The 2007-S Jefferson Dollar Coin is worth anywhere from $4 in typical proof condition to over $45 for high-grade specimens. While these golden-colored coins often look like rare treasures to the average person, most found in pocket change are common, though the “S” mint mark denotes a special collector’s version.
| Coin Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Proof-65 (Standard) | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Proof-69 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Proof-70 (Perfect Grade) | $40.00 – $65.00 |
History and Background of the 2007-S Thomas Jefferson Dollar
In 2007, the United States Mint launched the Presidential $1 Coin Program, designed to honor the former leaders of the nation in the order they served. Thomas Jefferson, the third President and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was naturally among the first to be featured. While the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced millions of these coins for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint (indicated by the “S” mint mark) focused exclusively on creating “Proof” versions for collectors.
If you have stumbled upon one of these coins, it likely has a brilliant, mirror-like finish and frosted details. This is because proof coins are struck twice using specially polished dies. If you are unsure if your coin is a proof or a standard business strike, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish the subtle differences in luster and strike quality. These coins were never intended to be spent in grocery stores, but many find their way into circulation when collections are broken up or inherited.
Today, many people use the CoinHix app to keep an inventory of their findings. The 2007-S Jefferson Dollar remains a popular entry-point for new collectors because it is affordable yet visually stunning. It features a portrait of Jefferson on the obverse and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse, a design that stayed consistent throughout the entire presidential series.
Understanding the Value of San Francisco Proofs
When determining the 2007-S Jefferson Dollar coin value, the most critical factor is the numerical grade. Because these coins were sold in protective plastic sets by the Mint, many have survived in excellent condition. A coin that has been handled or scratched will only be worth a few dollars, essentially its “face value” to a collector but technically worth its weight in copper and manganese brass.
However, if you possess a specimen that is graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC as a “Proof 70 Deep Cameo,” the price jumps significantly. A perfect score means there are no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. For those tracking current market trends, the 2007 Jefferson dollar value info suggests that prices for these perfect grades stay stable because demand from registry set builders remains high.
Unlike the 2007-P or 2007-D versions, which were made by the hundreds of millions, the 2007-S had a much smaller mintage of approximately 3.9 million units. This might sound like a lot, but compared to the 200-plus million business strikes, it is relatively rare. When you use an app like CoinHix, you can see how this lower mintage affects the long-term rarity compared to common change.
| Mint Mark & Type | Mintage Weight | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-P (Circulation) | 102,810,000 | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| 2007-D (Circulation) | 100,800,000 | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| 2007-S (Proof) | 3,965,339 | $4.50+ |
Key Characteristics: The Edge Lettering
One of the most unique features of the 2007-S Jefferson Dollar is the edge lettering. Unlike most U.S. coins where metadata is on the face, the Presidential Dollars moved the date, the mint mark, and the mottos “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust” to the rim of the coin. For the S-mint proof versions, this lettering is applied with extreme precision.
Many people get excited when they find a coin with “missing” edge lettering. While this is a famous error on some 2007-P Washington dollars (known as “Godless Dollars”), it is virtually unheard of on 2007-S proof coins because of the strict quality control in San Francisco. If you find a Jefferson dollar that seems to be missing its edge text, check it carefully with a magnifying glass; often, the wear and tear of circulation can smooth the edges down.
For collectors who enjoy looking for small details, the high-grade Jefferson dollar price data shows that even minor variations in the “cameo” effect—the contrast between the shiny background and the frosted portrait—can change the value by several dollars. CoinHix can assist you in comparing your coin’s finish to high-resolution images of certified proofs to see where yours stands.
Grading and Preserving Your 2007-S Dollar
Is it worth sending your 2007-S Jefferson Dollar to a professional grading service? In most cases, the answer is no, unless the coin is absolutely flawless. The cost of grading (which can be $20-$40 per coin) often exceeds the value of the coin itself. Most 2007-S dollars found by everyday people are “Proof 67” or “Proof 68,” which typically sell for less than $10.
To maintain the value of your coin, never clean it. Beginners often make the mistake of scrubbing a coin with soap or polish to make it shine. On a proof coin like the 2007-S, this creates tiny “hairline” scratches that destroy its numismatic value instantly. Professional collectors prefer “natural” coins with their original mint luster, even if they have some slight toning or aging.
If you are serious about building a collection, store your Jefferson Dollar in a PVC-free flip or a dedicated coin album. This prevents “milk spots,” a common white hazy oxidation found on many modern coins from the 2000s. Keeping the coin dry and out of direct sunlight ensures it remains a shiny piece of history for decades to come.
Market Rare Variations and Errors
While the 2007-S Jefferson Proof is generally a stable coin, the hobby is always on the lookout for errors. In the Presidential series, the most common errors involve the edge lettering being doubled or inverted. On a proof coin, an inverted edge (where the text is upside down when the portrait is face up) is actually not an error; the Mint applies the edge lettering randomly, so both orientations are considered normal.
Real errors to look for include “clipped planchets,” where a piece of the coin is missing because of a manufacturing fluke, or “off-center” strikes. These are extremely rare for proof coins because every single 2007-S was inspected before being packaged. If you suspect you have a unique error, consult a professional or use the CoinHix community forums to get a second opinion.
| Year/Mint Mark | Condition | Auction Record Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-S Jefferson | PR70 DCAM | $150+ (Early Releases) |
| 2007-S Jefferson | PR69 DCAM | $12 – $20 |
FAQ
Q: Is the 2007-S Jefferson Dollar made of real gold?
A: No. Despite its golden appearance, the coin is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This combination creates the “golden” color without the expense of using real gold.
Q: Where can I find the mint mark on my Jefferson Dollar?
A: On the 2007-S Jefferson Dollar, the mint mark is not on the front or back of the coin. You must look at the thin edge (the rim) of the coin. There, you will see the year “2007” followed by the “S” mint mark.
Q: Can I spend this coin at a store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth exactly $1.00 at any business. However, since the 2007-S is a proof coin meant for collectors and is worth at least $4 to a dealer, it is better to save it or sell it to a coin shop rather than spending it for its face value.
Q: What makes a “Deep Cameo” proof more valuable?
A: A “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) refers to a proof coin where the contrast between the frosted portrait and the mirror-like background is very sharp. This aesthetic is highly prized by collectors, and coins with this designation always command a higher price than standard proofs.
Q: How many Thomas Jefferson dollars were made in total?
A: Over 200 million Thomas Jefferson dollars were minted in 2007 across all three mints (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco). The vast majority were business strikes from P and D, making the S proofs the scarcest of the group.