2011-S James A. Garfield Dollar Value: What Is It Worth?

The 2011-S James A. Garfield Dollar is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $45 for high-grade specimens. If you have found one of these golden-colored coins in your pocket change or an old collection, understanding its specific strike and condition is the key to determining its true market value.

Coin Type/Grade	Estimated Value
2011-S Proof (Deep Cameo)	$3.00 – $8.00
2011-P (Circulated/Uncirculated)	$1.00 – $3.50
2011-D (Circulated/Uncirculated)	$1.00 – $3.50
High Grade MS-67+	$25.00+

Identifying Your 2011 James A. Garfield Dollar Coin

The James A. Garfield Presidential Dollar was released in 2011 as part of the United States Mint’s ongoing program to honor every deceased U.S. President. If you are looking to identify a coin quickly, using a top coin identifier and value app is the most efficient way to distinguish between the various mint marks and finishes. This specific coin features a stoic portrait of James Garfield, the 20th President, on the obverse and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse.

What makes the 2011-S distinct is the “S” mint mark, indicating it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the P (Philadelphia) and D (Denver) versions intended for circulation, the S-mint coins were specifically struck for collectors as “Proof” coins. These coins usually have a mirror-like background and frosted details, making them stand out from standard pocket change. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny and detailed, you likely have the proof version.

To get an accurate reading on current market trends, many collectors turn to CoinKnow. This app helps users differentiate between a common spent coin and a legitimate collector’s item. Because 2011 was the year the Treasury Department suspended the production of Presidential Dollars for general circulation due to a massive surplus, finding any 2011 dollar in your change is actually rarer than finding earlier dates.

The Significance of the 2011-S Proof Finish

The “S” in 2011-S stands for San Francisco, a mint known for its high-quality finishes. The Proof coins issued this year were part of the 2011 Proof Set and the 2011 Presidential Dollar Proof Set. These coins were never meant to buy a soda or pay for a bus ride; they were sold in protective plastic lenses to hobbyists. If you find one “in the wild,” it likely escaped from a broken-up collection.

The value of the 2011-S James A. Garfield Dollar is tied directly to its physical state. Collectors look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations, where the contrast between the shiny fields and the frosted portrait is intense. When checking 2011 Garfield dollar value information, you will notice that even slight scratches from handling can drop the price from $10 down to its face value of $1.

To preserve the value of a 2011-S, you should avoid cleaning it. Amateur cleaning often leaves microscopic scratches that professional graders can detect instantly. Instead, use CoinKnow to scan the coin and see how similar specimens have graded in the past. Keeping the coin in a PVC-free flip or its original mint packaging is the best way to ensure it retains its premium over time.

Condition/Grade	2011-P Value	2011-D Value	2011-S Value
Circulated (F-AU)	$1.00	$1.00	$1.50 – $2.00
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$2.25	$2.25	N/A (S is Proof)
Choice Mint (MS-65/PR-65)	$4.50	$4.50	$6.00
Gem Proof (PR-69 DCAM)	N/A	N/A	$12.00

Determining Value for 2011-P and 2011-D Garfield Dollars

While the 2011-S is a special proof strike, the P and D mint marks are “Business Strikes.” However, 2011 was a pivotal year for the Presidential Dollar program. Because the general public didn’t use the coins as much as the government hoped, the U.S. Mint stopped making them for circulation midway through 2011. This means the 2011-P and 2011-D Garfield dollars have a much lower mintage than coins from 2007 or 2008.

For these business strikes, the value is highly dependent on whether the coin has been used in commerce. A 2011-P Garfield dollar found in a vending machine return is likely only worth one dollar. However, if you have a rolls or pristine individual coins, the current mid-range price data for 2011 dollars suggests they can fetch a premium among collectors trying to complete their sets.

When evaluating these coins, look at the “rim” or the edge of the coin. Presidential Dollars use lettered edges, meaning the year, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are engraved on the side rather than the face. If this lettering is missing (a rare error), the coin’s value could skyrocket into the hundreds of dollars. Using CoinKnow to check for known edge errors is a smart move for any beginner.

Are There Any Rare 2011 James Garfield Errors?

Error coins are the “Holy Grail” for many everyday Americans searching through their change. For the 2011 James A. Garfield series, errors are relatively rare but do exist. The most common errors in the Presidential Dollar series involve the edge lettering. Occasionally, a coin skips the edge-lettering machine entirely, resulting in a “smooth edge” error.

Another error to look for is “doubled edge lettering,” where the coin passes through the machine twice. This creates a ghosting effect on the date and mint mark. While it hasn’t been widely reported for the Garfield dollar specifically, any coin from this era with unusual edge markings should be appraised.

Because James A. Garfield only served as President for a few months before his assassination, his coin is a favorite among history buffs. This keeps the demand for high-grade and error versions steady. If you suspect your 2011-S has a double die strike or a clipped planchet, comparing it against high-resolution images in a coin app can help you decide if it’s worth the fee to have it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC.

Error Type	Potential Value Range
Missing Edge Lettering (Smooth Edge)	$50 – $150
Double Edge Lettering	$20 – $50
Partial Edge Lettering	$5 – $15

Why Condition (Grading) Matters So Much

In the world of coin collecting, the “Grade” is everything. For a 2011-S Garfield Dollar, the difference between a PR-68 and a PR-70 (the highest possible grade) can be an increase of 500% in value. Most coins pulled from sets are PR-69, which is common and worth less than $10. However, a perfect PR-70 is rare because it requires the coin to be free of even the smallest microscopic flaws.

For business strikes (P and D), collectors use the “Mint State” (MS) scale. A coin that has been touched by hands and tossed in a jar is usually “Circulated.” A coin that was taken directly from a mint bag and kept in a protective sleeve is “Uncirculated.” If you have a 2011-P or 2011-D in MS-67 condition, it is a significant find, as these coins often suffered from “bag marks” (nicks from hitting other coins during transport).

If you’re unsure where your coin falls on the scale, don’t worry. Most casual collectors don’t need a professional grade unless the coin is an error or a perfect specimen. Simply knowing the difference between a shiny proof and a matte-finish circulation coin will help you set realistic expectations when you go to sell or trade your 2011 James A. Garfield dollar.

Final Thoughts: Is It a Keeper?

So, should you hold onto your 2011 James A. Garfield dollar? If it’s a 2011-S Proof, the answer is usually yes. While it may not make you rich today, these coins are no longer being produced, and the San Francisco mint versions are the most beautiful examples of the series. They make excellent keepsakes or gifts for young collectors.

If you have a 2011-P or 2011-D, check the condition. If it looks “brand new” and has a sharp strike, it’s worth keeping as a “Not Intended for Circulation” (NIFC) issue. While millions were made, they are becoming harder to find in bank rolls every year. Using tools like CoinKnow periodically to check if prices have risen is a great way to stay on top of your small “investment.”

At the end of the day, coin collecting is about history as much as it is about money. James A. Garfield was a fascinating figure, and owning a piece of the U.S. Mint’s history that honors him is a reward in itself. Whether your coin is worth $1 or $100, it’s a tangible link to the American story.

FAQ

Q: Is the 2011-S James A. Garfield dollar made of real gold?

A: No, despite their golden color, these coins do not contain any real gold. They are made of a manganese-brass alloy over a pure copper core. The “Golden Dollar” name refers only to the color of the coin’s finish.

Q: How can I tell if my Garfield dollar is a “S” mint mark?

A: Look at the edge (the thin rim) of the coin. You will see the year “2011” followed by a letter. If that letter is an “S,” it was minted in San Francisco. If it is a “P” or “D,” it was minted in Philadelphia or Denver.

Q: Why is my 2011 Garfield dollar worth more than a 2007 Washington dollar?

A: In 2011, the government stopped making Presidential dollars for general circulation because there were too many in storage. This means fewer 2011 coins were made compared to the hundreds of millions of 2007 coins, making the 2011 dates naturally scarcer.

Q: Where can I sell my 2011-S James A. Garfield dollar?

A: For common proof versions, a local coin shop or an online marketplace like eBay are your best bets. If you believe you have a high-grade PR-70 or a rare error, you may want to contact an auction house or get it authenticated by a grading service first.