The 2013-S Theodore Roosevelt Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in circulated proof condition to over $45 for high-grade specimens. While these modern coins aren’t made of silver, their limited mintage and historical significance make them a popular find for everyday Americans looking to start a collection or cash in on a lucky discovery.
| Coin Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Proof (PR/PF 65) | $4.50 – $6.00 |
| Proof (PR/PF 69) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Perfect Proof (PR/PF 70) | $35.00 – $55.00 |
| S-Mint Silver Proof (Rare) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
Understanding the 2013-S Roosevelt Presidential Dollar
If you have recently found a golden-colored dollar coin featuring the face of the 26th U.S. President, you are holding a piece of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. To accurately determine what you have, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes.
The “S” mint mark indicates that this specific coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the 2013-P (Philadelphia) or 2013-D (Denver) versions, these “S” coins were primarily produced for collectors in proof sets.
By 2013, the U.S. Mint had stopped producing Presidential Dollars for general circulation because too many were sitting in vaults. This means that if you find a 2013-S Theodore Roosevelt dollar, it likely escaped from a collector set. Because it wasn’t meant for your pocket change, even a worn version is considered relatively scarce compared to older quarters or pennies.
For those using the CoinHix app to track their inventory, you will notice that the “S” mint mark usually carries a premium over the standard business strikes produced in larger quantities.
The Difference Between Clad and Silver Proofs
One of the most common questions people ask is whether their golden dollar is actually made of gold or silver. The answer is usually no. The standard 2013-S Roosevelt Dollar is a “clad” coin, meaning it is made of a copper core with a manganese-brass coating, which gives it that distinct gold-like shine.
However, the San Francisco Mint also produced a limited number of “Silver Proof” sets. While the Presidential Dollars in these sets are still clad, other coins in the same year’s set might be silver. It is vital to check the current market prices for these 2013 presidential coins to ensure you aren’t overlooking a more valuable variant.
Most “S” mint coins found by casual hunters will be the standard clad proof version. These are characterized by a “mirror-like” background and a frosted appearance on the portrait of Theodore Roosevelt. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny—almost like a mirror—you definitely have a proof.
| Composition Type | Material Content | Edge Lettering |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Clad Proof | Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Nickel | 2013 S – E PLURIBUS UNUM |
| Weight Standard | 8.1 Grams | Incused (Sunken) |
How Grading Impacts the 2013-S Dollar Value
In the world of coin collecting, “grade” is everything. For a modern coin like the 2013-S Roosevelt Dollar, the difference between a PR65 and a PR70 (a perfect coin) can be $40 or more. Professionals look for tiny scratches, fingerprints, or “haze” that develops on the surface over time.
Casual finders often wonder if they should get their coin professionally graded by companies like PCGS or NGC. Unless the coin is absolutely flawless, the cost of grading usually exceeds the coin’s value. You can get a clear idea of how your coin stacks up by checking the current price trends for high-grade 2013 coinage online.
Identifying these subtle differences is where the CoinHix app proves invaluable. By taking a high-resolution photo, you can compare your find against high-grade gallery images to see if your coin has the “Deep Cameo” contrast that collectors crave.
Mintage Numbers and Rarity
When looking at the 2013 output, the Theodore Roosevelt dollar had a much lower mintage than the presidential coins from 2007 or 2008. The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 1.48 million Roosevelt clad proof dollars. While 1.4 million sounds like a lot, it is a tiny fraction compared to the hundreds of millions of coins produced for circulation in earlier years.
This lower mintage is the primary reason why these coins hold their value better than a common George Washington or Abraham Lincoln dollar you might find in a vending machine. Because these were sold as part of sets, they were never intended to be spent at a grocery store.
If you find one in your change, it probably means someone opened a collector set and spent the contents. This is a “win” for you, as the coin is still worth several times its face value, even if it has a few light scratches from being in a pocket.
| Production Year | Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | P (Philadelphia) | 5,040,000 |
| 2013 | D (Denver) | 3,920,000 |
| 2013 | S (San Francisco Proof) | ~1,480,000 |
Key Characteristics of the Theodore Roosevelt Design
The obverse (front) of the coin features a rugged porait of Theodore Roosevelt, designed by Joseph Menna. It includes his name, the years he served (1901-1909), and the “In God We Trust” motto. The reverse (back) features a striking image of the Statue of Liberty, which is common to all coins in the Presidential series.
One unique feature of these coins is the “edge lettering.” If you look at the side of the coin (the rim), you will see the date, the mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” engraved into the metal. On older coins, this information was on the front or back.
Many new collectors mistake a missing edge lettering for a major error. While edge errors do exist and can be worth hundreds of dollars, they are extremely rare on 2013-S proofs because the quality control at the San Francisco mint is very high. Always use CoinHix to verify your coin’s features before assuming you’ve found a rare error.
Where to Sell Your 2013-S Roosevelt Dollar
If you’ve determined your coin is in good condition and you want to sell it, you have several options. For a single coin worth $5 to $15, a local coin shop might not be the best bet, as they need to make a profit and may only offer you face value or a small premium.
Online marketplaces like eBay are the most popular venues for selling individual presidential dollars. You can list the coin as a “Buy It Now” item or an auction. Make sure to take clear photos of both sides and the edge lettering.
Another great way to manage and potentially sell your collection is through specialized hobbyist apps. By keeping a digital gallery of your coins, you can monitor price fluctuations and find the right moment to sell when demand for the Theodore Roosevelt series spikes among private collectors.
Final Thoughts for Everyday Collectors
The 2013-S Theodore Roosevelt Dollar is a perfect “gateway” coin. It is affordable enough for anyone to own, yet rare enough to feel like a special find. Whether you found one in a drawer or inherited a small collection, it represents a pivotal era in American history and a unique period in U.S. Mint production.
Remember that while you won’t retire on the profit from one coin, building a complete set of “S” mint presidential dollars can be a rewarding and potentially profitable hobby over the long term. Keep your coins in protective holders to prevent the oils from your skin from damaging the delicate proof finish.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-S Roosevelt Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is made of a base metal alloy consisting of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. Its “golden” color comes from the manganese-brass coating used by the U.S. Mint to distinguish it from quarters.
Q: Why does my coin have writing on the edge?
A: The Presidential Dollar series moved the date, mint mark, and certain mottos to the edge of the coin to allow for larger, more detailed portraits on the front and back. This is a standard feature of the 2013-S Roosevelt Dollar.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a P, D, and S mint mark?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. You will see a small letter near the date. “P” is for Philadelphia, “D” is for Denver, and “S” is for San Francisco. The “S” coins are generally more valuable because they are proof strikes.
Q: Is a 2013-S Roosevelt Dollar worth getting graded?
A: Generally, no. Unless the coin is in perfect (PR70) condition, the $20-$40 cost of professional grading will be more than the coin’s market value. It is better to keep it in a simple plastic flip or coin album.
