Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 2016-S Gerald Ford Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in circulated proof condition to over $65 in top-tier deep cameo grades. While these golden-colored coins look like ancient treasure, their value depends heavily on their strike quality and whether they were intended for everyday pockets or coin collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated Proof (Clad) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo (Clad) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo (Clad) | $45.00 – $65.00 |
Understanding the Significance of the 2016-S Ford Dollar
If you just found a shiny gold coin featuring the 38th President, you might be wondering if you hit the jackpot. The Gerald Ford dollar belongs to the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which ran from 2007 to 2016. By the time 2016 rolled around, the U.S. Mint had stopped producing these coins for general circulation because banks were overflowing with unused dollar coins.
If your coin has an “S” mint mark, it was minted in San Francisco. This is a crucial detail for your top coin identifier app to recognize because “S” coins were exclusively sold to collectors in Proof sets. They were never meant to be spent at a grocery store. If you found one in your change, someone likely broke open a collector set to spend it.
To get an instant read on your coin’s condition, you can use CoinKnow. This app helps hobbyists distinguish between a common scuffed coin and a high-value specimen. Understanding the 2016 Gerald Ford coin value information is the first step in deciding whether to add it to your collection or list it for sale online.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Identifying the “S” Mint Mark and Proof Finish
The “S” mint mark is the defining feature of the San Francisco 2016-S Gerald Ford dollar. Unlike older coins where the mint mark is on the face, the Presidential series features edge-incused lettering. Look at the rim of the coin. You will see the year “2016,” the “S” mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
Proof coins are struck using polished dies and specially treated blanks. This results in a mirror-like background (fields) and frosted foregrounds (the portrait). When using the CoinKnow app, the camera can often pick up these reflective qualities, which are essential for determining the premium over face value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Because these were “made-for-collectors,” the survival rate is high. However, coins that have been handled with bare fingers or tossed in jars lose their “Deep Cameo” contrast quickly. Even a tiny fingerprint can lower the value significantly. Check the current price data for 2016 modern dollars to see how quickly the price drops for coins that show wear.
Grading and Condition: Why PR70 Matters
In the world of coin collecting, the Sheldon Scale of 1 to 70 is the industry standard. A “70” is a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. For the 2016-S Ford dollar, the jump in price from a 69 to a 70 is substantial. Most collectors aren’t interested in a PR67 or PR68 because millions were kept in pristine condition.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Condition Grade | Visual Appearance | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Imperfect/Scratched | Visible scratches, dull surface | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| PR69 DCAM | Nearly perfect, deep frost | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| PR70 DCAM | Flawless under magnification | $55.00+ |
If you think your coin is a “perfect 70,” it might be worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. However, grading costs roughly $20-$30 per coin plus shipping. If your coin has even a hairline scratch, the grading fee might exceed the coin’s actual worth. This is where CoinKnow becomes a vital tool to pre-screen your finds before spending money on professional services.
Comparison with Other 2016 Presidential Dollars
Gerald Ford wasn’t the only President honored in 2016. This was the final year of the regular series, featuring Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. Because it was the final year, production numbers were much lower than the early years like Washington or Adams.
The 2016-S Ford Dollar was issued in two main varieties: the standard Copper-Nickel Clad version and a 90% Silver version found in Silver Proof Sets. If your coin is significantly heavier or has a bright white edge instead of a copper stripe, you might have the silver version, which is worth significantly more due to its precious metal content.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Coin Type (2016) | Clad Proof Value | Silver Proof Value |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Nixon | $4 – $12 | $25 – $40 |
| Gerald Ford | $4 – $15 | $25 – $45 |
| Ronald Reagan | $5 – $20 | $30 – $55 |
Common Errors and Rarities in the 2016-S Series
While the 2016-S Gerald Ford dollar was produced under strict quality control, errors can always happen. Error hunters look for “Missing Edge Lettering,” where the rim of the coin is completely smooth. While very rare for the proof series, such an error could push the value into the hundreds of dollars.
Another thing to look for is “Double Die” strikes, where the lettering or the President’s portrait appears to have a slight ghosting or doubling effect. While no major double dies have been widely reported for the 2016-S Ford, unusual varieties are often discovered years later by diligent collectors.
If you suspect you have an error, take a high-resolution photo. Many beginners use CoinKnow to zoom in on the finer details of the coin’s surface. A confirmed mint error on a 2016-S dollar would make it a “one-of-a-kind” item for many modern coin enthusiasts.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How to Sell Your 2016-S Gerald Ford Dollar
Selling a modern dollar coin requires some strategy. Because the value for common versions is relatively low ($4 to $10), selling a single coin on eBay might not be profitable after shipping and seller fees. The best way to get a good price is to sell them as part of a complete 2016 proof set or a complete Presidential dollar collection.
If you believe you have a PR70 (Perfect) coin, your best bet is a specialized auction house or a reputable local coin shop. Be prepared for the fact that many “old coins” found in circulation are simply worth face value. However, the “S” mint mark always carries at least a small premium because of its limited mintage.
Before you sell, always check for the latest market trends. Prices for modern proofs can fluctuate based on collector interest. Keeping an eye on recent sales will ensure you don’t let a valuable silver proof or a high-grade clad coin go for just a dollar.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2016-S Gerald Ford dollar made of real gold?
A: No, despite its golden color, it contains no actual gold. It is composed of a copper core with a brass outer layer (manganese-brass). The “S” silver proof version is made of 90% silver, but it also does not contain gold.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Can I spend a 2016-S Ford Dollar at the store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender for one dollar. However, since it is a proof coin minted for collectors and worth at least $3 to $5, spending it means you are losing money. It is better to sell it to a collector or keep it as an investment.
Q: How many 2016-S Gerald Ford dollar coins were made?
A: The U.S. Mint produced approximately 1.1 million of the clad proof versions and about 500,000 of the silver proof versions. This is a very low mintage compared to early years of the series which saw hundreds of millions of coins produced.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2016 Ford dollar?
A: The mint mark is not on the front or back. It is “edge-incused,” meaning it is stamped into the thin edge (rim) of the coin. You will see the “S” next to the date and the words “E Pluribus Unum.”