The 2007-P George Washington Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $500 for rare “Missing Edge Lettering” errors. While most coins found in your change are only worth their face value, specific minting mistakes and high-grade specimens can be quite lucrative for lucky finders.
| Condition / Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Pocket Change) | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State 65) | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Missing Edge Lettering (Godless Dollar) | $50.00 – $150.00 |
| MS68 or Higher Grade | $400.00+ |
The Launch of the Presidential Dollar Series
In 2007, the United States Mint embarked on a historic journey with the release of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. The very first president featured was, naturally, George Washington. These coins were minted in a unique “golden” color, though they contain no actual gold; they are composed of a copper core with a manganese brass cladding. If you have stumbled upon one of these in your kitchen junk drawer, you aren’t alone. Millions were struck at the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints.
Determining the exact value of your find can be tricky if you aren’t a seasoned numismatist. Many people use a top coin identifier app to quickly discern whether their George Washington dollar is a common variety or a rare error. Because these coins were intended for circulation but didn’t gain widespread popularity for daily transactions, many remain in relatively good condition.
If you are curious about the market trends, checking the latest 2007 P George Washington dollar value can help you stay updated on what collectors are currently paying. While the “P” mint mark indicates it was made in Philadelphia, the placement of this mark was a major shift in tradition, leading to some of the most famous errors in modern history. Using CoinKnow is a great way to verify these edge markings without squinting under a magnifying glass for hours.
Understanding the Missing Edge Lettering Error
The most exciting aspect of the 2007-P George Washington Dollar is the “Missing Edge Lettering” error. For this series, the Mint decided to place the year, the mint mark, and the mottos “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust” on the edge of the coin rather than the face. However, thousands of coins skipped this second step of the minting process, resulting in a smooth edge. These are colloquially known as “Godless Dollars” because the motto is missing.
When these first appeared, they caused a media frenzy. Some early specimens sold for hundreds of dollars. Today, while the price has stabilized, they are still highly sought after. Finding one in your change is like hitting a small lottery. If you suspect you have one, CoinKnow can help you compare your coin’s edge against high-resolution images of confirmed errors to ensure you don’t have a counterfeit or a worn-down standard coin.
| Error Type | Rarity | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth Edge (Missing Lettering) | Uncommon | $50 – $200 |
| Double Edge Lettering | Rare | $200 – $500 |
| Satin Finish (Mint Set) | Special Issue | $5 – $15 |
Grading and the Impact on Market Value
For the average 2007-P Washington Dollar, the condition is the primary driver of value. Like all coins, they are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A coin that has been rattled around in a pocket or a vending machine is considered “circulated” and will rarely be worth more than its $1 face value. However, coins that were pulled directly from original Mint rolls can achieve high grades like MS66 or MS67.
An MS67 grade 2007-P George Washington dollar is a treat for collectors, often fetching $20 to $50. Once you reach the nearly perfect MS68 grade, the price jumps significantly because so few coins survive the high-speed minting process without tiny scratches or “bag marks.” Collectors are willing to pay a premium for visual perfection and a strong “strike,” where the details of Washington’s hair and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse are crisp.
To get a professional-level estimate of your coin’s grade, you can use CoinKnow to scan the surface details. The app’s AI can often detect surface wear that isn’t visible to the naked eye. This helps you decide if it’s worth spending the money to send the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Where to Find the Mint Mark and Date
Because the date and mint mark are on the edge, many people mistakenly believe they have a “blank” or “dateless” coin. You have to tilt the coin and look at the thin side to find the info. The “P” represents the Philadelphia Mint. Because Philadelphia produced over 340 million of these coins, they are very common.
Don’t be discouraged if your coin isn’t an error. It is still a piece of American history. The Presidential series was designed to revitalize interest in coin collecting among the general public. While the 2007-P Washington isn’t as rare as a 19th-century silver dollar, it serves as an excellent starting point for new hobbyists.
| Mint Mark | Location | Mintage Total |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Edge of Coin | 340,360,000 |
| D (Denver) | Edge of Coin | 163,520,000 |
| S (San Francisco) | Edge (Proof only) | 3,965,959 |
Position A vs. Position B: Does It Matter?
For the true coin enthusiasts, there is a distinction known as “Position A” and “Position B.” This refers to the orientation of the edge lettering relative to Washington’s portrait. In Position A, the lettering is upside down when the portrait is facing up. In Position B, the lettering is right-side up.
Interestingly, these occur roughly 50% of the time each. The Mint does not control which way the coins are fed into the edge-lettering machine. Consequently, neither position is inherently rarer than the other. However, some collectors try to complete sets of both positions for every president in the series. While it doesn’t add “huge” value, a pristine MS67 coin in a specific position might sell for a slight premium to a specialized collector.
Is It Worth Keeping Your 2007-P Washington Dollar?
Unless your coin is a “Missing Edge Lettering” error or in absolutely flawless condition, it probably isn’t a high-value investment piece. However, many people enjoy keeping them as “cool” finds. They make great educational tools for children or a low-cost way to start a collection. Because they are still legal tender, you can always spend them for $1 if you decide you no longer want them.
If you are looking to sell, the best places are online marketplaces or local coin shops. If the coin is a confirmed error, getting it “slabbed” (certified in a plastic holder) is highly recommended. This proves the authenticity of the error and protects the value. Always check the latest auction results to see what people are actually paying, as prices can fluctuate based on collector demand.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2007-P Washington Dollar is real?
A: These coins are very common, so counterfeits are rare for standard versions. However, check the weight (8.1 grams) and the edge lettering. If the edge is smooth, it could be a valuable error, but ensure it hasn’t been filed down by a prankster!
Q: Why is there no date on the front of the coin?
A: The US Mint moved the date, mint mark, and mottos to the edge of the Presidential Dollars to allow for larger, more detailed portraits on the front and back. This was the first time this was done on a modern US circulating coin.
Q: Is the George Washington gold dollar actually made of gold?
A: No. It is a “golden dollar” in name and color only. It is made of a mix of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. It contains zero percent actual gold.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 2007 Washington Dollar?
A: Look on the edge of the coin. You will see the year “2007” followed by the letter “P”, “D”, or “S”. If those letters are missing, you have found the famous “Missing Edge Lettering” error!