2011-S James A. Garfield Dollar Coin Value Guide

The 2011-S James A. Garfield Dollar is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $450 for ultra-high-grade specimens. While most of these coins found in change are only worth their face value, the “S” mint mark signifies a special collectible version intended for collectors.

History and Significance of the 2011-S Garfield Presidential Dollar

The James A. Garfield Presidential Dollar was released in 2011 as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This initiative, which began in 2007, sought to honor every deceased U.S. President in the order they served. Garfield, the 20th President, had a tragically short term, having been assassinated just months after his inauguration.

If you have stumbled upon one of these golden-colored coins, you might be wondering about its rarity. To get an instant answer, you can use a free coin identifier app to see which version you hold. While the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced millions for circulation, the San Francisco Mint (S) focused exclusively on proof versions for collectors.

Proof coins are struck using polished dies and specially prepared planchets, giving them a mirror-like background and frosted details. Because these were sold in sets and never intended to be spent in grocery stores, finding one in your pocket change is quite rare. If you do, it likely came from a broken collector set and may have lost some of its premium value due to scratches.

Using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a proof coin. This distinction is vital because a 2011-S coin in a high-grade slab can fetch a significantly higher price than its common counterparts. Collecting these dollars has become a popular hobby for many Americans looking to complete the entire Presidential series.

Understanding the 2011-S Mint Mark and Proof Quality

The “S” mint mark is the most important feature to look for on the edge of your Garfield dollar. Unlike older American coins where the mint mark is on the face or back, the Presidential Dollars feature “Edge-Incused Inscriptions.” This means the year, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are engraved directly into the rim of the coin.

Identifying the specific 2011-S James Garfield dollar price data requires looking at the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect. A true proof coin will have a sharp contrast between the frosted portrait of Garfield and the shiny, reflective field behind him. If your coin looks dull or lacks this “mirror” effect, it is likely a circulated business strike from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D).

The San Francisco Mint produced exactly 1,972,836 of these proof coins in 2011. While nearly two million may sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction compared to the tens of millions of coins minted for general use. CoinKnow users often find that the proof versions are the crown jewel of their modern dollar collections because of this limited mintage.

Grading is the primary driver of value for these proof coins. A coin graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC as PR70 is considered perfect. These are the coins that investors covet, whereas a PR65 or PR67 is more affordable for the casual collector. Most everyday Americans will find coins in the “uncirculated” to “minor wear” category.

Breakdown of 2011-S James A. Garfield Dollar Value by Grade

When assessing the worth of your coin, the professional grade is everything. Because these were handled with care by the Mint, most surviving examples are in excellent shape. However, “perfect” coins are incredibly rare because even the smallest microscopic scratch during the packaging process can drop the grade from a 70 to a 69.

The following table outlines the current market trends for the 2011-S Garfield Dollar across different collector grades.

As the table shows, the jump from PR69 to PR70 is massive. This is known as a “condition rarity.” Many people use CoinKnow to zoom in on the surfaces of their coins to see if they should bother sending them for professional grading. If you see even the tiniest speck of copper showing through or a hairline scratch, it likely won’t hit that $150+ mark.

Keep in mind that these prices fluctuate based on demand. Presidential Dollars are currently in a “quiet” period, but as more people try to complete “Life-Date” sets, the demand for high-quality proofs for specific years like 2011 is expected to rise. Understanding the current Garfield Presidential coin value info is key to knowing when to sell.

Identifying Errors on 2011 Presidential Dollars

Error hunting is one of the most exciting parts of coin collecting. While the 2011-S proofs are subjected to rigorous quality control, the business strikes (P and D mints) are known for several interesting mistakes. If you have a 2011 Garfield dollar that isn’t a proof, you should still look closely for errors.

One of the most famous errors in the Presidential series is the “Missing Edge Lettering.” This happens when coins skip the second step of the minting process where the inscriptions are rolled onto the rim. While this was very common in 2007 (the “Godless Dollars”), it is much rarer in 2011. An error coin like this could be worth five to ten times the standard price.

Another error to look for is the “Doubled Die” on the obverse or reverse. This looks like a slight overlap or shadow on the letters or Garfield’s features. While no major doubled dies have been widely reported for the 2011-S proof, minor machine doubling can sometimes occur. These are usually worth a small premium to specialized error collectors.

If you find a coin that looks “off”—perhaps the color is different or it feels lighter than usual—it is worth taking a closer look. Specialized tools and apps like CoinKnow can help you compare your find against known error catalogs to see if you have discovered something unique.

Comparing the 2011-S Garfield to Other 2011 Dollars

The year 2011 was a busy one for the US Mint. In addition to James Garfield, they released dollars for Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Rutherford B. Hayes. Because coin collectors often buy these in “Proof Sets,” the values tend to stay relatively similar across the four presidents within a specific year.

However, the Garfield dollar is often favored by history buffs because of his unique story as a “martyr president.” This slight edge in popularity can sometimes result in faster sales on platforms like eBay. Below is a comparison of the Garfield dollar versus other coins issued in the same calendar year.

As you can see, the mintages for all 2011 proof dollars are identical because they were all packaged together in the official 2011 Proof Set. The value variations usually come down to the individual condition of the coin or whether it was sold as a “single” or as part of a complete set.

For those looking to invest, the key is to find “first strikes.” These are coins that were verified by grading companies to have been minted within the first 30 days of production. These often carry a special label on the holder and can sell for a 20-30% premium over standard proof versions.

How to Store and Protect Your 2011-S Dollar

If you discover that you have a 2011-S Garfield dollar worth more than a few bucks, you need to protect it. Proof coins are extremely sensitive. Even a fingerprint can cause permanent damage because the oils from your skin can “eat” into the delicate polished surface over time. This process, known as toning or spotting, can drastically reduce the coin’s value.

The best way to store these coins is in a PVC-free plastic flip or a hard plastic capsule. If you found the coin in its original US Mint packaging, it is often best to leave it there. Breaking the coin out of its “lens” or plastic case is generally discouraged unless you are sending it away for professional grading.

If you are a casual hunter who enjoys finding these in the wild, consider starting a “Dansco” or “Whitman” album. These are folders designed specifically for the Presidential Dollar series. They allow you to see both the face and the edge of the coin, which is important for secondary verification of the “S” mint mark.

Always handle your coins by the edges. Never touch the “fields” (the flat parts) or the portrait. By maintaining the condition of your 2011-S James A. Garfield dollar, you ensure that it remains a liquid asset that you can sell to a coin shop or online collector whenever you decide the price is right.

FAQ

Q: Is the 2011 James Garfield dollar made of real gold?

A: No, despite their “golden” appearance, these coins contain no real gold. They are composed of a manganese-brass alloy over a pure copper core. The manganese gives them that signature yellow shine, but they are not bullion coins.

Q: Why did the Mint put the date on the edge of the Garfield dollar?

A: The US Mint moved the date, mint mark, and mottos to the edge to allow for larger, more detailed portraits of the Presidents on the front. This was a controversial design choice that led many people to believe they were “error” coins when they couldn’t find the date at first glance.

Q: Can I spend a 2011-S Garfield dollar at a store?

A: Yes, it is legal tender for one US dollar. However, because it is a collector’s proof coin, it is worth at least $2 to $3 even in poor condition. Spending it for just $1 would be losing money!

Q: How can I tell if my Garfield dollar is a “P”, “D”, or “S”?

A: Pick up the coin and look at its rim (the edge). You will see the year “2011” followed by a letter. “P” stands for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco. The “S” coins are the most valuable for this specific year.

Q: Where is the best place to sell my 2011-S Garfield dollar?

A: For coins worth under $20, eBay or local coin shows are your best bet. If you believe you have a “perfect” PR70 coin worth hundreds of dollars, it is best to have it graded by PCGS or NGC before selling through a major auction house like Heritage Auctions.