The 2013-D Franklin D. Roosevelt Dollar coin is worth anywhere from its face value of $1 in circulated condition to over $45 in high-grade mint state. While these coins were not released into general circulation for daily spending, many have found their way into private collections and loose change jars across America today.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Pocket Change | $1.00 – $1.10 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65+) | $8.00 – $18.00 |
| High Grade (MS67) | $40.00+ |
The History and Background of the 2013-D Roosevelt Dollar
The 2013-D Roosevelt Dollar belongs to the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which began in 2007 to honor the former Presidents of the United States. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President, was featured in the 2013 series. By the time this coin was minted, the U.S. Mint had already ceased producing dollar coins for general circulation due to a massive surplus in Federal Reserve vaults. This means the 2013-D version was produced in much smaller numbers compared to early years like 2007 or 2008.
Because these coins were primarily sold in rolls and bags directly to collectors, finding one in your pocket change is quite rare. If you do find one, it likely came from a broken-up collector set. To find out if yours is one of these rare pieces, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common strike and a valuable specimen.
The “D” mint mark on this coin indicates it was struck at the Denver Mint. Investors and hobbyists often look for these specific mint marks to complete their sets, as the production volume for the 2013 Roosevelt Dollar was limited to approximately 4.34 million units at Denver. This is a tiny fraction compared to the billions of pennies and quarters made every year.
Determining the Value of Your 2013-D Roosevelt Dollar
When assessing the 2013-D T. Roosevelt dollar coin value, the most important factor is the physical condition, or “grade.” Since these coins were not intended for the grocery store or vending machines, most examples found today are still in relatively good shape. However, “Uncirculated” coins—those that look like they just came off the press—are the ones that command a premium from collectors.
The scale used by professionals ranges from 1 to 70. A coin with a grade of MS65 (Mint State 65) is considered “Gem Quality” and will have very few distracting marks. If your coin has a shiny, mirror-like finish or lacks any scratches on FDR’s cheek, it might be worth sending for professional grading. You can check the latest market trends and current 2013 Roosevelt coinage auction data to see what similar specimens are fetching.
For a quick check at home, thousands of Americans now use CoinKnow. This app allows you to take a photo of your dollar coin and receive an instant estimation of its rarity and grade. It is a perfect tool for everyday people who aren’t sure if they should spend their dollar or save it.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity | Scarcity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-P (Philadelphia) | 3,920,000 | Moderate |
| 2013-D (Denver) | 4,340,000 | Moderate |
| 2013-S (San Francisco Proof) | 1,380,453 | High (Collector Only) |
Identifying Key Features and Design Details
The obverse (front) of the coin features a dignified portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Unlike older coins where the date and mint mark are on the front or back, the Presidential Dollars use “edge-incused lettering.” This means if you look at the thin side of the coin, you will see the year 2013, the mint mark (D), and the mottoes “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust.”
The reverse (back) of the coin features a stunning rendition of the Statue of Liberty. This design was created by Don Everhart and was used for the entire Presidential series. Many beginners confuse these golden-colored coins with real gold, but they are actually made of a manganese-brass clad over a copper core.
While looking for Roosevelt dollars, you might also come across other gold-colored coins from the same era. For instance, comparing the FDR dollar to the 2013 Native American dollar price guide can help you understand the differences in value between the various dollar series issued by the Mint.
Common Errors and Varieties to Look For
While errors on the 2013-D Roosevelt Dollar are less common than on the earlier 2007 coins (which famously had “Godless” versions missing edge lettering), they do exist. Collectors look for “Double Dies,” where the letters or the President’s features appear doubled. These mistakes occur during the hubbing process and can turn a \$1 coin into a \$50 or \$100 treasure.
Another error to check for is “Missing Edge Lettering.” Because the edge inscribed details are added in a separate step from the main strike, some coins occasionally skip this machine. If the edge of your 2013-D dollar is completely smooth, you have found a major error coin. These are highly sought after by specialists and should be authenticated immediately.
If you believe you’ve found an error, CoinKnow is an excellent resource to compare your coin against a database of known minting mistakes. Identifying an error visually can be tricky for the untrained eye, so having a digital assistant can save you a lot of time and potential frustration.
| Error Type | Description | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Weak Edge Lettering | Faint or partial text on the rim | $5 – $15 |
| Planchet Flaw | Discoloration or metal peeling | $10 – $30 |
| Die Crack | Raised lines across the design | $5 – $25 |
How to Sell or Collect the 2013-D Roosevelt Dollar
If you decide to sell your 2013-D Roosevelt Dollar, your best bet is often online marketplaces like eBay or specialized coin forums. Because the value for most of these coins is between $2 and $15, a local coin shop might not offer much more than face value unless the coin is in perfect condition. Collectors often look for “Registry Set” quality coins, which are essentially flawless.
For those looking to start a collection, the 2013-D is a great “gateway” coin. It is affordable, historically significant, and relatively easy to find in high grades. Keeping your coins in protective cardboard flips or plastic capsules is essential to prevent oils from your skin from causing tarnishing or fingerprints, which can lower the grade over time.
Before you sell, make sure to use CoinKnow to check if there are any recent price spikes. The coin market can fluctuate based on demand, and sometimes a specific year or mint mark becomes “hot” among collectors, driving up the price temporarily.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Keeping?
While the 2013-D Roosevelt Dollar isn’t going to make you a millionaire overnight, it is a fascinating piece of American history. Its low mintage compared to early 2000s coinage makes it a “sleeper” hit that could potentially gain value as the years go by. Most people will never see one of these in the wild, so if you have one, it’s certainly worth more than just a single dollar to the right person.
Whether you found it in a bank roll or inherited it from a relative, take a close look at that edge lettering and the luster of the metal. You might just be holding a high-grade specimen that belongs in a museum-quality collection.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 2013-D Roosevelt Dollar gold in color? Is it real gold?
A: No, the coin is not made of gold. It is composed 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 appearance without the high cost of precious metals.
Q: Can I spend my 2013-D Roosevelt Dollar at a store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth one US dollar. However, because it was produced in limited quantities for collectors, you are better off keeping it or selling it to a collector for a small premium rather than spending it at face value.
Q: Where is the date on the 2013 Roosevelt Dollar?
A: Unlike most coins, the date is not on the front or the back. You have to look at the edge (the side) of the coin. The year 2013 and the mint mark “D” are laser-etched into the rim.
Q: How many 2013-D Roosevelt Dollars were made?
A: The Denver Mint produced approximately 4,340,000 Roosevelt Dollars in 2013. This is considered a low mintage for modern US coins.