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The 2007-S Washington Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in standard Proof condition to over $1,200 for high-grade specimens with rare errors. While most of these shiny coins found in collections are common, certain edge lettering mistakes and perfect grades can command a significant premium from serious investors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Proof-65 (Standard) | $4 – $6 |
| Proof-69 (Near Perfect) | $15 – $25 |
| Proof-70 (Perfect) | $45 – $90 |
| Missing Edge Lettering Error | $1,000+ |
Understanding the 2007-S George Washington Presidential Dollar
The 2007-S George Washington dollar is a special entry in the Presidential $1 Coin Program. Unlike the versions you might find in your change from the Philadelphia or Denver mints, the “S” mint mark indicates this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. These are “Proof” coins, featuring a mirror-like finish and sharp details.
If you are unsure whether you have a Proof or a standard strike, you can use a top coin identifier app to instantly recognize the minting process and the potential grade of your coin. The George Washington dollar was the very first release in this series, making it a cornerstone for anyone trying to complete a collection.
Because these coins were never intended for circulation, they usually arrive in protective plastic lenses. However, if you’ve found one loose in a jar, it likely lost its “Proof” luster, which significantly affects the value. Using tools like CoinKnow can help you determine if your coin is a genuine Proof-S or just a shiny Philadelphia strike.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Grading and the Value of Perfection
In the world of coin collecting, the “Grade” is everything. The 2007-S Washington Dollar is graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since these were handled with extreme care by the Mint, most survive in PR65 to PR69 condition. However, a PR70—a mathematically perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification—is where the real money lies.
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Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations. This refers to the heavy contrast between the frosted portrait of George Washington and the highly reflective, mirror-like fields of the coin. If your coin looks like a black-and-white photograph because of the deep contrast, it is likely a Deep Cameo.
| Grade Designation | Average Market Price |
|---|---|
| PR67 Deep Cameo | $8.00 |
| PR68 Deep Cameo | $12.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $22.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $65.00 |
Rare Errors: The Missing Edge Lettering
The most exciting part of the 2007 Washington dollar series involves the edge of the coin. For the first time in many decades, the U.S. Mint placed the date, mint mark, and the mottoes “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust” on the edge of the coin rather than the face. This led to a famous production error known as the “Godless Dollar.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
While hundreds of thousands of Philadelphia and Denver coins missed the edge lettering, the 2007-S Proof versions were much more strictly monitored. Finding a 2007-S Proof Washington dollar with missing edge lettering is an incredible rarity. You can check the current 2007 George Washington dollar error values to see just how much these mistakes have sold for at recent auctions.
If you suspect you have an error coin, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin can remove 50-90% of its collector value instantly. Instead, take a high-resolution photo with CoinKnow to get an initial assessment before sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Collector Demand and Market Trends
Is the 2007-S Washington dollar a good investment? Currently, the market is stable. Because millions of Proof sets were sold, there is an ample supply of these coins. However, as the Presidential $1 series ages, more “everyday” collectors are looking to complete their sets, which keeps the demand for high-grade “S” mint coins steady.
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The 2007-S specifically benefits from being the “First in Class.” Whenever a new series starts, the first coin issued (Washington) usually sees the highest mintage but also the highest long-term interest. Most people who start a collection start with Washington, meaning there will always be a buyer for a high-quality 2007-S specimen.
| Year/Mint Mark | Mintage Figure | Scarcity Scale |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-P (Philadelphia) | 176 Million | Common |
| 2007-D (Denver) | 163 Million | Common |
| 2007-S (Proof) | Approx. 3.9 Million | Collector Edition |
How to Identify a Genuine 2007-S Washington Dollar
Identifying your coin is the first step toward knowing its worth. A 2007-S George Washington dollar will always have a distinctive look compared to your pocket change. First, look for the “S” mint mark. On the Presidential Dollars, the mint mark is not on the front or back; it is inscribed on the edge of the coin.
Next, examine the surface. A Proof coin from the San Francisco Mint will have a “frosted” portrait of Washington. This means the metal looks matte or white, while the background (fields) looks like a polished mirror. If your coin is shiny all over without that contrast, it might just be a very clean Philadelphia strike.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Lastly, check for the original packaging. If you found the coin in a rigid plastic case labeled “United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set,” it is almost certainly a 2007-S. Using an app like CoinKnow helps verify these details by comparing your coin’s image against a database of known strikes, ensuring you don’t mistake a common coin for a rare Proof.
Where to Sell Your 2007-S Washington Dollar
If you’ve determined that your coin is a high-grade PR70 or a rare error, you have several options for selling. For common Proof-65 coins worth around $5, localized options like eBay or a local coin shop are best. The shipping costs for a single dollar coin can often eat up the profit, so selling in “lots” or groups of coins is often a smarter move for the everyday American.
For high-value errors, consider major auction houses or specialized coin dealers. These entities can help you verify the coin’s authenticity and reach collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for missing edge lettering. Always check recent “Sold” listings on auction sites rather than “Asking” prices to get a realistic view of what people are actually paying today.
| Sales Venue | Best For… | Potential Profit |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Quick Cash/Common Proofs | Low to Moderate |
| eBay | Mid-Grade PR69 Coins | Moderate |
| Heritage Auctions | Rare Errors/PR70 Samples | High |
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2007-S Washington Dollar in my pocket change?
A: It is very rare but possible. These coins were sold in sets to collectors, but sometimes people spend them by accident. If you find one in circulation, it is likely “impaired,” meaning its mirror finish is scratched, reducing its value to around $1.00 to $2.00.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: What is the “Godless” Washington dollar?
A: This refers to coins where the edge lettering (including “In God We Trust”) was accidentally left off. While this is common for 2007-P and 2007-D coins, a 2007-S Proof coin with this error is extremely rare and can be worth over $1,000.
Q: How do I know if my coin is a Proof-S?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. You will see the date (2007) followed by the letter “S”. Additionally, the coin will have a frosted portrait and a mirror-like background, unlike the uniform “satin” or “matte” finish of regular coins.
Q: Is it worth getting my 2007-S Washington dollar professionally graded?
A: Only if it appears absolutely perfect. Professional grading costs between $20 and $50 per coin. Since a PR69 is only worth about $20, you would lose money. However, if you believe you have a PR70 or a major error, grading is essential to prove its value to buyers.