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The 2011-S R.B. Hayes Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in standard proof condition to over $100 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While these coins were not released for general circulation, finding one in your collection can be an exciting discovery for any casual collector.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Proof (PR-65) | $4.00 – $6.50 |
| Deep Cameo (PR-69) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Perfect Proof (PR-70) | $45.00 – $110.00 |
Background of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Dollar
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Dollar was released in 2011 as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This specific coin honors the 19th President of the United States, who served from 1877 to 1881. While the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced coins for daily commerce, the “S” mint mark signifies that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors.
If you have stumbled upon a shiny, gold-colored coin and aren’t sure of its origin, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common circulation strike and a collector’s proof. Most Americans encounter Presidential Dollars in pocket change, but the 2011-S version is unique because it was never intended to be spent at a grocery store.
Because these coins were sold in official sets, they often retain their “mirror-like” finish. However, if a set was broken open, the coin might have ended up in a jar of change. Even in “circulated” proof condition, the 2011-S R.B. Hayes Dollar maintains a premium over its face value. To get an instant valuation, many hobbyists rely on CoinKnow to track recent auction trends.
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Understanding the “S” Mint Mark and Proof Quality
The “S” mint mark is the most important feature of the 2011 R.B. Hayes dollar for those looking for value. Unlike the millions of coins struck in Philly or Denver, the San Francisco Mint focused on “Proof” coins. Proofs are struck multiple times using specially polished dies, resulting in sharp details and a high-contrast finish where the portrait looks frosted and the background looks like a mirror.
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When evaluating your coin, check the edge. Presidential Dollars feature “incuse” edge lettering, which includes the year, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” If you see an “S” there, you have a collector’s item. To compare this to other modern dollars, you can check the 2011 Native American dollar price guide to see how different series from the same year compare in rarity.
Most 2011-S Hayes dollars found today are considered “Deep Cameo” (DCAM). This refers to the intense contrast between the fields and the devices. The higher the contrast and the fewer the scratches, the higher the price. Tools like CoinKnow allow you to photograph your coin to see if the luster matches high-grade specimens sold at major auction houses.
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| Mint Mark | Strike Type | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Business Strike | 36,820,000 |
| D (Denver) | Business Strike | 37,520,000 |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Strike | 1,972,129 |
Determining the Grade of Your 2011-S Hayes Dollar
The value of the 2011-S R.B. Hayes Dollar is almost entirely dependent on its numerical grade, ranging from 1 to 70. Since these coins were handled with care by the Mint, most are expected to be in at least PR-63 condition. However, a single fingerprint or a small hairline scratch can drop the value significantly.
A “Perfect 70” is the holy grail for modern coin collectors. This means that under 5x magnification, there are no visible flaws. For a detailed breakdown of how condition affects modern gold-colored coins, you can view the 2011 dollar value and grading chart. Even a tiny “bag mark” from the coin hitting another coin can prevent it from reaching top-tier value.
If you aren’t a professional grader, don’t worry. You can use CoinKnow to compare your coin against a database of high-resolution images. This helps you determine if it is worth the fee to send your coin to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. Generally, unless the coin looks absolutely flawless, it is often kept in its original plastic lens from the Mint.
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Common Errors and Varieties to Look For
While the 2011-S R.B. Hayes Dollar is generally well-made, errors can occur. In the Presidential Dollar series, collectors often look for “Missing Edge Lettering” or “Double Edged Lettering.” However, because Proof coins are struck individually and inspected more closely, errors on the “S” mint mark coins are exceptionally rare and highly valuable.
If you find a 2011-S Hayes dollar that appears to have an “upside down” edge inscription, keep in mind that the Mint considers the orientation of the edge lettering to be random for business strikes (P and D), but for Proofs, it is more standardized. An error on a proof coin can easily fetch hundreds of dollars at auction because so few make it past quality control.
Another thing to look for is “Toning.” Sometimes, the copper-zinc-manganese-nickel composition reacts with oxygen, creating a rainbow-like sheen. Some collectors pay a premium for “Monster Toned” proof dollars. Use a magnifying glass to check for any doubling on the President’s name or the date on the edge, as these doubled dies are the “hidden gems” of the numismatic world.
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| Grade (PCGS/NGC) | Market Price | Rarity Factor |
|---|---|---|
| PR-67 Deep Cameo | $7 – $10 | Common |
| PR-69 Deep Cameo | $15 – $25 | Abundant |
| PR-70 Deep Cameo | $85 – $130 | Scarce |
Why Collectors Treasure the Rutherford B. Hayes Dollar
Rutherford B. Hayes is often remembered for overseeing the end of Reconstruction and for his integrity. For history buffs, the coin is more than just metal; it is a piece of Americana. The portrait on the obverse was designed by Don Everhart, capturing the President’s likeness during his time in the White House.
Because the U.S. Mint stopped producing Presidential Dollars for general circulation later in 2011 due to massive stockpiles, the coins from this year are slightly more interesting to the public. They represent a transition period where the government realized that Americans preferred paper dollars over coins. Consequently, the mintages for the later years in the series are much lower than those of George Washington or Abraham Lincoln.
Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or someone who just found a “gold coin” in a drawer, the 2011-S R.B. Hayes Dollar is a great starting point for a collection. It is affordable enough for beginners but offers enough complexity in grading and history to satisfy long-term collectors.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2011-S Hayes Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is made of a base metal alloy consisting of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. The golden color comes from the manganese-brass coating, but there is no actual gold content in the coin.
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Q: How can I tell if my Hayes dollar is a “Proof”?
A: Look for two things: the “S” mint mark on the edge of the coin and a reflective, mirror-like surface. If the background of the coin is shiny enough to see your reflection, it is a proof.
Q: Where can I sell my 2011-S R.B. Hayes Dollar?
A: You can sell your coin to local coin shops, at coin shows, or through online marketplaces like eBay. For high-grade PR-70 coins, professional auction houses are the best route to ensure you get the maximum value.
Q: Should I clean my coin to make it worth more?
A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning or polishing a proof coin will create micro-scratches that destroy its numismatic value. A “cleaned” proof is usually worth only its face value of $1.