Despite their place as a symbol of America’s first president, George Washington dollar coins don’t generally command a high price due to their abundant availability. Yet, for newcomers to the world of coin collecting, these coins serve as an accessible and delightful addition, especially when found in an unblemished, mint condition.
For those enthusiasts keen on expanding their collection without straining their wallet, these coins present a perfect opportunity. With a small investment, usually just a few dollars, one can possess a tangible piece of American history.
Moreover, while these coins are typically easy to come by and affordable, there is a unique aspect that keeps collectors intrigued: the occasional errors that can be found in this series. These error coins, though not common, can fetch a significantly higher price when they appear in the market.
Contents
- 2007 George Washington Dollar Coin Value Guide
- The Inception of the George Washington Dollar Coin: A Look Back to 2007
- The Inception of the George Washington Presidential Dollar in 2007
- A Closer Look at the 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar
- The Tale of 2007’s Unique George Washington Presidential Dollars
- Inquiring Minds Want to Know: The 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar
2007 George Washington Dollar Coin Value Guide
| Variant | MS 65 | PR 65 |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 P (Philadelphia) Coin | $2.30 | – |
| 2007 D (Denver) Coin | $2.30 | – |
| 2007 S (San Francisco) Proof Coin | – | $11.00 |
Data sourced from the USA Coin Book
The Inception of the George Washington Dollar Coin: A Look Back to 2007
In 2005, a proposal was brought to the table by Senator John E. Sununu that would forge a new connection between Americans and their past leaders. This proposal wasn’t a bill or a policy, but rather something much more tactile—it was for a series of coins. Sununu’s vision, backed by a noteworthy assembly of 70 advocates, was embraced with open arms, giving rise to the Presidential Dollar Coin Program.
In the year 2007, a pivotal event unfolded within the United States Mint. It commenced production of a remarkable set of coins, each one designed to bear the likeness of an American President on one side, and the iconic Statue of Liberty on the other. These weren’t just everyday coins; they were a celebration of history, a tribute to leadership, and an educational tool in metallic form.
The journey of these unique coins began on a crisp winter day—February 15, 2007, to be precise—with none other than the first President of the United States, George Washington, gracing the inaugural coin. From that point onward, a fresh coin, showcasing the next in line of America’s leaders, was brought to life and released into public hands at regular intervals, a tradition that continued seamlessly until 2016.
Production Details of the 2007 George Washington Dollar Coin
| Mint Location | Coin Variant | Number Produced |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 2007 P Dollar | 176,680,000 |
| Denver | 2007 D Dollar | 163,680,000 |
| San Francisco | 2007 S Dollar (Proof) | 3,965,989 |
| Total | – | 344,325,989 |
While lacking in precious metal content, these coins carried a different form of value. Their radiant, golden hue imparted a distinctive charm, earning them a place in what has lovingly been termed the Golden Dollar Collection, despite them not containing an ounce of actual gold. They gleamed as a symbol, not of wealth, but of a nation’s rich history and its reverence for the leaders who shaped it.
The Inception of the George Washington Presidential Dollar in 2007
In 2007, the United States Mint embarked on an ambitious journey, unveiling a series of dollar coins commemorating the nation’s leaders, starting with the very first President. The inaugural coin featured a beautiful depiction of George Washington, crafted by the renowned artist Don Everhart.
This wasn’t a solitary endeavor, however. In the same year, three additional presidential coins were minted, each adorned with the visage of a different U.S. President. These coins were not merely historical tributes, but symbols of the values and legacies of the men they represented.
Here is a glimpse into the 2007 lineup of these Presidential Dollars:
| President | Years in Office | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| George Washington | 1789–1797 | February 16 |
| John Adams | 1797–1801 | May 18 |
| Thomas Jefferson | 1801–1809 | August 17 |
| James Madison | 1809–1817 | November 16 |
With the gleam of these newly minted coins, the U.S. celebrated the storied past of its highest office. This series gracefully concluded with the issuance of a coin for the 40th President in 2016.
The future of this commemorative series remains a tantalizing question—will new coins continue to join this illustrious lineup, or has the final chapter of this numismatic story been written?
The Front Side of the George Washington Presidential Dollar, Minted in 2007
In 2007, a special commemorative coin was released into circulation to honor George Washington, the inaugural President of the United States. His time in office, spanning from 1789 to 1797, is elegantly commemorated on this piece. Instead of the traditional design, this particular coin bears a dual date under Washington’s likeness, capturing the span of his presidency.
Remarkably, this dollar coin stands out from its contemporaries in American coinage. Joseph Menna, a distinguished medallic artist and the chief engraver at the time, took a novel approach with this design. He chose to place distinctive engravings along the coin’s edge, a departure from the norm.
Above Washington’s dignified portrait, his name—GEORGE WASHINGTON—is proudly displayed, creating a striking visual tribute. Below, the designation 1ST PRESIDENT is paired with the years 1789-1797, which mark the duration of his time as the nation’s leader. To add a personal touch, Menna subtly inscribed his initials onto Washington’s collar, like an artist signing a masterpiece.
The Back Side of the 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar
The reverse side of this commemorative coin is the work of Don Everhart, a seasoned designer and sculptor-engraver. His creative vision brought forth a design that is both symbolic and aesthetically pleasing.
Central to this design is the iconic Statue of Liberty. This emblem of freedom and democracy stands boldly, framed by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, which are gracefully engraved around her. Positioned to Liberty’s left is the coin’s denomination—$1—clear and prominent.
Everhart made a thoughtful decision in crafting this design: he chose not to include the word “LIBERTY” alongside the statue. Given that the Statue of Liberty herself is a globally recognized symbol of freedom, Everhart deemed the inclusion of the word to be superfluous—a redundancy gracefully avoided in his elegant design.
A Unique Tribute: The 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar
In 2007, a remarkable coin was minted in the United States—a tribute to the nation’s first president, George Washington. This isn’t just your everyday piece of currency; it’s a commemorative coin with an unexpected twist.
Unlike the typical American coins, which feature either a plain or reeded edge, this coin boldly breaks the mold. Picture the edge of this coin, not smooth or lined with uniform ridges, but inscribed with meaningful words. On this edge, the nation’s ideals are elegantly struck: “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Accompanying these inscriptions, one will also find the year of minting and a single letter—either a ‘P’, ‘D’, or ‘S’. This letter is not a casual addition; it is a deliberate mark signifying the U.S. Mint facility where the coin was produced.
Let’s delve into the coin’s anatomy:
- Face Value: It holds the monetary value of one U.S. dollar.
- Shape: In line with tradition, the coin is perfectly round.
- Type of Coin: Though it holds a monetary value, its primary purpose is commemorative.
- Composition: The coin is an intricate blend of metals, akin to a carefully crafted recipe. It consists of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel in a specific proportion of 88.5%, 6%, 3.5%, and 2%, respectively. This results in a manganese-brass clad copper coin—a veritable alloy melting pot, reminiscent of the diverse nation it represents.
- Thickness and Diameter: The coin has a thickness of 2 mm, equivalent to stacking two dimes atop each other. Its diameter spans 26.49 mm, about the width of a U.S. quarter.
- Weight: It has a substantial feel in your hand, weighing in at 8.1 grams, nearly as much as four standard paper clips.
- Edge Type: The edge is not plain but embossed—a tactile expression of America’s heritage and values.
With these meticulous details and patriotic inscriptions, the 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar is not merely a piece of currency. It is, in many ways, a small but profound artifact of American history and aspiration.
The 2007 Tribute to America’s First President: The George Washington Presidential Dollar
In 2007, a special tribute was paid to George Washington, the first President of the United States, in the form of a circulating commemorative dollar coin. Unlike typical coins, this one comes with a distinct characteristic—an edge that is notably embossed rather than smooth or reeded.
The material composition of this coin is as extraordinary as the president it honors. It is not crafted from the standard mix of metals commonly used for coins. Instead, this coin showcases a specific blend of metals: copper is combined with zinc, manganese, and nickel. The result is a lustrous coin with a core of copper, enveloped in a manganese-brass cladding—a medley that is both stunning and durable.
When held, the coin feels substantial, yet not burdensome, with a weight of 8.1 grams—just a touch over a quarter of an ounce. In terms of its physical dimensions, the coin strikes a harmonious balance. It boasts a thickness of 2 millimeters, roughly equivalent to the thickness of a standard credit card, and spans 26.49 millimeters in diameter, making it slightly larger than a U.S. quarter.
This George Washington Presidential Dollar is not just a piece of currency; it is a tactile celebration of a founding figure, designed to be as unique and enduring as the legacy of the man it commemorates.
A Closer Look at the 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar
In 2007, a special series of dollar coins was released in honor of the United States’ first president, George Washington. A total of 344,325,989 of these coins were struck, showcasing not just a national symbol but also a valuable collector’s item.
This collection comprised coins that were minted at two different locations. The regular production coins were struck in two distinguished mints, while the proof versions, which are made to be exceptionally shiny and flawless, were exclusively produced at the San Francisco Mint.
The Philadelphia Mint’s Contribution
The Philadelphia Mint played a significant role in this endeavor, producing a precise total of 176,680,000 pieces of the George Washington Presidential dollars in 2007.
Value Beyond Face Value
Though these coins bear the face value of one dollar, their actual worth in the collector’s market often exceeds this:
| Grade of the Coin | About Circulated Condition | Uncirculated Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 P Dollar | $1.50 | $2 |
| 2007 P Dollar (Satin) | – | $3.50 |
| 2007 D Dollar | $1.50 | $2.20 |
| 2007 D Dollar (Satin) | – | $3.50 |
| 2007 S Proof Dollar | – | $4.30 |
| 2007 Error (No Edge Lettering) | – | $24 |
Source: Numista
For the typical collector, these coins usually fall in the range of $1.50 to $2.50. However, the Satin Finish versions stand out, generally fetching a solid $3.50 in the open market.
A Notable Auction Win
As a testament to the allure of these coins, one pristine example of a 2007 P MS 65 George Washington dollar coin found itself the spotlight at a 2008 Heritage Auction, where it garnered a remarkable price of $575.
Denver’s Tribute: The 2007 Edition
In the heart of 2007, the city of Denver celebrated the nation’s founding father, George Washington, with a dazzling coin. Imagine a whopping count of over 163 million of these coins shining bright under the Denver sun. Typically, you’d find these tokens trading between $1.50 and $2.50. But, as with all things art and collectibles, some stand out. Those with a velvety satin sheen fetch higher prices, often hovering around $3.50.
And, as tales of treasures go, there’s always that one piece that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Picture this: A passionate coin collector, in 2018, scrolled through eBay and locked their eyes on a unique 2007 Denver edition. This wasn’t just any coin; it bore the distinguished ‘D’ mark. The price? A staggering $1,575!
San Francisco’s Masterpiece: The Proof of 2007
Shifting our gaze to San Francisco, 2007 witnessed another George Washington marvel. This city took a different approach, choosing quality over quantity. They produced proof coins, meticulously crafted, with a limited count – just shy of 4 million.
These exquisite pieces, given their rarity, are often priced between $4.30 and $11. But as history has shown, there are always those who seek the best of the best. A fervent collector made headlines by shelling out an astounding $1,109 for a pristine 2007 San Francisco minted piece, making it the jewel of the city’s coinage legacy.
The Tale of 2007’s Unique George Washington Presidential Dollars
In 2007, a series of George Washington Presidential Dollars captured the attention of coin collectors due to a curious mix of production errors. Though these coins are not exceptionally rare, which has kept their value modest, they still tend to command a price that exceeds that of their standard counterparts.
The Enigmatic Smooth-Edged Variants
These 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollars were initially minted with specific inscriptions on their edges, including the phrases ‘E PLURIBUS UNUM’ and ‘IN GOD WE TRUST,’ as well as details about the year of minting and the mint mark. However, a fascinating error occurred during production that has since captivated collectors.
Enter the mysterious ‘Atheist Dollars,’ so named because they were minted absent of the ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ inscription that was supposed to adorn their edges. One of these unique coins was quickly snapped up for a sum of $612 on eBay as soon as it was listed—a remarkable figure!
But as the numbers of these unusual coins discovered in circulation increased, their once sky-high prices predictably dipped, eventually falling to around $50, and in some instances, plunging below the $20 mark.
According to authoritative sources, it is estimated that a substantial batch—somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000—of these error-strewn George Washington dollars were inadvertently released into the wild in 2007.
The controversy surrounding these ‘Atheist Dollars’ was so potent that it led to a significant change: in 2009, the decision was made to relocate the ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ inscription from the coin’s edge to a more prominent position on its face, effectively ending the era of these curious and collectible errors.
This tale highlights the intrigue and unexpected stories that can arise from something as seemingly mundane as a small minting mistake, turning ordinary currency into a topic of national conversation and a collector’s prize.
The Tale of Two Coin Orientations
Imagine a coin in your hand, not just any coin, but a 2007 George Washington Presidential dollar. Now, look closely at its edge. Did you ever consider the orientation of the lettering on the edge of these dollars as a significant aspect of its charm?
Initially, when these coins were designed, the orientation of the edge lettering was intended to be standardized. However, as it turned out, during the actual minting process, this meticulously planned aspect lost its prominence.
Picture this: For some of these special dollars, the edge inscriptions are arranged in a manner that, when the portrait of George Washington is facing you, the edge lettering appears as if it is taking a somersault — it’s upside down! Yet, for an equal number of these coins, the lettering sits perfectly aligned with the Presidential portrait, as though standing at attention during a parade.
The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), recognizing this fascinating variation, introduced two distinct classifications for these coins:
- Type 1 Orientation
- For this variant, the edge inscriptions are a playful twist, defying gravity as they are oriented in an inverse relation to the President’s portrait. It’s as if George Washington himself is pondering the inverted text!
- Type 2 Orientation
- In contrast, coins with the Type 2 orientation have their edge lettering standing tall and proud, perfectly in sync with the portrait on the obverse. Imagine George Washington looking at the edge and nodding in approval at the upright stance of the letters.
Today, this unexpected quirk has turned into a sought-after feature for many collectors. It’s not uncommon for a passionate numismatist to desire one of each orientation, making their collection a celebration of both the orderly and the whimsical in the world of coinage.
A Tale of Two Impressions
Imagine a coin that has journeyed through the minting process not once, but twice. This occurrence results in a unique spectacle: the edge of the coin showcasing two separate series of inscriptions. While these inscriptions are sometimes aligned in the same direction, certain specimens display a curious anomaly—letters engraved in opposing orientations, creating a fascinating mirror effect on the coin’s edge.
The Enigmatic Silent Faces
In contrast to the Washington dollars that famously lack edge inscriptions, a different class of error coin makes its presence known. Picture a coin with perfectly detailed edge inscriptions, akin to a meticulously crafted frame of a painting. However, upon closer examination, one or both of the coin’s faces—where you’d expect to find the prominent figures and symbols—are utterly blank. It’s akin to a framed canvas that the artist left untouched. This oddity emerges when a coin, following an initial unsuccessful strike, is mistakenly directed to the machine responsible for edge inscriptions. This sequence of events births a coin that is among the most elusive and sought-after errors in numismatic circles.
The Liberty with a Disappearing Act
Take a closer look at a particular set of 2007 George Washington dollars, and you might find yourself surprised by what you don’t see. Lady Liberty, the iconic figure gracing these coins, appears to be missing part of her neck. Observant collectors have playfully noted that this absent segment gives her neck the appearance of a Pez candy dispenser, which is known for its character-themed, flip-open design. This peculiar absence is likely the result of excessive refining of the coin’s reverse side, giving Lady Liberty an unintentional, yet distinctly modern, aesthetic.
A Mistake in the Minting: The Expanded Coin
Imagine a coin minting process where the restraining collar, which ensures coins are shaped with precision, is absent. What results is a coin that can’t possibly have a perfectly formed edge. Such coins, rather than being the standard thickness and diameter, tend to spread out a bit more, becoming both broader and slimmer. Take, for instance, the 2007 edition of the George Washington dollar coin. A piece struck in this manner, which may be seen as an error, can fetch a price tag as lofty as $575!
The Radiant Error: Halo Streaks
Picture a coin, and from the central figure—a president’s profile or Lady Liberty’s iconic image—imagine lines of light streaming outward, reaching towards the outer rim like sunbeams. This captivating, yet unusual error makes it appear as though the figures on the coins are surrounded by radiant, halo-like lines. One famous example of this can be observed with George Washington’s portrait on the obverse side of a coin, or in stark contrast, with the absence of Lady Liberty’s portrait on the reverse side.
Inquiring Minds Want to Know: The 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar
What Makes This Dollar Coin Stand Out?
In the vast world of numismatics, the 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar typically doesn’t cause much of a stir. Generally speaking, it’s a fairly common coin to encounter. But don’t let this dissuade you! There are certain versions of this coin that collectors find irresistible, such as those in pristine condition that lack the edge lettering or boast a lustrous satin finish.
Which Variants Are Treasure Troves for Collectors?
- Imagine, a 2007-D George Washington Dollar with a verification from NGC was able to fetch $1,575 on eBay in the year 2018.
- How about the 2007-D with a MS 67 rating and Position A marking? One such coin was acquired for $1,400 in 2018 on eBay.
- A ‘First Strike’ 2007-S PR 70 DCAM George Washington dollar found a new home for $210 in 2012 on eBay.
- Picture a George Washington Dollar missing its edge lettering, with a satin finish and a SP 65 grade. In 2012, a collector was thrilled to win this rarity at Heritage Auctions for just $53.
- Ever seen a 2007-P George Washington Dollar with a satin finish, graded SP 69 and designated as Position B? One of these unique specimens was snapped up for $202 in 2011 on eBay.
- Even the seemingly ordinary can surprise – a 2007 P MS 68 George Washington Dollar, Position B variant, was sold for a neat $11 in 2021 on eBay.
This list goes on, illuminating the world of collectors who see past the ordinary and find the extraordinary. With keen eyes, they seek the most immaculate examples, unique mint errors or exceptional finishes – the diamonds in the rough that transform a commonplace Presidential Dollar into a captivating piece of American history.
So, the next time you find a 2007 George Washington Dollar in your change, take a closer look – you might just be holding a small fortune in your hand!
How Valuable is the 2007 P George Washington Dollar Coin?
While many modern coins don’t attract high price tags, the 2007 P George Washington Dollar coin proves an exception, especially when in mint condition. Generally speaking, such coins won’t remain in your wallet for long—they usually fetch a sum ranging from $1.50 to $2.00 on the market. Nevertheless, if you find one with a soft and silky luster, akin to a satin dress, prepare for a pleasant surprise. These special satin-finished versions can command prices up to $3.50, a substantial premium over their face value.
A Salute to the First of Its Kind: The George Washington Dollar Coin
In 2007, a fresh series of dollar coins emerged, sparking the interest of both casual enthusiasts and avid collectors. Leading this procession was none other than the United States’ inaugural commander-in-chief, George Washington, whose visage graced the very first coin of this series. It was a collection that spanned nearly a decade, finally drawing to a close in 2016 with the last eligible former President of the United States honored in this metallic form. Thus, the series stands as a complete tribute, immortalizing those American Presidents who met the necessary criteria to be featured in this distinguished gallery of coins.