2011-S U.S. Grant Dollar Coin Value: Complete Guide
The 2011-S U.S. Grant Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in circulated condition to over $65 for high-grade Deep Cameo proofs. While these coins were primarily minted for collectors, finding one in your change can be an exciting discovery for any casual hunter or enthusiast.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof) | $4.50 – $7.00 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect) | $45.00 – $75.00 |
History of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Dollar
The 2011 Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Dollar was released 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. Grant, the 18th President and a legendary Civil War General, was the second president honored in the 2011 lineup.
If you have stumbled upon one of these golden-colored coins, you might wonder if it is rare. Unlike the quarters you use for laundry, the 2011 Grant dollars were not produced in the massive quantities seen in earlier years. By 2011, the government realized there was a massive surplus of dollar coins sitting in vaults. Consequently, the Mint reduced production significantly.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a circulating strike or a special proof version, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different mint marks and finishes. Most coins found in change are “P” or “D” mint marks, but the “S” mint mark indicates a coin intended specifically for collectors. For a quick assessment, the CoinKnow app provides instant visual recognition to help you categorize your find.
Understanding the “S” Mint Mark and Proof Quality
The “S” mint mark on the 2011 Grant dollar indicates that it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) coins, which were made for general circulation or collector rolls, the S-mint coins are almost exclusively “Proof” coins.
Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets (blanks) to create a mirror-like background and a frosted finish on the design. These were sold in sets to collectors and were never intended to be spent. If you find one in your pocket, someone likely broke open a proof set to use the money!
Because these coins are handled with extreme care at the Mint, they are expected to be in pristine condition. Even a small scratch can drastically lower the market value for 2011 dollar coins. Collectors look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations, where the contrast between the shiny field and the white frosting of the portrait is exceptionally sharp.
| Mint Mark | Production Type | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Circulating / Business | Common |
| D (Denver) | Circulating / Business | Common |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof | Collector Sets Only |
Determining the 2011-S Grant Dollar Value by Grade
The value of your 2011-S Grant dollar is almost entirely dependent on its grade. Professional grading companies like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A “Perfect 70” is the holy grail for modern coin collectors.
For the average American, a Grant dollar found in a drawer is likely a “Proof-65” or “Proof-67.” At these levels, the coin is worth more than its face value, but it won’t make you rich overnight. However, if the coin is flawless under magnification, it could be a “Proof-70,” which commands a significant premium.
To get an idea of where your coin stands, the CoinKnow mobile app can help you compare your coin’s luster and surface marks against high-resolution images of graded specimens. Checking the latest current prices for 2011 Presidential dollars is essential, as the market for modern proofs fluctuates based on demand for “Registry Sets.”
Key Features of the Ulysses S. Grant Dollar Design
The obverse (front) of the coin features a dignified portrait of Ulysses S. Grant. Designed by Don Everhart, it includes the inscriptions of his name, the years he served (1869-1877), and the phrase “In God We Trust.”
The reverse (back) features a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty. This image is uniform across all coins in the Presidential series, emphasizing the shared democratic values of each leader. Interestingly, the Grant dollar, like others in the series, uses “edge-incused” lettering.
Edge lettering is where you will find the mint year, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” If you find a Grant dollar with a smooth edge—missing these inscriptions—you have found a major mint error! These “Godless Dollars” (so named because the motto is on the edge) are extremely rare and can be worth hundreds of dollars.
| Design Element | Details to Look For |
|---|---|
| Portrait | High-relief details in Grant’s beard |
| Edge Markings | Year (2011), Mint Mark (S), E Pluribus Unum |
| Composition | Manganese-Brass clad Copper (Golden Color) |
Are Presidential Dollars a Good Investment?
Many people ask if they should save the 2011-S Grant dollar as a retirement investment. Generally speaking, modern dollar coins have very high mintages compared to gold coins from the 1800s. However, the 2011 series (including Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, and Chester A. Arthur) had much lower mintage numbers than the first years of the program.
High-grade proofs, specifically those labeled as PR70 Deep Cameo, tend to hold their value well among collectors who want a “perfect” set. For most people, the CoinKnow app is a great way to track your collection’s value over time as you find more presidents. While you might not retire on a single Grant dollar, building a complete set of high-quality proofs is a popular and rewarding hobby.
If you find a 2011-S Grant dollar in “circulated” condition—meaning it has lost its mirror shine and has scratches from being in a pocket with keys—it is likely only worth its face value of $1 to a local bank, though a collector might pay $2-$3 just to fill a hole in their album.
| Condition | Buy Price (Retail) | Sell Price (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated / Scratched | $1.25 | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated Proof | $5.00 | $3.00 |
| Certified PR70 DCAM | $60.00+ | $40.00+ |
How to Store and Preserve Your Coin
If you believe you have a high-value 2011-S Grant dollar, do not clean it! This is the number one mistake new coin owners make. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth creates microscopic scratches that can destroy its numismatic value. A “cleaned” coin will often be rejected by grading services.
Instead, hold the coin only by its edges. Store it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. This prevents oils from your skin from tarnishing the manganese-brass surface, which is prone to turning a brownish, dull color over time.
By keeping your 2011-S Grant dollar in its original proof state, you ensure that if you ever decide to sell it, you will get the maximum price possible. Collectors value “original skin,” which refers to the natural surface of the coin as it came from the San Francisco Mint.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2011-S Grant Dollar real gold?
A: No, despite its golden appearance, the coin contains no actual gold. It is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of manganese brass (77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel).
Q: Where can I find the mint mark on my Grant dollar?
A: Unlike older coins where the mint mark is on the face, the 2011 Presidential dollars have the mint mark (P, D, or S) engraved on the edge of the coin along with the date.
Q: How many 2011-S Grant Dollars were made?
A: The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 1,972,863 proof versions of the Grant dollar in 2011. While this sounds like a lot, it is much lower than the hundreds of millions produced for earlier presidents like Washington or Jefferson.
Q: Can I spend a 2011-S Grant dollar at the store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender for one dollar. However, since the 2011-S is a collector’s proof coin worth at least $4-$5, you would be losing money by spending it at face value.
