How Much Is a 2007 George Washington Dollar Coin Worth?

The 2007 George Washington dollar coin, the first release in the United States Mint’s Presidential Dollar series, often sparks curiosity regarding its potential value. While many of these coins circulate at face value, certain characteristics can elevate their worth beyond the initial dollar. Understanding what makes a coin valuable is key to determining if your particular 2007 George Washington dollar holds more than its stated denomination. This article provides a guide to identifying features that may contribute to a coin’s numismatic significance.

Understanding the Presidential Dollar Coin Series

The Presidential Dollar series was introduced by the U.S. Mint in 2007 to honor deceased U.S. presidents in order of service. These coins were produced annually through 2016, with a later coin issued for George H.W. Bush. Each coin features a president’s portrait on its obverse and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. The series is characterized by its golden color, from manganese brass cladding, and unique edge lettering.

The 2007 George Washington dollar coin debuted in February 2007. Unlike most U.S. coins, its date, mint mark, and mottos like “E Pluribus Unum” were inscribed along the edge. From 2007 to 2011, these dollar coins were minted in large quantities for general circulation, but many accumulated in government vaults. Production shifted to primarily collector-only releases from 2012 onward due to ample stockpiles and reduced public demand.

Key Factors Influencing Coin Value

A coin’s value is significantly shaped by its condition, often referred to as its grade. Coins that have seen extensive circulation and exhibit wear on their designs are worth less than those in pristine, uncirculated condition. Professional grading services assign numerical grades. “About Uncirculated” (AU) indicates slight wear on the highest points of the design, and “Uncirculated” (UNC) or “Mint State” (MS) signifies no wear. A higher grade generally corresponds to a higher value because such coins are rarer.

Rarity also plays a part, though most Presidential dollars were produced in large numbers, limiting their inherent scarcity unless they possess specific anomalies. Mint marks indicate the facility where a coin was produced, with “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco (used for proof coins). On Presidential dollars, these mint marks are found on the coin’s edge, alongside the year.

The most substantial increases in value for 2007 George Washington dollar coins stem from minting errors or varieties. A prominent error involves coins with missing edge lettering, resulting in a smooth edge without the date, mint mark, or mottos. An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 such error coins were released, with some uncirculated examples selling for over $1,200. Other valuable errors include inverted doubled edge lettering, where the edge inscriptions were struck twice with one impression upside down, with some graded examples fetching over $1,200.

Collector demand for specific error types directly influences their market price. These include:
Off-center strike errors occur when the coin’s design is not perfectly centered. Their value depends on the degree of misalignment, with a 25% off-center strike selling for over $700.
Double struck coins: Show overlapping impressions from being struck twice. A graded example sold for over $900.
Die clash errors: Dies collide without a coin blank, leaving faint impressions of the opposing side’s design. One sold for over $800.
Die chip errors: Small breaks in the die create raised imperfections. Some examples valued over $500.
Annealing errors: Unusual coin coloration due to improper heating. Graded examples commanded over $900.
Struck-through errors: Foreign objects interfere with striking, creating impressions or missing design elements. Examples sold for over $1,000.

Identifying Your Coin’s Specific Characteristics

To assess your 2007 George Washington dollar coin, begin by carefully inspecting its overall condition. Look for any significant scratches, dents, or signs of wear, particularly on the raised areas of George Washington’s portrait, such as his hair or the high points of his jacket. Examine the Statue of Liberty on the reverse for similar signs of abrasion or loss of detail. The presence of original mint luster, a subtle sheen on the coin’s surface, indicates less handling and wear.

Next, locate the coin’s mint mark and date by turning it on its edge. The year and mint mark (“P” for Philadelphia or “D” for Denver) are inscribed along this narrow surface. While examining the edge, check for the presence and clarity of the full edge lettering, which includes “E Pluribus Unum,” the date, and the mint mark. If your coin lacks any of these inscriptions, or if they appear incomplete or doubled, it may indicate a valuable error.

Beyond the edge, look for other potential minting anomalies:
Off-center strike: The design on either side of the coin is noticeably shifted towards one edge, leaving a blank crescent-shaped area.
Double struck errors: Look for overlapping or blurred images of Washington’s portrait or the Statue of Liberty.
Die clash errors: May appear as faint, ghost-like outlines of the opposing side’s design on the coin’s surface.
Die chip errors: Small raised bumps or irregular metal formations.
Annealing errors: Unusual and distinct color variations, such as blackish, orange, or purple hues on the coin’s surface.

Next Steps for Valuation and Sale

Once you identify specific characteristics or potential errors on your 2007 George Washington dollar coin, professional grading can provide an authenticated assessment of its condition. Services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) offer expert evaluation and encapsulation, which can enhance a coin’s marketability and value, particularly for uncirculated specimens or those with notable errors. Submitting a coin to these services requires an annual membership and per-coin grading fees, plus handling and shipping costs.

For an initial appraisal, consult local coin dealers who may offer informal valuations or express interest in purchasing your coin. For highly valuable or complex error coins, seeking an appraisal from a numismatic expert can provide a more detailed assessment. When considering selling your coin, reputable coin dealers, both physical and online, are common avenues. Online auction sites, such as eBay or specialized numismatic platforms like GreatCollections, also provide marketplaces for selling. For higher-value items, use secure, insured shipping services to protect your investment during transit.

It is important to maintain realistic expectations regarding your coin’s value. The vast majority of 2007 George Washington dollar coins found in circulation are worth their face value of one dollar. Only those with rare minting errors or in exceptionally pristine, uncirculated condition are likely to command a significant premium above face value.