The 2013-P William McKinley Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from its face value of $1 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade uncirculated condition. While most examples found in pocket change are common, certain high-quality specimens and specific strike characteristics can make this coin a hidden gem for collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS67+) | $40.00 – $125.00+ |
The History and Circulation of the 2013-P McKinley Dollar
The William McKinley Presidential Dollar was released in 2013 as part of the ongoing Presidential $1 Coin Program. By the time this coin was minted, the United States Mint had already ceased producing these dollars for general circulation due to a massive surplus in Federal Reserve vaults. This means if you found one in your change, it likely came from a collector set or a special “Direct Ship” roll that was broken open.
Because these coins were primarily sold to collectors at a premium, they aren’t as worn down as the quarters or dimes you use daily. If you are unsure if your coin is a rare variety or just a standard strike, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mint marks located on the edge of the coin.
William McKinley served as the 25th President of the United States, and his coin features a dignified portrait on the obverse. Since the “P” mint mark indicates it was produced in Philadelphia, collectors often look for sharp strikes and “clean” fields, as the Philadelphia mint occasionally struggled with minor bag marks during the high-speed production process.
Identifying the 2013-P McKinley Dollar Mint Mark and Design
One of the most unique aspects of the 2013-P William McKinley Dollar is its “edge-incused” lettering. Unlike traditional coins where the date and mint mark are on the face, the Presidential series moved this information to the rim. If you hold the coin on its side, you will see “2013,” the “P” mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
Identifying these features is the first step in determining value. Many Americans use the CoinKnow app to quickly scan the edge and face of their coins to ensure they aren’t missing a rare error. The reverse of the coin features an iconic image of the Statue of Liberty, a design consistent across the entire Presidential series.
The copper-zinc-manganese-nickel composition gives the coin its “golden” appearance, but it contains no actual gold. Over time, these coins can develop a dark tarnish or “toning.” Interestingly, some collectors pay a premium for coins with attractive rainbow toning, though most prefer the original brilliant luster found on fresh coins.
Grading and Value Factors for the 2013-P McKinley Dollar
When determining how much your coin is worth, “condition” is everything. Professional graders use a 70-point scale. A coin that looks perfect to the naked eye might only be an MS63, while a coin that looks exactly the same under a magnifying glass could be an MS67. The price difference between these two grades can be significant.
For instance, the current market value for premium 2013-P dollar strikes shows that as you move into the “Gem” categories, the population of available coins drops drastically, driving prices up. Most McKinley dollars found today will fall into the “About Uncirculated” or low “Mint State” categories.
| Grade Designation | Visual Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS60-MS62 | Noticeable scuffs and scratches from mint bags. | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| MS64 | Few marks, mostly in non-focal areas; good luster. | $5.00 – $7.00 |
| MS66 | Very clean; sharp details on McKinley’s hair and coat. | $25.00 |
| MS68 | Virtually perfect; rare for this specific mintage. | $250.00+ |
Check your coin for “bag marks,” which are tiny nicks caused by coins hitting each other during high-speed bagging at the Philadelphia mint. If your coin is free of these marks, it might be worth sending in for professional grading.
Are There Rare Errors on 2013-P McKinley Dollars?
Error hunting is where the real money is made in modern coin collecting. While the 2013-P McKinley Dollar doesn’t have a famous “wide AM” or “double die” like some pennies, it is susceptible to edge lettering errors. These include “Missing Edge Lettering” or “Double Edge Lettering,” where the coin goes through the rim-incusing machine twice.
Missing edge lettering is the most sought-after error. If the edge of your coin is completely smooth, you have found a “Godless” dollar (named because the motto “In God We Trust” was on the edge in earlier years, though by 2013 it had been moved back to the face). Using CoinKnow can help you identify if a smooth edge is a genuine mint error or just a result of post-mint damage or “dryer coin” wear.
Another factor to check is the “Position A” or “Position B” of the edge lettering. This refers to whether the lettering is right-side up or upside down relative to the President’s portrait. Surprisingly, both positions are equally common, so they don’t usually add extra value, but they are a fun nuance for dedicated collectors.
The “Niche” Value of 2013 Dollar Coins
Since the 2013 coins were limited to collector-only sales, their mintage numbers are significantly lower than the presidential dollars from 2007 to 2011. Philadelphia minted roughly 3.36 million McKinley dollars. While 3 million sounds like a lot, it is a tiny fraction compared to the 300 million produced for George Washington.
This lower mintage creates a “supply floor” for the value. Even a regular, non-error coin in decent shape is often listed for $2 to $3 by dealers because they have to buy them from the Mint in bulk rolls or sets. For more details on these specific mintages, you can check the 2013 dollar value data for collectors to see how the McKinley release compares to other coins from the same year.
Many people find these coins in “Proof Sets.” If your coin has a mirror-like finish and very frosty details, it is likely a Proof coin. However, the Philadelphia mint (P) generally produces business strikes, while the San Francisco mint (S) produces the Proof versions. If you have a ultra-shiny “P” coin, it might just be a very well-preserved “PL” (Proof-Like) specimen, which carries a nice premium.
How to Sell Your McKinley Dollar for Top Dollar
If you’ve determined that your 2013-P McKinley Dollar is in high-grade condition or features an error, your next step is selling it. Selling a $2 coin on eBay might not be worth the shipping costs, but selling a rare MS67 or a major error definitely is. CoinKnow can help you track recent auction sales so you don’t get low-balled at a local coin shop.
When listing your coin online, take high-quality, macro photos of both the front, back, and the edge. Because the date and mint mark are on the edge, buyers need to see that rim to verify it is actually a 2013-P.
| Sales Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant cash; professional appraisal. | Likely only pay 50-60% of retail value. |
| eBay / Heritage Auctions | Reach worldwide collectors; highest potential price. | Fees and shipping costs; takes time. |
| Coin Forums / Groups | Zero fees; knowledgeable buyers. | Risk of scams; requires reputation. |
For most people, keeping the coin as a piece of history or a “starter” coin for a child’s collection is the most rewarding path. However, always keep an eye out for those elusive high-grade specimens that can fetch dozens or even hundreds of dollars at a major auction.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-P McKinley Dollar made of gold?
A: No, despite its golden color, it contains no actual gold. It is composed of a core of pure copper with outer layers of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This specific blend gives it the Manganese Brass appearance.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2013 McKinley Dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the edge of the coin. You will see either a “P” for Philadelphia or a “D” for Denver, alongside the year of mintage and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
Q: Why can’t I find these in my normal pocket change?
A: After 2011, the Treasury Department stopped producing Presidential Dollars for general circulation. They were only sold in rolls and sets directly to collectors, making them much rarer to find in the wild today.
Q: What is the most expensive 2013-P McKinley Dollar ever sold?
A: While high-grade MS67 or MS68 examples can sell for several hundred dollars, the vast majority are worth closer to $2 or $3. Rare edge errors are the most valuable, sometimes fetching over $100 depending on the severity of the mistake.