The 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $50 for high-grade specimens. While these golden-colored coins look antique, they were actually minted as part of a modern series to honor our nation’s leaders and are popular among casual collectors today.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 Proof (Standard) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $45.00 – $75.00 |
The History of the 2010 Franklin Pierce Presidential Dollar
The Franklin Pierce dollar was released in 2010 as the 14th installment of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. Franklin Pierce served as the 14th President of the United States from 1853 to 1857. This program was designed to encourage the public to use dollar coins in daily commerce while providing an educational look at American history.
If you have found one of these coins in your pocket change, it is important to check the mint mark. Most Franklin Pierce dollars found in circulation were minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D). However, the “S” mint mark signifies that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. To accurately identify your find, you can use the best coin identifier app to see if you have a business strike or a special proof.
Unlike the coins meant for your wallet, the 2010-S version was created specifically for collectors. These “Proof” coins were sold in sets by the U.S. Mint and were never intended to be spent at a grocery store. This makes them significantly rarer in the eyes of numismatists than the millions of P and D coins produced that same year. Using a tool like CoinHix can help you keep track of these specific mintages and how they affect the long-term rarity of your collection.
Understanding the “S” Mint Mark and Proof Quality
The “S” on your 2010 Franklin Pierce dollar stands for San Francisco. In the modern era, the San Francisco Mint is primarily responsible for producing proof coinage. A proof coin is not just a regular coin; it is struck using specially polished dies and planchets (the metal discs). This results in a mirror-like background and a frosted, detailed foreground—a finish known as “Cameo.”
When you look at a 2010-S Pierce dollar, the contrast should be striking. The portrait of Pierce should look almost white or “frosted” against a deep, dark, shiny field. If your coin looks dull or scratched, it might be a “proof drop-out” that someone accidentally spent. You can compare your coin’s appearance to the 2010 dollar price trends to understand how condition impacts the final sale price.
Because these were sold in protective plastic lenses, most 2010-S dollars remain in excellent condition. However, if a coin is removed from its holder and handled, fingerprints and oils can ruin the delicate surface. Professionals use a 70-point scale to grade these. A “Perfect 70” is the holy grail for collectors, while a “69” is much more common and significantly more affordable.
| Mint Mark | Strike Type | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Business Strike | 38,360,000 |
| D (Denver) | Business Strike | 35,310,000 |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof | 2,858,314 |
What Makes a 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar Rare?
In the world of coin collecting, “rarity” is a relative term. While 2.8 million might sound like a lot of coins, compared to the 38 million struck in Philadelphia, the 2010-S Franklin Pierce dollar is much harder to find. If you didn’t buy a proof set from the Mint in 2010, the only way to get one is from a coin shop or an online marketplace.
Most of these coins are valued based on their grade. A grade of PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) means the coin is perfect under 5x magnification. These are rare enough to command a premium of $50 or more. If you are curious about how your specific coin stacks up, checking the 2010 presidential dollar value guide can provide insights into current auction results.
Another factor that adds to the rarity is the edge lettering. Presidential dollars have their year, mint mark, and motto (“E Pluribus Unum”) inscribed on the edge of the coin rather than the face. Finding an “S” mint mark coin with an error in this edge lettering is extremely rare and could potentially increase the value into the hundreds of dollars, though such errors are very unusual for San Francisco proofs.
The Design Details of the Pierce Dollar
The obverse (front) of the coin features a dignified portrait of Franklin Pierce. It was designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Don Everhart. Below his name, you will see the inscription “14th President” and the years of his term, “1853-1857.” These details are what casual hunters usually look at first to identify the coin.
The reverse (back) of the coin features a striking image of the Statue of Liberty. This design was used for all coins in the Presidential series. This consistency helps people recognize the $1 denomination immediately. Using CoinHix, you can zoom in on these design elements to ensure your coin doesn’t have “doubled die” errors, where the image appears to have a shadow or second layer.
Because the Presidential series used a Manganese-Brass composition, these coins have a distinct golden color. However, they do not contain any actual gold. For the “S” proof versions, this golden hue is much more vibrant and reflective. If you find one that looks “gold-plated” or extra shiny, it is likely just the standard proof finish from the San Francisco Mint.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2% Nickel |
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Edge | Lettered (Year, Mint Mark, Mottoes) |
Tips for Selling Your 2010-S Dollar
If you believe you have a high-value 2010-S Franklin Pierce dollar, the next step is knowing how to sell it. For most casual finds, selling locally at a coin shop is the fastest way, though you might only get a fraction of the retail price. Collectors usually prefer buying graded coins—those that have been authenticated by services like PCGS or NGC.
Before you spend money on professional grading, use a mobile app like CoinHix to get a preliminary idea of the grade. If the app suggests your coin is in “Gem Proof” condition, it might be worth the investment. Keep in mind that grading fees can cost $20-$40 per coin, so only send in coins that are likely to be worth more than the fee itself.
Online marketplaces like eBay are great for selling ungraded 2010-S dollars. You can often sell them for $5 to $10 to hobbyists who are looking to fill a specific hole in their Presidential dollar albums. Always take clear, high-resolution photos of both the front, back, and the edge lettering to get the best price for your 2010-S Pierce dollar.
| Sale Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant Cash | Lower payout (Wholesale) |
| Online Auctions | Market Price | Shipping & Fees |
| Coin Shows | Expert feedback | Requires travel |
FAQ — 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar
Q: Is the 2010 Franklin Pierce dollar made of gold?
A: No, the coin is made of a base metal alloy consisting mainly of copper. It has a manganese-brass coating that gives it a golden color, but it does not contain any precious gold bullion.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the Franklin Pierce dollar?
A: Unlike older coins where the mint mark is on the face, the “S,” “P,” or “D” on a Presidential dollar is located on the edge of the coin. You have to look at the side (the rim) to find it.
Q: Can I find a 2010-S Pierce dollar in bank rolls?
A: It is very rare but possible. These coins were intended for collectors and sold in proof sets. If someone broke a set and spent the coins, they could end up in a bank roll. This is known as a “Proof in Circulation.”
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for this coin?
A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens have occasionally sold for over $100 in private auctions during periods of high demand, though the average market price for a graded perfect coin is closer to $50.
Q: Should I clean my 2010-S dollar to make it shinier?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Collectors prefer the original “skin” or patina of a coin. Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that can drastically reduce the value of a collector coin like the 2010-S Franklin Pierce dollar.
