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The 2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar coin is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $45 for high-grade silver versions. While this modern coin isn’t worth a fortune, its unique “S” mint mark and specific finishes make it a favorite for many everyday collectors who find one in a collection.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Clad Proof (PR65) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Clad Proof (PR70) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Silver Proof (PR69) | $30.00 – $45.00 |
| Silver Proof (PR70) | $80.00+ |
Overview of the 2013-S William Howard Taft Presidential Dollar
The William Howard Taft dollar was released in 2013 as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This program, which began in 2007, honored each deceased U.S. President in the order they served. Taft, our 27th president, is featured on the obverse (front) of this coin.
If you have found a Taft dollar with an “S” mint mark, you have something a bit more special than the average pocket change. The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint, which primarily produces proof coins for collectors. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) versions seen in circulation, these were sold in sets.
Determining the exact variety of your coin is the first step toward valuation. To help you identify your finds quickly, many collectors use a top coin identifier app to distinguish between clad and silver versions. Using an app like CoinKnow can save you hours of manual research by scanning the coin’s surface details instantly.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Understanding the Difference Between Clad and Silver Proofs
One of the most important factors in the 2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar Value is the metallic composition. In 2013, the Mint produced two distinct “S” mint mark versions. The first is the Copper-Nickel Clad proof, which has a golden appearance but contains no actual gold.
The second, and more valuable version, is the 90% Silver Proof. These were included in special Silver Proof Sets. While they look similar at a glance, the silver versions are heavier and have a brilliant white edge rather than a copper-colored stripe.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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For those tracking market trends, the current 2013-S Taft dollar price data suggests that silver versions maintain their value much better than clad ones due to their precious metal content. Using CoinKnow, you can check the current spot price of silver to see how it affects your coin’s wholesale value.
| Coin Feature | Clad Composition | Silver Composition |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Content | Manganese-Brass over Copper | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 8.10 grams | Standard Silver Weight |
| Edge View | Copper stripe visible | Solid silver/white edge |
Grading and How It Affects Taft Dollar Prices
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. Since all 2013-S Taft dollars were struck as proofs, they should naturally look shiny and mirror-like. However, scratches, fingerprints, or “clouding” on the surface (called toning) can significantly lower the price.
Professional graders use a scale from 1 to 70. A “Proof 70” (PR70) is a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. A “Proof 69” (PR69) might have a tiny, almost invisible imperfection.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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While you might see high prices listed online, remember that the average coin found in a drawer is likely a PR65 or PR67. If you are curious about how condition impacts the 2013 Taft dollar value across different grades, it is best to consult a price auction guide. CoinKnow allows users to compare their coins against high-resolution images of “Perfect 70” specimens to see where their coin stands.
The Significance of Edge Lettering
One unique feature of the Taft Dollar, and the Presidential series in general, is the edge-incused lettering. Instead of the year and mint mark being on the face of the coin, they are stamped into the rim.
On the rim of a 2013-S Taft Dollar, you should find the year (2013), the “S” mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” In the early years of the program, some coins were accidentally released without this lettering (“Smooth Edge” errors), but these are extremely rare for the 2013 issues.
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If you find a coin where the lettering appears upside down when the President’s face is up, don’t worry! This is not an error. The Mint applies edge lettering randomly, so “Position A” and “Position B” are both considered normal and carry the same value.
| Edge Inscription | Status |
|---|---|
| 2013 S • E Pluribus Unum | Standard / Correct |
| Missing Lettering | Rare Error (Requires Authentication) |
| Double Lettering | Rare Error |
Collecting the 2013 Presidential Dollar Series
The Taft dollar was part of a four-coin release in 2013. That year also honored William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson. Because the government stopped producing these for general circulation in 2011, the 2013 coins had much lower mintages than the early 2007-2010 releases.
Lower mintage usually means higher demand from collectors who are trying to complete their sets. While you won’t retire on the value of a single Taft dollar, keeping it in a protective flip or capsule is a good idea to preserve its mirror-like finish.
Many hobbyists find that using tools like CoinKnow helps them organize their collection and keep track of which Presidents they are missing. It’s a fun, low-cost way to get into numismatics while learning a bit of American history at the same time.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Where to Sell Your 2013-S Taft Dollar
If you have determined that you have a high-grade or silver version of this coin, you might be looking to sell. Small-value coins like the clad proof are often best sold in “lots” or groups on sites like eBay to save on shipping costs.
Local coin shops are great for quick cash, but they may only offer you a percentage of the retail price so they can make a profit. For a silver version, they will usually pay you at least the “melt value” of the silver.
Always check a reliable price guide before finalizing a sale. Knowing the realistic market value ensures you don’t get underpaid for a rare PR70 specimen.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely but possible. “S” mint mark coins were not intended for circulation, but sometimes collectors spend them or they are removed from sets. If you find one in change, it will likely be scratched and worth only its face value of $1.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: How can I tell if my Taft Dollar is silver without a professional?
A: The “tissue test” is a common trick. Place a single layer of tissue paper over a known silver coin and a normal copper-nickel coin. The silver coin will look white through the tissue, while the clad coin will look dark or grey. Additionally, the edge of a silver coin will not have a copper stripe.
Q: Are there any famous errors for the 2013 Taft Dollar?
A: No major, headline-grabbing errors like the “Cheerios Dollar” exist for the 2013 Taft issue. However, collectors always look for minor doubling on the edge lettering or “struck-through” errors where debris caught in the die leaves a mark on the coin.
Q: Is the Taft dollar made of real gold?
A: No. Though it has a beautiful golden hue, the standard presidential dollars are made of a mix of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. They contain zero gold content.