The 2010 Millard Fillmore Dollar Coin is worth anywhere from $1.05 in circulated condition to over $50 for high-grade specimens. While most of these golden-colored dollars are only worth their face value, certain mint errors and high-quality strikes can be far more valuable to collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $1.00 – $1.05 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State) | $2.50 – $12.00 |
| Proof (S-Mint) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Certified High Grades (MS67+) | $40.00 – $120.00+ |
An Overview of the 2010 Millard Fillmore Presidential Dollar
The Millard Fillmore dollar was released in 2010 as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This series, which began in 2007, was designed to honor each U.S. President in the order they served. Fillmore, who was the 13th President, appears on the 13th coin issued in the series. If you’ve just found one of these in your change, you might be wondering if you’ve struck gold. Unfortunately, these coins are not made of real gold; they are composed of a copper core with a manganese-brass cladding, which gives them that distinct yellow shine.
Finding out the exact rarity of your coin can be tricky for a beginner. Using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common pocket-change find and a collector’s item. In 2010, the U.S. Mint was still producing these coins for general circulation, meaning millions were made. However, because they didn’t circulate as widely as the quarter or penny, many people kept them, thinking they might be rare.
When you look at your Fillmore dollar, you’ll see the portrait of the President on the obverse (front) and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse (back). One unique feature of this series is the edge lettering. Unlike most coins, the date, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are engraved on the edge of the coin. If your coin has “smooth sides” without this lettering, you might have a valuable mint error.
Determining the Mint Mark and Its Impact on Price
The value of your 2010 Fillmore dollar is heavily influenced by where it was minted. In 2010, three different mints produced these coins: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). You can find the mint mark on the edge of the coin alongside the year. Generally, the “P” and “D” mint marks are the most common, as these were intended for general commerce.
The San Francisco Mint produced “Proof” versions specifically for collectors. Proof coins are struck with polished dies and blanks, resulting in a mirror-like field and frosted details. These are almost always more valuable than their “P” or “D” counterparts because they were never meant to be spent. To get an accurate reading on current market trends, checking the current Presidential dollar auction results can provide a benchmark for what buyers are actually paying.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | 37,520,000 | Very Common |
| D (Denver) | 36,960,000 | Very Common |
| S (Proof) | 2,204,442 | Collector Grade |
Grading Your 2010 M. Fillmore Dollar Coin
To determine if your coin is worth more than a dollar, you must assess its grade. Professional graders use the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. For the average person, we can simplify this into “Circulated,” “Uncirculated,” and “Proof.” Most coins found in change are “Circulated” (VF to EF grade), meaning they have visible scratches and wear from being handled.
“Uncirculated” coins, also known as Mint State (MS), have no wear and retain their original luster. These are often found in rolls from the bank or mint sets. If you think you’ve found a particularly shiny specimen, CoinKnow is a great tool to help you compare your coin against high-resolution images of graded coins. A coin graded MS67 or higher can fetch a significant premium, as it is nearly perfect to the naked eye.
While these dollars aren’t as old as vintage silver coins, the value of rare modern dollar coins proves that condition is everything in the modern hobby. Even a small scratch on Fillmore’s cheek can drop the value from $20 down to $1. If you are serious about selling, getting a professional grade from services like PCGS or NGC is usually only worth the cost if the coin is in perfect condition.
Valuable Errors on the Millard Fillmore Dollar
Mint errors are the “holy grail” for many casual coin hunters. Because the Presidential Dollar series involved a complex two-step minting process (striking the faces and then the edges), errors occurred more frequently than with other coins. The most famous error in the series is the “Godless Dollar,” where the edge lettering was missed entirely.
While most 2010 Fillmore dollars have their edge lettering, keep an eye out for “Weak Edge Lettering” or “Doubled Edge Lettering.” These occur when the coin passes through the edge-incusing machine twice or with insufficient pressure. Another error to look for is “Stray Die Cap” or “Off-Center” strikes, though these are extremely rare for the 2010 issues.
| Error Type | Description | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Edge Lettering | Smooth edge with no date/mottos | $50 – $150 |
| Double Edge Lettering | Characters appear shifted or doubled | $20 – $60 |
| Planchet Flaws | Discoloration or metal peeling | $5 – $20 |
Positioning the Fillmore Dollar in Your Collection
If you are a casual collector, the 2010 Millard Fillmore dollar is an excellent piece to start a “Presidential Set.” Because they are still relatively easy to find in bank rolls or at coin shops for a small premium, they offer an affordable way to enjoy history. Most collectors try to acquire one “P” mint and one “D” mint coin for each president to complete their albums.
Interestingly, the demand for these coins has remained steady among history buffs rather than just “investors.” If you are using CoinKnow to track your collection, you’ll notice that while the price doesn’t jump as much as gold or silver, the value of pristine, slabbed (professionally encased) coins tends to rise slowly over time as fewer high-grade examples remain on the market.
Always remember to handle your coins by the edges. The oils from your fingers can darken the manganese-brass alloy over time, turning a bright golden coin into a dull brown one. This discoloration can negatively impact the grade and price. Even though this isn’t a 100-year-old coin, treating it with care will ensure it maintains its maximum potential value for decades to come.
Where to Sell Your 2010 Millard Fillmore Dollar
If you’ve determined that your coin is a high-grade specimen or a rare error, you probably want to know how much cash you can get for it. For common “P” and “D” coins in circulated condition, your best bet is to simply keep them as curiosities or spend them—most coin shops won’t pay more than face value for a single circulated dollar because it isn’t worth their time to process.
However, for Proof coins or coins in Mint State 66 or higher, eBay is a popular marketplace. You can see “Sold” listings to gauge what buyers are actually paying. Local coin shows are also a great place to meet dealers who might be looking to fill a specific gap in their inventory. Before you head out, use CoinKnow to check the most recent auction records so you don’t get low-balled on a valuable error coin.
For those lucky enough to find a “Missing Edge Lettering” error, professional auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections are the way to go. These venues specialize in rare errors and can help you reach serious collectors willing to pay a premium for authenticated rarities.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2010 Millard Fillmore dollar made of gold?
A: No, it does not contain any real gold. It is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of manganese brass (77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel). This gives it a golden color, but the metal value is very low.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2010 Fillmore dollar?
A: Unlike the penny or quarter, the mint mark is not on the face of the coin. It is located on the edge. You will need to look at the side of the coin to find the year (2010) followed by a “P”, “D”, or “S”.
Q: Why is my 2010 dollar coin turning brown or black?
A: The manganese-brass finish on these coins oxidizes very easily when exposed to air and moisture. The oils from your skin can also cause it to tarnish. This is why many circulated Presidential dollars look dull and dark.
Q: Can I find these coins in my pocket change?
A: Yes, though it is becoming rarer. The U.S. Mint stopped producing Presidential dollars for general circulation in 2011 due to a massive surplus. While 2010 coins were circulated, many are now held in private collections or stored in bank vaults.
Q: What is the most expensive Millard Fillmore dollar ever sold?
A: Specimens graded MS68 by professional services have sold for over $500 in the past. However, these are extremely rare and must be in perfect condition with absolutely no scratches and beautiful “eye appeal.”