2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar Value: What Is It Worth?
The 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in standard Proof condition to over $45 for high-grade specimens. While these modern coins are common, finding a perfect version can yield a nice profit for casual collectors who happen to find one in an old collection.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Proof-65 (Standard) | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Proof-69 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Proof-70 (Perfect) | $35.00 – $55.00 |
History of the 2010-S Franklin Pierce Presidential Dollar
The Franklin Pierce dollar was released in 2010 as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This series, which ran from 2007 to 2016, honored each deceased U.S. President in the order they served. Franklin Pierce, our 14th President, is featured on the fourteenth coin of the series. While the Denver and Philadelphia mints produced coins for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced a special version specifically for collectors: the Proof coin.
If you have found one of these coins with an “S” mint mark, it was never intended to be spent at a grocery store. These were sold in sets to hobbyists. To help identify your find quickly, you can use a free coin identifier app to see if your coin matches the Proof specifications. Using the CoinKnow app is another great way to get instant data on the rarity of your specific mint year.
The design of the 2010 Franklin Pierce dollar features a stoic portrait of Pierce on the obverse. The reverse displays a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty, a design used across the entire Presidential series. One of the most unique features of these coins is the edge-incused lettering. Unlike older coins, the date, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” are stamped into the side edge of the coin rather than on the face.
Understanding the “S” Mint Mark and Proof Finish
The “S” mint mark is the most important factor for the 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar value. This mark indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the duller, matte finish of coins you find in your pocket change, Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets (blanks). This creates a mirror-like background and frosted details, making the portrait of Franklin Pierce pop.
Because these were sold in sets, they are generally better preserved than business strikes. However, if a collector took the coin out of its protective plastic case and handled it, skin oils can tarnish the surface, lowering the price. Modern collectors are extremely picky about “fogging” or “toning” on these surfaces. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny and has no scratches, it might be worth a premium.
When comparing your coin to others in the series, you might notice that the 2010 dollar coin auction pricing varies significantly based on whether the coin has a high-grade “Deep Cameo” effect. A Deep Cameo (DCAM) means there is a very sharp contrast between the shiny background and the white, frosted image of the President.
| Mint Mark | Finish Type | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Business Strike (Circulation) | General Public |
| D (Denver) | Business Strike (Circulation) | General Public |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Strike (Mirror Finish) | Collectors Only |
Current Market Value and Pricing for 2010-S Pierce Dollars
Determining the exact 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar value requires looking at the coin’s grade. In the world of coin collecting, coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since “S” mint coins are Proofs, they usually range from PR-65 to PR-70. A PR-65 coin is considered a “Choice Proof” and is quite common, usually retailing for around $4 to $7.
If you are lucky enough to have a coin that looks flawless under a magnifying glass, you might have a PR-70. These perfect specimens are sought after by registry set collectors. A perfect PR-70 Deep Cameo can sometimes sell for significantly more than its face value. For reference, you can check the current 2010 presidential dollar price trends to see how Pierce compares to other presidents from the same year, such as Millard Fillmore or Abraham Lincoln.
The demand for these coins is steady but not explosive. Because millions were made (specifically 2,831,421 Proof versions), they are not “rare” in the sense of a 19th-century gold coin. However, they are a staple for anyone building a complete set of Presidential Dollars. If you are unsure of the grade, the CoinKnow mobile app can help you compare your coin’s luster and strike to professional grading photos.
How to Identify a Valuable Franklin Pierce Error
While the 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar value is usually stable, error coins are the “wild cards” that can be worth hundreds of dollars. The most common error in the Presidential Dollar series involves the edge lettering. Because the lettering is applied in a separate step from the main strike, sometimes it is missing entirely (known as “Satin Finish” or “Smooth Edge” errors).
While edge errors were more common in the first few years of the series (2007-2009), they are still possible in the 2010-S line. Another thing to look for is a “Double Die” error. This is where the lettering or the image of the President looks like it has been stamped twice, creating a blurred or doubled effect.
If you find a coin that looks “unfinished” or has strange markings on the edge, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth can destroy its numismatic value instantly. Keep it in a soft flip or a plastic container and use CoinKnow to cross-reference your find with known error databases. Many collectors pay a high premium for “Missing Edge Lettering” coins because they were never supposed to leave the mint.
| Error Type | Visual Appearance | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Edge Lettering | Smooth edge with no text | $50 – $150+ |
| Double Die Obverse | Doubling on the portrait or letters | $20 – $100 |
| Struck Through Error | Debris caught between die and coin | $10 – $40 |
Where to Sell Your 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar
If you’ve determined your 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar value is high enough to justify a sale, you have several options. For standard Proof coins worth $5, your best bet is a local coin shop or an online marketplace like eBay. Keep in mind that shipping costs might eat into your profit for a single coin, so it is often better to sell them as part of a larger collection or set.
For professional-grade coins (those already in a plastic slab from NGC or PCGS), auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections are better venues. These platforms attract serious collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for a PR-70 Deep Cameo. If you are just starting out, using a CoinKnow style app to track the “sold” listings on eBay is the most accurate way to see what people are actually paying today, rather than what sellers are asking.
Remember that “raw” (unauthenticated) coins usually sell for less than graded ones. However, getting a coin graded costs between $20 and $50, so only send your Franklin Pierce dollar for professional grading if you are absolutely certain it is in perfect, flawless condition. Otherwise, you might spend more on grading than the coin is actually worth!
Keeping Your Coin’s Value Over Time
Proper storage is the key to maintaining the 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar value over the long haul. Silver-colored and golden-colored modern coins are prone to “environmental damage” if left in humid areas. Atmospheric moisture can cause the copper-zinc-manganese-nickel composition of the dollar to develop ugly brown spots or a hazy film.
To protect your investment, store your coins in PVC-free plastic holders. Avoid the old-school “flips” that contain PVC, as they can turn your coin green over time. Instead, look for Mylar flips or hard plastic capsules. If you have a full proof set from 2010, it is usually best to keep the coins inside the original government packaging (OGP). Collectors often pay a small premium for coins that are still in the original box with the Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
By staying informed and using modern tools, you can ensure your coin collection remains a valuable asset. Whether you are a casual hunter or a dedicated hobbyist, the Franklin Pierce dollar remains a beautiful and affordable piece of American history.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar made of gold?
A: No, despite the “golden” color, these coins do not contain any gold. They are made of a copper core with a manganese-brass outer layer. The color is designed to mimic gold but is strictly for aesthetics.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a P, D, and S mint mark?
A: You need to look at the edge of the coin. The “P” (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco) mark is incused into the side of the coin along with the date and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
Q: Can I spend a 2010-S Proof dollar in a store?
A: Technically, yes, it is legal tender for one dollar. However, since it is a Proof coin intended for collectors and worth at least $4-$5, spending it for just $1 would be a loss of value.
Q: Why is Franklin Pierce considered one of the less common dollar coins?
A: By 2010, the U.S. Mint had significantly reduced production numbers for the Presidential series compared to the first year (2007) because of a large surplus of dollar coins in government vaults. While not “rare,” there are fewer of them than Washington or Jefferson dollars.
