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The 2016-P Gerald Ford Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.00 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade uncirculated condition. While most of these golden-colored coins you find in pocket change are only worth their face value, certain specimens with high luster or specific errors can command a premium from collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (F-AU) | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65+) | $15.00 – $35.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS67+) | $60.00+ |
History and Significance of the 2016-P Gerald Ford Dollar
The Gerald Ford Presidential Dollar was released in 2016 as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This program, which began in 2007, sought to honor every deceased U.S. President in the order they served. Gerald Ford, the 38th President, was one of the final subjects of the series.
Finding one of these in your change can be exciting because they look like gold, though they are actually made of a manganese-brass alloy. To quickly identify if your find is a rarity, researchers often use a top coin identifier app to get instant feedback on the design and mint mark.
By 2016, the U.S. Mint had stopped producing Presidential Dollars for general circulation due to a massive surplus in government vaults. Consequently, the 2016-P Ford coins were only produced for collectors and sold in rolls, bags, and sets directly from the Mint. This makes them significantly scarcer than the early 2007 issues.
If you are unsure whether you have a standard business strike or a special finish, using CoinKnow can help you distinguish between the various finishes produced that year. Most people who find these today likely found them in a collection or a bank roll that was cracked open.
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Understanding the 2016 Gerald Ford Dollar Value by Grade
When determining the value of your coin, “condition” is everything. Most 2016-P Ford dollars have spent time in rolls and may have “bag marks”—small scratches from bumping into other coins. A coin that is truly “Mint State” (MS) will have no wear and a full, frosty luster.
For those looking for precise market data, checking the 2016 dollar price guide for MS grades is essential. Professional grading can transform a $2 coin into a $50 coin if the surfaces are flawless.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The “P” mint mark indicates the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Generally, Philadelphia strikes from this era were produced in high numbers for collectors, but finding a perfectly preserved specimen with a grade of MS67 or higher is quite difficult.
| Grade (MS) | 2016-P Ford Value | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | $3.00 | Common |
| MS65 | $12.00 | Scarce |
| MS67 | $55.00 | Rare |
| MS68 | $250.00+ | Ultra Rare |
Key Features of the 2016-P Ford Presidential Dollar
The obverse of the coin features a dignified portrait of Gerald Ford. The inscriptions include his name, the “38th President” title, the years of his term (1974-1977), and the motto “In God We Trust.” The reverse features a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty.
One unique aspect of this series is the edge-incused lettering. Unlike quarters or dimes, the date, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” are engraved on the edge of the coin. If you find a coin with smooth edges, it might be a rare “missing edge lettering” error.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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To ensure you aren’t missing a valuable error, you can use CoinKnow to scan the edge of the coin for proper alignment. Variations in the lettering position (Position A vs. Position B) are also of interest to specialized collectors.
Understanding the specific value indicators for 2016 dollars can help you decide if your coin is worth the cost of professional grading. Prices for higher denominations like these are often more stable than copper pennies.
2016-P and 2016-D Comparison and Mintage Figures
The Denver (D) and Philadelphia (P) mints both produced the Ford Dollar in 2016. While their values are generally similar, collectors often try to find “matched pairs” from both mints to complete their albums. Because these were NIFC (Not Issued For Circulation), the mintages are much lower than early Presidential dollars.
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The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 5.46 million Ford dollars, while Denver struck about 5.04 million. While five million might sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction of the hundreds of millions of George Washington dollars minted in 2007.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity | Collector Demand |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-P (Philadelphia) | 5,460,000 | Moderate |
| 2016-D (Denver) | 5,040,000 | Moderate |
| 2016-S (San Francisco) | Proof Sets Only | High |
Are There Any Rare 2016 Gerald Ford Dollar Errors?
While the 2016 series had much tighter quality control than the 2007-2009 sets, errors do exist. The most common errors found in the Presidential series involve the edge lettering. Occasionally, a coin might bypass the edge-lettering machine entirely.
Another error to look for is “doubled edge lettering,” which occurs if a coin passes through the machine twice. These errors are highly sought after and can increase the 2016-P Ford dollar value into the hundreds of dollars.
If you suspect you have one of these, CoinKnow features a database of confirmed error types you can compare your coin against. Looking at the coin under a 10x magnifying glass is also highly recommended to spot “Planchet cracks” or “Die clashes.”
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Because these were sold in rolls, some “End of Roll” toning can occur. While not technically an error, coins with beautiful “rainbow” oxidation on the outer rim often sell for more than standard gold-colored coins.
How to Sell and Store Your Ford Dollar
If you discover that your 2016-P Ford Dollar is in high-grade condition, proper storage is vital. Fingerprint oils can permanently damage the manganese-brass finish. Use PVC-free flips or capsules to keep the coin airtight.
When selling, online marketplaces like eBay are popular for individual coins. However, for a coin you believe would grade MS67 or higher, it is best to have it authenticated by a service like PCGS or NGC first.
Always verify current market trends before selling. The market for Presidential Dollars fluctuates based on how many new collectors are entering the hobby. Keeping an eye on recent auction results is the best way to ensure you get a fair price for your treasure.
FAQ
Q: Why isn’t my 2016-P Ford Dollar made of real gold?
A: Despite their “golden” appearance, Presidential Dollars contain zero gold. They are made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This was designed to give them a distinct color compared to the silver-colored quarter.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Can I find a 2016 Ford Dollar in my pocket change?
A: It is possible, but unlikely. Since the U.S. Mint stopped producing them for general circulation in 2011, these coins only enter circulation when a collector or their heir spends a special mint set or roll.
Q: What is the most expensive 2016-P Gerald Ford Dollar ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens (MS68) have sold at auction for over $300. Most everyday examples, however, remain in the $2 to $5 range.
Q: Does the orientation of the edge lettering matter?
A: Not for the overall value of common strikes, but some “set” collectors look for Position A (lettering is upside down when the portrait is face up) or Position B (lettering is right side up). Neither is significantly rarer than the other.