The 2007 G. Washington Dollar Coin is worth anywhere from $1.25 in circulated condition to over $3,000 for rare “Missing Edge Lettering” errors. While most of these golden-colored coins are only worth their face value, specific minting mistakes and high-grade specimens can fetch a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition / Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Regular Strike) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Missing Edge Lettering (Godless Dollar) | $50 – $150 |
| Satin Finish (Mint Set) | $3.00 – $10.00 |
| Proof (Deep Cameo) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
Understanding the 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar
The George Washington Presidential Dollar, released in early 2007, marked the beginning of a massive project by the United States Mint to honor every deceased U.S. President. If you have found one of these coins in your change, you might notice its distinctive “golden” color. Despite the look, these coins contain no actual gold; they are composed of a copper core clad in manganese brass.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a common circulation strike or a valuable rarity, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes and mint marks. Most of these coins were produced in the hundreds of millions at the Philadelphia and Denver mints, meaning the majority remain very common today.
However, because this was the first year of the series, the Mint faced some growing pains. This resulted in several interesting varieties and errors that are now highly sought after. To get an accurate reading on your coin, you should check for the “P” (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco) mint marks, which are uniquely located on the edge of the coin rather than the face. Using CoinKnow allows you to scan the edge of the coin easily to confirm these details.
The Value of Common 2007 Washington Dollars
For the average person holding a circulated George Washington dollar, the value is typically just $1. Since these were intended for general commerce, millions were released into the banking system. Unless the coin is in “Mint State” (meaning it looks brand new with no scratches), collectors usually won’t pay a high premium for it.
In uncirculated condition, the market value for high-grade Washington coins usually hovers between $2 and $5. If you happen to have a roll of these from the bank that has never been opened, they might be worth slightly more to someone looking to find a “perfect” specimen.
| Mint Mark | Average Circulated | MS65 (Uncirculated) |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-P (Philadelphia) | $1.00 | $3.50 |
| 2007-D (Denver) | $1.00 | $3.50 |
| 2007-S (Proof) | $2.50 | $10.00+ |
The Famous “Godless” Dollar Error
The most exciting part of the 2007 George Washington Dollar history is the “Missing Edge Lettering” error. In 2007, the Mint moved the inscriptions “In God We Trust,” “E Pluribus Unum,” the date, and the mint mark to the edge of the coin. However, thousands of coins skipped this second minting process.
These became known as “Godless Dollars” because the motto “In God We Trust” was missing from the coin. When these were first discovered, they sold for hundreds of dollars. Today, the price has stabilized, but you can still find significant value in rare dollar errors like these, often ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the condition.
To check for this error, hold the coin on its side and look at the smooth edge. If it is completely blank with no writing at all, you have found a genuine error. Because many fakes exist where the edge has been ground down, collectors often use the CoinKnow app to compare their coin against verified authentic error photos before sending it for professional grading.
Judging the Condition and Grade
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 2007 Washington Dollar that has been sitting in a cup holder for years is considered “Circulated” and will likely never be worth more than a dollar. However, coins that were plucked from original Mint sets or rolls and placed in protective holders are “Uncirculated.”
The grading scale goes from 1 to 70. A coin graded MS70 is considered perfect. While an MS65 coin might be worth $5, an MS68 or MS69 version can sell for hundreds at auction because they are so rare. If you think your coin is a high-grade specimen, it is worth looking at under a magnifying glass for any tiny contact marks or scratches.
| Grade | Description | Expected Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | Typical Uncirculated; some marks | $2.00 |
| MS66 | Very clean; great luster | $15.00 |
| MS67 | Superior quality; very few flaws | $50 – $100 |
Special Finishes: Satin and Proof Sets
Not all 2007 Washington Dollars were made for the pocket. The U.S. Mint also produced “Satin Finish” coins for official Mint Sets and “Proof” coins for collectors. Proof coins are easily identified by their mirror-like background and frosted portrait of George Washington. These are designated with an “S” mint mark.
The Satin Finish coins were only available in uncirculated sets from the Mint. They have a softer, more matte appearance than the shiny coins you find in your change. While these aren’t “rare” in the traditional sense, they are much harder to find in circulation. Use CoinKnow to help identify the different luster styles if you aren’t sure which version you have.
Collectors often pay a premium for these special strikes because they were never meant to be spent. If you find a 2007-S Proof Washington Dollar in a plastic case, keep it there! Removing it can lower the value by causing scratches or “hairlines” on the delicate surface.
Double Edge Lettering and Other Varieties
Beyond the missing edge lettering, there is another popular error: “Double Edge Lettering.” This happens when a coin goes through the edge-incusing machine twice. This results in the words being doubled or overlapping, often creating a messy, crowded look on the rim of the dollar.
There are two types of double edge lettering: “Position A” and “Position B.” Position A means the edge lettering is upside down when the President’s face is up, and Position B means it is right side up. These are not errors, just variations. However, if the lettering is actually stamped twice, that is a valuable error that can increase the coin’s price to $20 – $40.
Always inspect the rim of your 2007 Washington Dollar carefully. These minor errors are often missed by the general public, meaning you can still find them in bank rolls or local coin jars if you have a keen eye.
| Special Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Double Edge Lettering | $20.00 – $50.00 |
| Satin Finish (SP67) | $12.00 |
| Partial Edge Lettering | $10.00 – $30.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2007 Washington Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of manganese brass. This gives it the “golden” color, but it contains zero gold.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 2007 Washington Dollar?
A: Unlike most U.S. coins, the mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the edge of the coin, along with the date and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
Q: How many “Godless” 2007-P Washington Dollars exist?
A: While the exact number isn’t known, experts estimate tens of thousands were released before the Mint corrected the error. They are the most common major error in the Presidential Dollar series.
Q: Can I spend a 2007 Washington Dollar at the store?
A: Yes, these are legal tender and are worth exactly one dollar at any business. However, it is always worth checking the edge for missing lettering before you spend it!
Q: Why is my Washington Dollar turning brown or black?
A: The manganese brass coating on these coins reacts quickly to oxygen and oils from fingers, causing them to tarnish or “tone” much faster than silver or copper coins. This is normal and usually doesn’t increase or decrease the value significantly for average coins.