The 2007 G. Washington Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for rare “Godless” mint errors. While most of these golden-colored coins are only worth their face value, certain edge lettering mistakes have turned common pocket change into valuable collector prizes.
| Condition/Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Proof (S Mint Mark) | $4.00 – $10.00 |
| Missing Edge Lettering Error | $25.00 – $150.00 |
| High-Grade Certified (MS67+) | $100.00+ |
The History of the 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar
If you’ve recently found a shiny, gold-colored coin featuring the first president, you are looking at the debut issue of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. Launched in 2007, this series was designed to honor former U.S. Presidents by releasing four different designs each year. Because George Washington was the first president, his coin was the first to hit the streets, with hundreds of millions produced by the U.S. Mint. Using a best coin identifier app is the fastest way to confirm your coin’s specifics before diving into the market.
Despite their gold appearance, these coins do not contain any actual gold. They are made of a manganese-brass alloy over a pure copper core. Because so many were made for circulation, most of the coins you find in your spare change drawers are only worth one dollar. However, collectors are always on the hunt for “Mint State” examples that look like they just came off the press. If you aren’t sure of the grade, the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin’s luster to professional standards.
The 2007 George Washington dollar was also the first modern U.S. coin to utilize edge lettering. This means the date, the mint mark, and the mottos “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust” are stamped onto the side of the coin rather than the face. This new process led to some of the most famous and valuable errors in modern numismatic history.
Current Market Value for 2007 Washington Dollars
The market value of a 2007 G. Washington dollar depends heavily on its “Mint Mark” and its physical condition. Total production exceeded 340 million coins across the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints. Because they are so common, a standard coin that has been used to buy groceries or snacks is rarely worth more than its face value.
However, if you have a “Proof” version—identified by an “S” mint mark and a mirror-like finish—the value is slightly higher. These were sold in special sets for collectors and never intended for daily use. Professional collectors often look for coins graded MS67 or higher. To see how these prices compare to other historical currency, you can check this guide on the value of rare Eisenhower dollars, which also saw high production numbers but have specific valuable variants.
| Mint Mark | Grade MS63 | Grade MS65 | Grade MS67 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-P (Philadelphia) | $2.15 | $4.50 | $35.00 |
| 2007-D (Denver) | $2.15 | $4.50 | $40.00 |
| 2007-S (Proof) | N/A | $6.00 (PR65) | $15.00 (PR67) |
The Famous Missing Edge Lettering (Godless Dollar) Error
The most exciting part of the 2007 G. Washington dollar value story is the “Missing Edge Lettering” error. When these coins were being made, a large batch bypassed the machine that strikes the edges. As a result, these coins lack the date, the mint mark, and most importantly, the motto “In God We Trust.” These became known as “Godless Dollars” in the media.
When this error was first discovered, prices spiked to $600 per coin. Today, thousands have been found, and the price has stabilized. A circulated “Godless” dollar might sell for $25 to $50, while a perfectly preserved specimen can still fetch over $150. If you think you’ve found one, use CoinHix to verify the edge of your coin and ensure it isn’t just a heavily worn standard issue.
Check the edge carefully! Often, dirt or grease can fill in the lettering, making it look like an error. A true error coin will have a completely smooth, polished-looking edge where the text should be. Many people confuse these with the high-grade 1932 Washington quarter values, which are valuable for different reasons, but the Presidential error is strictly about that missing edge text.
Position A vs. Position B: Why It Matters
If you look closely at the edge lettering on a 2007 Washington dollar, you will notice something interesting: some coins have the text facing “up” when Washington’s portrait is facing up, while others have it facing “down.” In the world of coin collecting, these are known as Position A and Position B.
Position A refers to the edge lettering being upside-down when the portrait is upright. Position B refers to the edge lettering being right-side-up when the portrait is upright. Is one more valuable than the other? Generally, no. The U.S. Mint has confirmed that the coins are fed into the edge-lettering machine randomly, so both versions are equally common. However, some die-hard collectors try to get one of each for their sets, which keeps demand steady for high-quality examples of both.
| Feature | Description | Added Value |
|---|---|---|
| Position A | Edge text upside down | None (Standard) |
| Position B | Edge text right side up | None (Standard) |
| Double Edge Lettering | Text appears twice | $100 – $300 |
How to Identify a Rare 2007 Washington Dollar
Identifying a rare version of this coin requires a magnifying glass and a bit of patience. First, check the overall surface. If the coin is extremely shiny and has no scratches, it might be an “Uncirculated” grade worth a few dollars. Most coins found in change are “Circulated” and will have small nicks and a duller finish. These are almost always worth exactly $1.00.
Second, look at the edge very closely. If you see the words “In God We Trust” twice, overlapping each other, you have found a “Double Edge Lettering” error. These are significantly rarer than the missing lettering errors and can be worth hundreds of dollars at auction. The CoinHix app is an excellent resource for comparing your coin against photos of known double-edge errors to make sure yours is the real deal.
Finally, look for “Satin Finish” versions. In 2007, the Mint produced special sets for collectors with a soft, non-reflective finish. These were not released for circulation. If you find one in a coin roll, it likely escaped from a collector’s set. While not worth a fortune, they are prized by specialists looking to complete “Mint Set” collections.
Storing and Selling Your Coins for Maximum Profit
If you discover that your 2007 George Washington dollar is one of the valuable error varieties or a high-grade proof, you must handle it with care. Never clean your coins! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can create microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. Collectors prefer “original skin,” which is the natural patina or luster the coin has developed over time.
To sell your coin, you have a few options. For common $1 coins, it’s best to just spend them. For errors like the “Godless Dollar,” you can list them on online marketplaces like eBay or take them to a local coin shop. If you believe you have a coin worth more than $100, consider having it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. Grading provides a guarantee of authenticity and quality, making it much easier to sell to high-end collectors.
Before you sell, always do your research. Market prices for modern errors can fluctuate. Using tools like the CoinHix app allows you to track recent auction results so you don’t accidentally sell a $100 coin for $10. With a little bit of luck and a sharp eye for detail, that “gold” dollar in your pocket might just be the start of a valuable collection.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2007 George Washington dollar made of real gold?
A: No, these coins do not contain any gold. They are made of a copper core with a manganese-brass outer layer, which gives them their golden color.
Q: Why is my Washington dollar missing the date?
A: The date of the 2007 Washington dollar is located on the edge of the coin, not the front or back. If the edge is completely smooth, you have a “Missing Edge Lettering” error, which is valuable.
Q: Are all “Godless” dollars rare?
A: While they are much rarer than standard coins, tens of thousands have been found. They are valuable (ranging from $25 to over $100), but they are not “one-of-a-kind” rarities.
Q: How many 2007 Washington dollars were made?
A: The Philadelphia and Denver mints produced over 340 million Washington dollars combined. Because of this massive production, standard versions remain very common.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2007 G. Washington dollar?
A: High-grade error coins and top-tier MS67 or MS68 specimens have sold for over $1,000 at professional auctions, though most collectors will find versions worth significantly less.
