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The 2007-S Thomas Jefferson Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.15 in typical uncirculated condition to over $45 for high-grade Deep Cameo proof specimens. While these golden-colored coins look like treasure, most found in change are common, though specific Mint errors can significantly boost their market value.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Face Value | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State) | $1.15 – $3.50 |
| Proof (PR68 – PR70) | $5.00 – $45.00 |
| Rare Edge Lettering Errors | $50 – $200+ |
Understanding the 2007-S San Francisco Proof Dollar
The 2007-S Thomas Jefferson Dollar was part of the inaugural year of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. Unlike the coins you might find at a local bank or in a vending machine, the “S” mint mark indicates that this coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. These coins were never intended for general circulation. Instead, they were sold in “Proof Sets” by the United States Mint.
If you have discovered one of these in a coin jar, it likely means a collector broke open a set or someone spent a collectible by mistake. Because these were struck using specially polished dies and blanks, they have a mirror-like finish and incredible detail. To quickly verify the authenticity and condition of your find, many collectors use the top coin identifier app to get an instant visual confirmation.
Because the San Francisco Mint only produced about 3.9 million of these proof versions, they are technically “rarer” than the millions produced in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D). However, since most were kept in protective cases, the supply of high-quality “S” mint coins remains high. Using CoinKnow can help you track the current market demand for these specific sets.
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Identifying Features and Metal Composition
Many people mistake these coins for “gold” because of their brilliant yellow hue. However, the 2007-S Jefferson Dollar contains zero actual gold. It is made of a pure copper core with an outer layer consisting of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This specific blend gives it that “Golden Dollar” appearance while maintaining the durability needed for commerce.
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One of the most unique features of this series is the edge-incused lettering. Unlike the quarters or dimes in your pocket, the year “2007,” the mint mark “S,” and the mottos “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust” are stamped directly into the edge of the coin. This was a return to a style not seen on U.S. coinage for nearly a century.
If you aren’t sure if your coin is a proof or a standard business strike, look at the luster. A standard 2007-P Jefferson dollar will have a satin-like, matte finish, whereas the 2007-S will have “Deep Cameo” characteristics—meaning the portrait of Jefferson looks frosty and white, while the background is dark and reflective like a mirror. You can find more detailed pricing for Jefferson series variations to see how the proof compares to the Philadelphia business strikes.
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The Grading Scale and Value Factors
The value of your 2007-S Jefferson Dollar is heavily dependent on its “grade.” Modern coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since the 2007-S is a proof coin, it should technically start at a very high grade. If the coin has been touched by fingers or spent at a store, it will develop “hairlines” (tiny scratches) that significantly reduce its value to collectors.
A perfect PR70 Deep Cameo is the “Holy Grail” for this series. These are coins that have been examined under 5x magnification and found to have no post-production flaws. While a PR69 might only be worth $10, a perfect PR70 can fetch $40 to $50 or more depending on the current auction climate. Using CoinKnow is a great way to stay updated on these fluctuating auction prices.
| Grade (PCGS/NGC) | Market Price |
|---|---|
| Proof 67 (PR67) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Proof 68 (PR68) | $7.00 – $12.00 |
| Proof 69 (PR69) | $15.00 – $22.00 |
| Proof 70 (PR70) | $45.00 – $65.00 |
Rare Errors to Look For
While most 2007-S dollars are standard, the 2007 Presidential Dollar series is famous for its major minting errors. The most famous of these is the “Missing Edge Lettering” error, often referred to by collectors as “Godless Dollars.” This occurred when the coins bypassed the second machine that stamps the edge of the coin.
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While most “Godless” errors were found on Philadelphia and Denver strikes, any 2007-S found without edge lettering would be an extremely valuable prize. Other errors include “Double Edge Lettering,” where the coin went through the edging machine twice, creating a messy, overlapping text look. For a comprehensive look at what makes these errors sell, check out this comprehensive 2007 Presidential Dollar value chart.
If you find a coin where the edge lettering is upside down, don’t get too excited—the U.S. Mint has stated that edge lettering orientation is random. About 50% of coins will have the lettering “upside down” when the portrait is facing up. This is not considered an error and does not add value to the 2007-S Jefferson Dollar.
How to Store and Preserve Your Coin
If you believe you have a high-grade 2007-S Jefferson Dollar, preservation is key. Because the surface of a proof coin is so sensitive, even the oil from your skin can leave permanent “fingerprint” stains that eat into the metal over time. Always handle these coins by the edges, or better yet, wear cotton gloves.
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Storing them in PVC-free plastic flips or “slabs” is the best way to prevent toning. Some collectors enjoy “toning”—where the coin develops a rainbow-like color due to oxidation—but most Presidential Dollar collectors prefer the original brilliant gold flash. You can log your collection in CoinKnow to keep a digital record of your coins and their condition over time.
Is It Worth Getting Authenticated?
Deciding whether to send your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC is a math problem. It usually costs between $30 and $50 (including shipping and insurance) to get a single coin graded. If your 2007-S is likely to grade as a PR68 or PR69, you would actually lose money by grading it, as the coin’s value is less than the fee.
However, if you have a coin that looks absolutely flawless and could potentially hit the PR70 mark, or if you have discovered a major error like missing edge lettering, professional authentication is essential. A “certified” error is much easier to sell for hundreds of dollars than an “unverified” one on eBay.
| Action | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| Keep in Folder | Average Proofs / Circulated Coins |
| Professional Grading | Flawless PR70 candidates or confirmed Errors |
| Spend it | Damaged, scratched, or heavily worn examples |
FAQ
Q: Is the 2007-S Jefferson Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is composed of a copper core and a manganese-brass outer cladding. It contains no gold, though its golden color was designed to make it easily distinguishable from the silver-colored Washington Quarter.
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Q: How can I tell if my 2007 Jefferson dollar is from the San Francisco Mint?
A: You must look at the edge of the coin. Between the year “2007” and the mottos, you will see a small “S” incused (stamped) into the metal. If you see a “P” or a “D,” it was made in Philadelphia or Denver.
Q: Why is my 2007-S Jefferson Dollar shiny on the faces but rough on the edges?
A: That is the nature of Proof coins. The faces are struck multiple times with high pressure to create a mirror finish, while the edge lettering is applied in a separate process, which can sometimes appear more matte or “rough” compared to the polished faces.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2007-S Jefferson Dollar?
A: For common proof versions, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. For high-grade PR70 coins or rare errors, specialized auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections will help you get the highest market price.