2011-S U.S. Grant Dollar Coin Value — Collector Price Guide

The 2011-S U.S. Grant Dollar is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $45 as a high-grade specimen. While these modern coins aren’t as rare as 19th-century silver dollars, finding one in your change is an exciting discovery for any casual collector or history enthusiast.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR-65 (Typical Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR-69 (Near Perfect)	$12.00 – $18.00
PR-70 (Perfect Grade)	$35.00 – $65.00

Identifying Your 2011-S Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Dollar

If you have stumbled upon a golden-colored coin featuring the 18th President of the United States, you are likely looking at a piece from the Presidential $1 Coin Program. To accurately determine the value, you first need to identify the mint mark. The 2011-S Ulysses S. Grant Dollar was minted exclusively at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike older coins where the mint mark is on the face, these modern dollars feature “incuse” lettering on the edge of the coin.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a proof or a standard circulation strike, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes instantly. The “S” mint mark indicates it was produced for collectors, meaning it was never intended to be spent in grocery stores or vending machines.

The design itself is striking, featuring a detailed portrait of Grant on the obverse and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. Because these coins were made with a special proof process, they possess a mirror-like background and “frosted” details. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny compared to a regular quarter, it is likely a 2011-S Proof.

What Makes the 2011-S Grant Dollar Special for Collectors?

By 2011, the U.S. Mint had realized that the public wasn’t using dollar coins for daily transactions as much as hoped. Consequently, the production numbers for the Grant dollar were lower than the earlier releases like the Washington or Lincoln dollars. This scarcity in general circulation makes the 2011 series slightly more desirable for those trying to complete a full set of Presidential Dollars.

The 2011-S version is specifically a “Proof” coin. Proofs are struck multiple times using polished dies to ensure the highest level of detail. When you check the CoinKnow app for market trends, you’ll notice that while millions were made, only those in pristine, “Deep Cameo” condition fetch significant premiums.

Collectors often look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation from grading services like PCGS or NGC. This means there is a high contrast between the shiny fields and the white, frosted portrait. For those interested in market comparisons, you can view the current market value for 2011 dollar strikes to see how the Grant series stacks up against the Native American series from the same year.

Grading and Condition: How Much Is It Really Worth?

In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 2011-S Grant Dollar that has been scratched or handled with bare fingers will quickly lose its collector value and settle toward its “melt” or face value. Because these are “manganese-brass” clad coins, they do not contain any actual gold, despite their appearance.

A coin’s grade is measured on a scale of 1 to 70. Most 2011-S Proofs found in original government packaging will grade between PR-67 and PR-69. A PR-70 is a “perfect” coin, showing no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. Before sending a coin to be professionally graded, many hobbyists use CoinKnow to get a baseline idea of whether the coin is worth the grading fees.

Grade Designation	Visual Description	Average Price
PR-67 DCAM	Minor imperfections, great luster	$6.00
PR-68 DCAM	Near flawless to the naked eye	$10.00
PR-69 DCAM	Virtually perfect	$18.00
PR-70 DCAM	Museum quality, flawless	$45.00+

Where to Buy and Sell Your Ulysses Grant Coin

If you have a 2011-S Grant dollar and want to turn it into cash, you have several options. Because the value is relatively low (under $50 for most specimens), selling to a local coin shop might result in a “bulk” offer. Shop owners need to make a profit, so they may only offer you a dollar or two unless the coin is a certified PR-70.

Online marketplaces like eBay are the most common venue for selling these individual coins. When listing, be sure to take high-resolution photos of the front, back, and the edge lettering. You can also research the comprehensive 2011 dollar coin worth guide to see how different variants from this year perform at auction.

For buyers, these coins are an affordable way to get children interested in history. You can often buy the entire 2011 Proof Set, which includes the Grant dollar along with other presidents and the yearly quarters, for around $25 to $35. This is often a better value than buying the coins individually.

Technical Specs and Mintage Figures

Knowing the technical details of your coin can help you spot fakes or experimental strikes. The 2011-S Grant Dollar weighs 8.1 grams and has a diameter of 26.5 mm. It is composed of a pure copper core with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This specific alloy gives it the “golden” look without the cost of precious metal.

The mintage for the 2011-S Proof Grant Dollar was 1,673,010. While 1.6 million sounds like a lot, compare that to the Philadelphia and Denver mintages for other years which often exceed 50 or 100 million. This makes the “S” mint mark significantly harder to find in a random pocket of change.

If you find a 2011 Grant dollar without an “S” mint mark, it was minted in Philadelphia (“P”) or Denver (“D”). These were intended for circulation, though by 2011, many remained in government vaults. Using CoinKnow can help you track whether your specific mint mark is trending up or down in the collector market.

Mint Mark	Production Type	Mintage
P (Philadelphia)	Circulation	37,940,000
D (Denver)	Circulation	38,080,000
S (San Francisco)	Proof	1,673,010

Common Errors to Look For in 2011 Dollars

While the 2011-S Proofs undergo strict quality control, errors can still happen. Collectors go crazy for “Wrong Edge Lettering” errors. In some cases, the edge lettering might be doubled or missing entirely. If you find a 2011-S Grant dollar with no writing on the edge, you could be looking at a coin worth hundreds of dollars.

Another common error for the Presidential series is the “Position A” vs “Position B” edge lettering orientation. However, for proof coins, this is less of a “rarity” and more of a standard variation. Always check the rim of your coin carefully under a magnifying glass.

If you suspect you’ve found an error, do not clean the coin! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can create micro-scratches that ruin its value. Instead, use a high-quality app or consult a professional to verify the error before attempting to sell it.

FAQ

Q: Is the 2011-S Grant Dollar made of real gold?

A: No, the coin is made of a manganese-brass alloy over a copper core. It contains 0% gold. The “golden” color is purely for aesthetic purposes to distinguish it from the silver-colored quarter.

Q: How can I tell if my coin is a “Proof”?

A: Proof coins like the 2011-S usually have an “S” mint mark on the edge. They also feature a mirror-like, reflective background and a frosty, matte appearance on the portrait of President Grant.

Q: Why is the date and mint mark on the edge of the coin?

A: The U.S. Mint moved the date, mint mark, and the mottos “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust” to the edge to allow for larger, more detailed portraits on the front and back of the coin.

Q: Can I spend a 2011-S Grant Dollar at the store?

A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth exactly $1.00 at any business. However, since it is a collector’s item worth $3 or more, it is usually better to sell it to a collector rather than spending it.