The 2011-D James A. Garfield Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.05 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade mint state. While most of these golden-colored coins found in change are only worth their face value, certain edge lettering errors and high-grade specimens can fetch a premium from serious collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Condition) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63 – MS65) | $2.50 – $12.00 |
| High Grade (MS67+) | $45.00+ |
| Missing Edge Lettering Error | $50.00 – $150.00 |
Understanding the 2011-D James A. Garfield Dollar History
The James A. Garfield Presidential Dollar was released on November 17, 2011, as the 20th issue in the Presidential $1 Coin Program. These coins were minted to honor the 20th U.S. President, who served a tragically short term in 1881. If you just found one of these in your kitchen drawer and aren’t sure if it’s a keeper, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between common circulation strikes and rare varieties.
By 2011, the U.S. Treasury had realized that there was a massive surplus of dollar coins sitting in vaults because the public preferred paper dollars. Consequently, the 2011-D Garfield Dollar (minted in Denver) was one of the last issues produced in relatively high numbers before the series was moved to “collector only” status. This means they were technically intended for circulation, but many remained in uncirculated rolls.
When evaluating your coin, you should check for the “D” mint mark located on the edge of the coin. Unlike older quarters or pennies, the year, mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are incused on the rim. Collectors using CoinHix often search for these details to determine if their specific coin has the sharp strikes necessary to command a higher price in the secondary market.
Grading and Determining 2011-D Garfield Coin Worth
To find the true market price, you must look at the “grade” or the physical condition of the metal. Most coins you find at the grocery store or in a vending machine are “Circulated,” meaning they have scratches, dings, and dullness from touching other coins. However, if you find a coin that looks like it just came from the mint, you might have something worth more than a dollar.
Professional graders use a scale from 1 to 70. For the 2011-D Garfield dollar, coins graded at MS66 or higher are where the value starts to climb significantly. You can often find current market trends for 2011 dollar coins to compare how the Garfield issue stacks up against other contemporary dollars like the Native American series.
For the average person, “Mint State” means the coin has no visible wear on Garfield’s hair or cheeks. If the coin still has its original “cartwheel” luster—the way light spins around the surface when you tilt it—it is likely an uncirculated specimen. Check the table below for a breakdown of how grades affect the price.
| Grade Designation | Appearance Description | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 (Choice Unc) | Distracting marks, but full luster | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| MS65 (Gem Unc) | Few marks, very attractive strike | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| MS67 (Superb Gem) | Virtually flawless to the naked eye | $40.00 – $65.00 |
Key Errors to Look For on 2011-D Dollar Coins
The most exciting part of searching through 2011-D Garfield dollars is the potential for discovering “Missing Edge Lettering” (MEL) errors. Because the U.S. Mint applied the date and mint mark in a separate step after the faces were stamped, some coins occasionally bypassed the edge-lettering machine. These coins are completely smooth on the sides.
A 2011-D Garfield dollar with missing edge lettering is a rare find and can be worth over $100 depending on the condition. To verify an error, many hobbyists utilize CoinHix to see photos of authentic errors and ensure they don’t have a coin that was simply ground down by a machine.
Another error to check for is “Double Edge Lettering.” This happens when a coin goes through the lettering machine twice, creating skewed or overlapping text on the rim. While not as valuable as the missing lettering error, it still carries a premium for specialized error collectors. If you are curious about other dollar values from this era, you can check this 2011 dollar value guide for comparison.
Mintages and Scarcity of the Denver Issue
The Denver Mint produced exactly 37,100,000 James A. Garfield Presidential Dollars in 2011. While 37 million sounds like a huge number, it is relatively low compared to the early years of the program (like Washington or Adams), which saw mintages in the hundreds of millions. This lower mintage makes the 2011 series slightly more desirable for those trying to complete a full set.
Because the Federal Reserve stopped distributing these coins to banks for general circulation shortly after 2011, finding a “D” mint mark Garfield in your pocket change is becoming increasingly rare. Most of these coins are now tucked away in private collections or government bags. For the everyday person, this means if you find one in high grade, it’s worth keeping.
| Mint Location | Production Count | Relative Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Denver (D) | 37,100,000 | Common / Modern Low |
| Philadelphia (P) | 37,240,000 | Common / Modern Low |
How to Sell Your 2011-D Garfield Dollar
If you’ve identified that your 2011-D coin is in exceptional condition or features an error, you might want to know how to turn it into cash. For common circulated coins, your best bet is simply spending them, as the effort of selling a $1 coin for $1.10 usually isn’t worth the postage. However, for error coins or MS67 grades, online marketplaces like eBay are the most popular venues.
Before listing, use CoinHix to check “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices. This gives you a realistic expectation of what buyers are actually paying. Many beginners make the mistake of seeing a coin listed for $1,000 and thinking they have a fortune, when in reality, that coin has never actually sold at that price.
Professional grading (sending the coin to PCGS or NGC) is only recommended if the coin is likely to grade MS67 or higher. The cost of grading (usually $30-$50) will exceed the value of the coin unless it is a top-tier specimen. Always weigh the potential value against the certification fees before making the investment.
| Sales Channel | Best For | Estimated Net Profit |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Quick cash, bulk lots | 50-70% of book value |
| Online Auction (eBay) | Unique errors, high grades | 80-90% of book value |
| Coin Shows | Trading for other coins | Variable |
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2011-D Garfield Dollar
Q: Is the 2011-D James A. Garfield dollar coin made of real gold?
A: No, despite its golden appearance, the coin contains no real gold. It is composed of a copper core with a manganese brass cladding (outer layer). This specific mix of metals gives the coin its distinct yellowish-gold color, but its intrinsic metal value is very low.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2011 Garfield dollar?
A: Unlike most U.S. coins where the mint mark is on the heads or tails side, the 2011-D Garfield dollar has its mint mark located on the edge of the coin. You have to look at the rim/thickness of the coin to see the “D” for Denver, the year “2011,” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
Q: What makes a 2011-D James A. Garfield dollar rare?
A: Generally, these coins are not rare. However, they become rare if they have a “Missing Edge Lettering” error (smooth edge) or if they are in nearly perfect condition (graded MS67 or higher by a professional service).
Q: How much is a 2011-D Garfield dollar worth at a bank?
A: At a bank, the coin is worth exactly face value, which is one dollar. Most banks will not pay a premium for errors or high-grade coins; they treat them as standard currency. To get more than a dollar, you must sell to a collector or a coin shop.
