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The 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in standard proof condition to over $50 for high-grade specimens. While these coins were never intended for general circulation, finding one in a collection or a mint set can be an exciting discovery for any casual treasure hunter.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $45.00 – $75.00 |
Understanding the 2010-S Franklin Pierce Presidential Dollar
The Franklin Pierce dollar was released in 2010 as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which honored the U.S. Commanders-in-Chief in the order they served. Pierce was the 14th President, and his coin represents the second release of the 2010 calendar year. If you have found a coin with an “S” mint mark, it means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint.
Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) versions that were minted for commerce, the “S” version is a proof coin. Proofs are specially manufactured for collectors using polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted foreground. If you aren’t sure which version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common circulation strike and a collector’s proof instantly.
Because these was not intended to be spent at a grocery store, they are usually found in protective plastic cases or official U.S. Mint sets. However, “broken” sets occasionally lead to these coins entering circulation. When using CoinKnow, many users are surprised to find that while the coin is gorgeous, its value is heavily tied to its preservation and the presence of a “Deep Cameo” finish.
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Factors Determining the 2010-S Pierce Dollar Price
When evaluating the value of your 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar, the most critical factor is the grade. Since all “S” mint coins are proofs, they start at a higher baseline of quality than the billions of pennies or quarters in your pocket. Professional graders use a scale from 1 to 70. A PR 70 is considered a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification.
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The visual contrast also plays a role. Most 2010-S dollars are “Deep Cameo” (DCAM), meaning the frosted portrait of Franklin Pierce stands out sharply against a dark, watery background. If the coin has scratches (hairlines) from being handled or wiped with a cloth, the value drops significantly. Collectors often look for detailed historical pricing data to determine if a specific grade is worth the cost of professional certification.
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| Feature | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark “S” | Indicates a Proof strike; higher base value. |
| Deep Cameo (DCAM) | Highly desirable; standard for modern proofs. |
| Edge Lettering | Must be crisp; errors here can increase value. |
Rare Varieties and Edge Lettering Errors
One of the most unique aspects of the Presidential $1 series is the edge lettering. The year of mintage, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are inscribed on the side of the coin rather than the face. For the 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar, check the edge carefully. While rare in proof sets, edge errors (such as missing or doubled lettering) are the “holy grail” for modern coin hunters.
If you happen to find a 2010 dollar where the edge is smooth or the text is overlapping, you could be looking at a coin worth hundreds of dollars. Most of these errors were caught at the San Francisco Mint, but a few always slip through. Modern collectors rely on tools like CoinKnow to stay updated on recently discovered error batches. Identifying an error early is key to maximizing your profit before the market becomes saturated with similar finds.
Comparing the 2010-S to P and D Mint Marks
It is vital for everyday Americans to distinguish between the various mints. The Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints produced millions of Franklin Pierce dollars for general use. These are typically worth only their face value of $1 if they have been used in change. However, in high-grade uncirculated condition, even these business strikes can be worth a premium.
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For instance, a 2010-P in MS 67 condition can sometimes fetch more than a standard 2010-S proof because it is much harder to find a “perfect” circulation coin than a “perfect” proof coin. You can find more 2010 presidential and sacagawea dollar values by checking comprehensive price guides that track auction results from major houses like Heritage Auctions or PCGS.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Total | Typical Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 2010-P (Philly) | 38,360,000 | General Circulation |
| 2010-D (Denver) | 35,140,000 | General Circulation |
| 2010-S (San Fran) | 2,224,613 | Collector Proof Sets |
How to Sell Your Franklin Pierce Dollar
If you have used CoinKnow to identify your coin as a high-grade 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar, your next step is deciding how to sell it. For coins worth $5 to $20, online marketplaces like eBay are often the best bet. Be sure to take high-quality, clear photos of both the front (obverse), back (reverse), and especially the edge.
For coins that you believe are a perfect PR 70 or contain a significant mint error, consider having them professionally graded by NGC or PCGS. A certified coin often sells for double or triple the price of an uncertified one because the buyer has a guarantee of the coin’s authenticity and condition. Always check current “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices to get a realistic view of the market.
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Is It Worth Keeping Your 2010-S Dollar?
Many people ask if these gold-colored dollars will go up in value over time. While they aren’t made of real gold—they are actually a composition of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel—their mintage numbers are relatively low compared to the billions of quarters and dimes minted annually. The 2010-S had a mintage of just over 2.2 million, which is quite small in the world of numismatics.
Keeping a 2010-S Franklin Pierce dollar in its original government packaging or a protective flip is a great way to start a coin collection. While it may not fund your retirement today, it is a piece of American history that carries a premium over its face value. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just someone who found a shiny coin in a drawer, understanding the 2010-S Franklin Pierce dollar value is the first step into the rewarding world of coin collecting.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2010-S Franklin Pierce dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is not made of gold. It features a manganese-brass cladding over a pure copper core, which gives it that distinct golden color. It contains 0% gold content.
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Q: Where can I find the mint mark on my 2010 dollar?
A: Unlike older U.S. coins where the mint mark is on the face, the 2010 Presidential Dollars have the mint mark (“P”, “D”, or “S”) inscribed on the edge of the coin.
Q: Why is my 2010-S dollar so much shinier than other dollar coins?
A: The “S” mint mark indicates it is a proof coin. Proofs are struck multiple times using special methods to create a high-gloss, mirror-like finish intended specifically for collectors.
Q: Can I spend a 2010-S Franklin Pierce dollar?
A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth $1. However, since its collector value is usually $4 or more, spending it at a store would mean you are losing out on its potential numismatic value.