The Presidential Dollar Coin Program, launched by the United States Mint in 2007, set out to honor former U.S. presidents in the order they served. What began as an effort to encourage dollar coin circulation quickly evolved into a modern collecting favorite. While most Presidential Dollars still trade for face value, certain rare errors, low-mintage issues, and top-grade examples have become highly desirable. In 2026, collector demand remains strong, and some of these coins are selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.
2007 George Washington Dollar With Missing Edge Lettering
The first release in the series featured George Washington, and it also produced one of the most famous modern mint errors. Presidential Dollars were designed with inscriptions such as the year, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” placed on the edge. A number of Washington dollars left the Mint without these inscriptions, creating what collectors nicknamed “Godless Dollars.” High-grade examples with missing edge lettering continue to command strong premiums in 2026, especially when certified by leading grading services.
2007 John Adams Edge Lettering Errors
The coin honoring John Adams also experienced edge-lettering problems. Some pieces were struck without inscriptions, while others show doubled or inverted lettering. Because these errors occurred early in the program’s production, they remain some of the most recognized varieties in the entire series. Well-preserved examples are particularly valuable, and sharply defined errors can bring impressive prices in today’s market.
2007 Thomas Jefferson Doubled Edge Lettering
When the Thomas Jefferson Presidential Dollar was released, collectors quickly noticed coins with overlapping edge inscriptions. These doubled-lettering errors occurred when coins passed through the edge-lettering process twice. The result is visible without magnification, which adds to their appeal. In top Mint State grades, these coins can sell for far more than ordinary circulation pieces.
2007 James Madison Missing Edge Inscription
The final coin of the program’s first year featured James Madison. Like earlier 2007 releases, some Madison dollars were struck without the required edge inscriptions. Although fewer examples surfaced compared to the Washington variety, demand remains steady. Collectors aiming to assemble a complete set of 2007 edge errors often seek this coin specifically, pushing values higher for attractive uncirculated specimens.
2008 Martin Van Buren Position Varieties
The 2008 dollar honoring Martin Van Buren introduced collectors to Position A and Position B edge-lettering varieties. These differences relate to how the edge inscriptions align when the coin’s obverse faces up. While both were produced intentionally, examples graded at the highest levels have become scarce. Registry-set competition has made flawless coins especially desirable in 2026.
2009 William Henry Harrison Low Mintage Issue
By 2009, public demand for dollar coins had slowed, leading to significantly reduced mintages. The coin featuring William Henry Harrison stands out from that year due to its lower production numbers. While not an error coin, scarcity in top condition has made it increasingly popular. High-grade examples with clean surfaces and strong luster continue to gain attention.
2012 Chester Arthur Limited Release
In 2012, the Mint shifted to producing Presidential Dollars primarily for collectors. The issue honoring Chester A. Arthur saw limited circulation. Although many were preserved in uncirculated condition, coins achieving the highest certification grades are harder to find than expected. Collectors competing for top-ranked registry sets are willing to pay substantial premiums for near-perfect pieces.
2015 Lyndon B. Johnson High-Grade Examples
The dollar featuring Lyndon B. Johnson does not have dramatic mint errors tied to it, yet its value lies in condition rarity. Modern coins must be virtually flawless to earn top grades, and even minor imperfections can lower their value significantly. In 2026, superb Mint State examples certified at elite levels can bring surprising prices.
2016 Ronald Reagan Final Issue Appeal
The final coin in the original series honored Ronald Reagan. As the concluding release, it carries historical importance for collectors who followed the program from the start. While most examples remain affordable, coins with exceptional strikes and vibrant luster, particularly in top grades, have shown steady appreciation.
Proof Presidential Dollars With Deep Cameo Contrast
Beyond circulation strikes, the Mint also produced proof versions with mirror-like fields and frosted designs. Complete proof sets from the early years of the program remain popular, especially when preserved in original government packaging. Individually graded proof coins with deep cameo contrast and flawless surfaces can command strong premiums in competitive auctions.
Final Verdict
The Presidential Dollar series proves that modern coins can hold remarkable value when rarity, demand, and condition align. From the famous 2007 edge-lettering mistakes to low-mintage and top-grade later issues, select coins have risen well above face value. Collectors in 2026 continue to search bank rolls, coin shows, and auctions for these standout pieces, knowing that the right Presidential Dollar in exceptional condition could be worth thousands.
