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The 2013-S W. McKinley Dollar coin is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $45 for high-grade specimens. While these coins look like gold, they are actually composed of copper and manganese brass, and their value depends heavily on their “S” mint mark and preservation.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Proof (PR-65) | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| Deep Cameo (PR-69) | $8.00 – $12.00 |
| Perfect Proof (PR-70) | $35.00 – $65.00 |
Understanding the 2013-S William McKinley Presidential Dollar
If you have stumbled upon a shiny gold-colored coin featuring William McKinley, you aren’t alone. Many Americans find these coins in old collections or inherited jars and immediately wonder if they’ve struck gold.
The first thing to know is that by 2013, the United States Mint had stopped producing Presidential Dollars for general circulation.
This means you won’t typically find a 2013-S McKinley dollar in your pocket change at the grocery store. These coins were minted specifically for collectors and sold in sets.
The “S” mint mark indicates it was produced in San Francisco, which is the hub for high-quality “Proof” coins. To get an instant identification of your coin’s specific variety, you can use a top coin identifier app to ensure you aren’t missing a rare error.
Using tools like CoinKnow makes it incredibly easy to distinguish between a standard business strike and a specialized proof coin like the 2013-S.
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Why the “S” Mint Mark Matters for Value
In the world of coin collecting, the letter stamped on the coin tells a story. While “P” (Philadelphia) and “D” (Denver) coins were made for collectors to buy in rolls, the “S” mark on a 2013 McKinley dollar signifies it is a “Proof” coin.
Proof coins are struck twice using specially polished dies, giving them a mirror-like background and frosted details.
Because they were never intended to be spent, their value is inherently higher than the face value of $1. Most of these coins are found in plastic protective lenses or “slabs” from grading services.
If your coin is loose and scratched, it may have been “impaired,” which significantly reduces its premium. However, a well-preserved McKinley proof is a staple for any modern dollar collection.
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To see how this compares to other modern gold-colored dollars, you can check this detailed 2013 Presidential and Native American dollar value guide.
| Mint Mark | Strike type | Mintage Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-P | Circulated/NIFC | Approx. 4.7 million |
| 2013-D | Circulated/NIFC | Approx. 3.3 million |
| 2013-S | Proof | Approx. 1.4 million |
The Grading Scale and Its Impact on Price
When determining the price of a 2013-S W. McKinley dollar, professional grading is the most significant factor. Most collectors look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations.
This means there is a high contrast between the shiny field of the coin and the frosty portrait of McKinley. A coin graded PR-69 is very common and might only sell for $10.
However, a “perfect” PR-70 specimen is much rarer because even a microscopic hairline scratch during manufacturing can drop the grade.
For those looking for data on similar coins produced during the same year, you can view the latest market prices for 2013 dollar coins to compare against your McKinley proof.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Modern coins are all about condition; if you have a perfect one, it is worth the effort to keep it in a protective flip. Many users find that scanning their coins with CoinKnow helps them decide if a coin is worth sending to a professional grader like PCGS or NGC.
Design Details of the McKinley Presidential Dollar
The obverse (front) of the coin features a dignified portrait of the 25th President, William McKinley, designed by Phebe Hemphill.
It includes the years he served (1897-1901) and the legend “In God We Trust.” The reverse features a stunning rendition of the Statue of Liberty, used across the entire Presidential series.
One unique feature of these coins is the edge lettering. Unlike quarters or dimes, the date, mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are incused into the edge of the coin.
This was done to allow for a larger portrait on the face of the coin. In some rare instances, coins left the mint without this edge lettering, creating what collectors call “Plain Edge” errors.
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While common in earlier years of the series, errors on 2013-S coins are extremely rare because of the rigorous inspection process for proof sets.
Is the McKinley Dollar Made of Real Gold?
A common misconception among everyday Americans is that these coins contain gold. This is unfortunately not true.
The “golden” color comes from a specific alloy: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel. Over time, these coins can develop a dark, brownish patina if they are touched by bare hands or exposed to moisture.
If your McKinley dollar looks dull or dirty, do not try to clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth will create tiny scratches that destroy its numismatic value.
In the eyes of a collector, a “dirty” original coin is much more valuable than a shiny cleaned one. If you are unsure about the finish, CoinKnow can help you identify if the luster on your coin is original or if it has been artificially enhanced.
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| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
| Edge | Lettered (Date/Mint/Motto) |
| Composition | Manganese-Brass Clad Copper |
Where to Sell Your 2013-S McKinley Dollar
If you discover your coin is a high-grade PR-70 or has a unique error, selling it requires the right venue. For standard proof coins worth $5 to $15, local coin shops may not offer much because their profit margins are thin.
Online marketplaces like eBay are often the best bet for “raw” (ungraded) proof coins. If you have a professionally graded coin, auction houses or specialty coin forums can help you reach serious collectors.
Always check current “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices to get a realistic idea of what people are actually paying.
Collectors of the Presidential series often look for the McKinley dollar specifically to complete their sets, as the 2013-S was only available in the annual Proof Sets or the Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set.
Conclusion: Is It a Keeper?
The 2013-S W. McKinley Dollar is a beautiful piece of American history and a testament to the US Mint’s craftsmanship.
While it won’t make you a millionaire, it is certainly worth more than its one-dollar face value. If you find one in a collection, keep it in an airtight holder.
Whether you are a casual hobbyist or a dedicated numismatist, checking your coins against professional databases ensures you understand the true value of your find.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2013-S McKinley Dollar in my change?
A: It is highly unlikely. These coins were produced only for collectors and were never released into general circulation. If you find one, someone likely broke open a collector set to spend it.
Q: Why is my 2013 McKinley dollar turning brown?
A: These coins contain a high percentage of copper and manganese. When exposed to oils from fingers or humidity, the metal reacts and tarnishes. This is a natural process for manganese brass coins.
Q: Does the 2013-S McKinley Dollar have any rare errors?
A: While rare, some coins have been found with “Missing Edge Lettering.” However, most 2013-S proofs undergo strict quality control, making errors much scarcer than those found on 2007 or 2008 dollar coins.
Q: How can I tell if my coin is a “Proof”?
A: A proof coin like the 2013-S will have a mirror-like, reflective background. If the coin looks like a standard shiny quarter (just golden), it is likely a business strike from Philadelphia or Denver.