The 2022-S VT Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.50 in uncirculated condition to over $50 for high-grade Deep Cameo proof specimens. While these modern coins haven’t been around long, certain “S” mint mark versions are highly sought after by collectors looking to complete their American Innovation series.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated Business Strike (S) | $1.25 – $2.50 |
| Proof (S) PR67 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Deep Cameo Proof (S) PR69 | $15.00 – $22.00 |
| Deep Cameo Proof (S) PR70 | $45.00 – $75.00 |
What is the 2022-S Vermont American Innovation Dollar?
The 2022-S Vermont Dollar is a special release from the United States Mint as part of the American Innovation $1 Coin Program. This multi-year series honors significant innovations and innovators from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. The Vermont coin specifically celebrates the innovation of snowboarding, a sport that has deep roots in the Green Mountain State.
The “S” mint mark indicates that the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the Philly or Denver strikes, these were not intended for general circulation. If you find one in your change, you’ve likely come across a coin that someone removed from a collector set. To identify yours quickly, many collectors use a top coin identifier app to distinguish between the different finishes available.
Because these coins are relatively new, many everyday Americans aren’t sure if they should spend them or save them. Using the CoinKnow app can help you keep track of your modern dollar collection and monitor any changes in market demand. Generally, these coins feature an image of a snowboarder on the reverse side, set against a mountainous landscape, making them a favorite for sports fans and coin enthusiasts alike.
Understanding the San Francisco Mint Marks
The San Francisco Mint (S) produced two main types of the 2022 Vermont Dollar. The first is the “Uncirculated” business strike, which was sold in bags and rolls directly to collectors. The second is the “Proof” strike, which features a mirror-like background and frosted details. Proofs are generally more valuable because they were handled with extreme care and packaged in protective sets.
Finding a high-grade proof in a perfect PR70 condition is the goal for many. You can check the latest 2022 Innovation dollar price trends to see how the market is behaving for these S-minted treasures. While they are made of a manganese-brass composition and carry no actual gold, their numismatic value can be surprisingly high if the condition is flawless.
When you are sorting through a collection, pay attention to the luster. A shiny coin isn’t always a proof coin. Proofs have much sharper strikes and a deep, reflective surface. If you aren’t sure which one you have, CoinKnow allows you to scan the coin and get an instant estimation of its strike type and possible grade.
Value Breakdown for 2022-S Vermont Dollars
The market for the 2022-S VT Dollar is largely driven by the “Registry Set” collectors. These are people who want the highest possible grade for their collection. For the average person, a 2022-S Vermont dollar found in a drawer is likely worth between $2 and $5. However, if the coin is in its original mint packaging, the value stabilizes toward the higher end of the spectrum.
| Mint Mark & Finish | Mintage (Approx) | Average Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-S Uncirculated | 450,000+ | $2.00 |
| 2022-S Proof | Includes Proof Sets | $7.00 |
| 2022-S Reverse Proof | Limited Edition | $15.00+ |
It is also important to note that “Reverse Proofs” were made for this series. In a reverse proof, the background is frosted and the raised design elements are mirror-like—essentially the opposite of a standard proof. These are the “hidden gems” of the 2022 lineup and often command a premium from buyers. To ensure you aren’t underpricing your finds, refer to this detailed 2022 dollar coin valuation guide.
Design Features of the Snowboarding Dollar
The reverse design of the 2022 Vermont Innovation dollar was created by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Craig Campbell. It features a young snowboarder in the middle of a trick, soaring through the air. This design was chosen to represent Vermont’s contribution to the development and popularization of snowboarding as a global sport.
The obverse (front) of the coin remains consistent across the entire Innovation series. It features a dramatic depiction of the Statue of Liberty in profile. It also includes a small “privy mark” of a stylized gear, representing the theme of industry and innovation. Because the design is so modern, it is often confused with the Sacagawea or Presidential dollars by casual observers.
If you are a fan of modern art on coins, the Vermont dollar is a standout. The sense of motion captured in the snowboarder’s posture is unique for U.S. currency. Using CoinKnow, you can learn more about the artists behind these designs and why the U.S. Mint chose this specific image to represent Vermont’s innovative spirit.
How to Grade Your 2022-S Dollar Coin
Grading a modern coin like the 2022-S VT Dollar is different from grading an old silver dollar. Since these coins were never meant to hit the pockets of the public, “wear” isn’t usually the issue. Instead, collectors look for “contact marks” (small scratches from other coins hitting it) and “eye appeal.”
For a 2022-S Vermont dollar to be worth significant money, it essentially needs to be perfect. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A grade of MS70 (Mint State 70) or PR70 (Proof 70) means the coin has no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. Even a single tiny scratch can drop the value from $50 down to $10.
Most casual collectors keep their coins in “raw” (ungraded) condition. If your coin has fingerprints or has been sliding around in a coin jar, it will likely be graded as “Circulated” or “About Uncirculated,” which keeps the value close to its $1 face value. Always handle your coins by the edges to prevent oils from your skin from damaging the delicate finish.
| Grade Level | Visual Description | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Low Grade (Circulated) | Scratches, dull color | $1.00 – $1.10 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | Strong luster, few marks | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Perfect Proof (PR70) | Flawless mirror finish | $50.00+ |
Are There Any Errors on 2022 Vermont Dollars?
Error hunters are always looking for “doubled dies” or “edge lettering” mistakes on modern dollars. For the 2022-S Vermont dollar, the edge lettering is a crucial area to inspect. These coins have the year, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” engraved into the edge of the coin rather than on the face.
Sometimes, the edge lettering can be missing entirely, or it can be doubled. While no major widespread errors have been confirmed for the Vermont release yet, modern minting processes still occasionally produce “struck-through” errors or “die chips.” A die chip on the snowboarder’s gear or face could potentially increase the coin’s value to a specialized error collector.
If you suspect you have an error coin, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin permanently destroys its collector value. Use a magnifying glass to look for raised bumps of metal (die chips) or blurry, doubled lines on the snowboarder’s silhouette. These small defects are what turn a common $1 coin into a valuable rarity.
| Possible Error Type | What to Look For | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Edge Lettering | Smooth edge with no text | $50 – $100 |
| Die Chip | Extra “blob” of metal | $5 – $20 |
| Struck Through | Indented marks from debris | Varies |
FAQ
Q: Why does my 2022 Vermont dollar have an “S” but looks dull?
A: You likely have the “Uncirculated” version from the San Francisco Mint. The Mint produced “S” mint mark coins in two finishes: Proof (shiny) and Uncirculated (matte/satin). The Uncirculated version was sold in bags and isn’t intended to have a mirror finish.
Q: Can I find the 2022-S VT Dollar in a regular bank roll?
A: It is very unlikely. The U.S. Mint does not distribute American Innovation dollars to banks for circulation. They are only available for purchase directly from the Mint or through coin dealers. If you find one in a roll, someone likely spent a collector’s coin.
Q: Is the Vermont dollar made of real gold?
A: No. Like all modern U.S. small dollars, it is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of manganese brass. This gives it the characteristic “golden” color, but it contains no actual gold bullion.
Q: How many of these coins were made?
A: For the 2022-S uncirculated version, roughly 450,000 to 500,000 were produced for collector bags and rolls. This makes them significantly rarer than the quarters or pennies you use every day, which are minted by the billions.
Q: What is the best way to store my 2022-S dollar?
A: To preserve its value, store it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. Avoid keeping it loose in a jar where it can get scratched by other coins, as the brass surface is relatively soft and prone to dings.