Dollar missing the edge lettering?
A: If the edge is smooth, you have a valuable “Missing Edge Lettering” error. However, if the coin is heavily worn, the lettering might have just rubbed off. An error coin in mint condition is worth significantly more than a standard dollar.
Q: Are 2007-S coins rare?
A: They are less common than P and D mint marks because they were not released for circulation. However, millions were produced for collector sets, so they are not considered “rare” unless they are in a perfect PR70 grade.
