2013-P W.H. Taft Dollar Value: Is Your Presidential Coin Rare?
The 2013-P W.H. Taft Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.15 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade mint state. While most of these golden-colored coins found in change are only worth face value, certain high-quality specimens and errors can fetch a significant premium from serious coin collectors today.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Condition) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof (S Mint Only) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
Understanding the History of the 2013-P William Howard Taft Dollar
If you have stumbled upon a golden coin featuring the 27th President, William Howard Taft, you might be curious about its origin. Using a free coin identifier app can quickly confirm its identity. These coins were part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which began in 2007. However, by the time Taft’s turn came in 2013, the program had undergone a massive change.
In late 2011, the U.S. Treasury Department stopped producing Presidential dollars for general circulation because of a massive surplus in Federal Reserve vaults. This means that unlike the early George Washington or Abraham Lincoln dollars, the 2013-P William Howard Taft Dollar was never officially released into the “wild” for everyday spending. They were only sold directly to collectors in rolls, bags, and sets at a premium price.
Because these coins weren’t meant for pocket change, finding one in your local grocery store transaction is actually quite rare. Most examples seen today come from broken-up collector sets. If you want to check the rarity of your specific find, the CoinKnow app is an excellent tool for identifying key features and current market demand among enthusiasts.
2013-P W.H. Taft Dollar Value and Grading
When determining the 2013-P W.H. Taft Dollar value, the most important factor is the physical condition, often called the “grade.” Since these coins were minted for collectors, most surviving examples are in decent shape. However, to reach a value above a couple of dollars, the coin must be in “Mint State” (MS), meaning it looks like it just came off the press.
Grading follows a 70-point scale. A coin graded MS-60 is uncirculated but might have “bag marks” or scratches from hitting other coins during production. An MS-67 or higher is a masterpiece with virtually no visible flaws under magnification. For those tracking high-end sales, the 2013-P Presidential dollar auction records show that truly perfect coins can sell for much more than their face value.
| Numerical Grade | Description | Relative Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| AU-58 | About Uncirculated – Light wear on high points | Common |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated – Typical marks | Standard for Mint Sets |
| MS-65 | Gem Uncirculated – Very attractive | Scarce |
| MS-67+ | Superb Gem – Nearly flawless | Very Rare |
Key Characteristics of the Philadelphia Mint Mark
The “P” in 2013-P tells us the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. On the Presidential Dollar series, you won’t find the mint mark on the front (obverse) or back (reverse) of the coin. Instead, look at the edge. The edge of the coin contains the mint mark, the year of production, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
Many casual collectors mistake a flat or “missing” edge inscription for an error. While genuine missing edge lettering errors do exist and are valuable, it is more common for the lettering to just be worn down or filled with grease during the striking process. If you are unsure if your edge lettering is a rare error or just damage, using CoinKnow can help you compare your coin to known diagnostic photos.
The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 8.12 million Taft dollars in 2013. While 8 million sounds like a lot, it is a tiny fraction of the billions of pennies and quarters made every year. This low mintage is what keeps the 2013 Presidential coin series value higher than the earlier, high-mintage releases from 2007-2010.
Design Details of the William Howard Taft Coin
The obverse of the coin features a dignified portrait of William Howard Taft, designed by Phebe Hemphill. It includes his name, the years he served (1909-1913), and the phrase “In God We Trust” (which was moved to the obverse in 2009 after public outcry regarding its placement on the edge).
The reverse of the coin features a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty, designed by Don Everhart. This design is consistent across the entire Presidential Dollar series. The “golden” color of the coin is not actually gold; it is a manganese-brass composition over a copper core.
To maintain the value of your 2013-P W.H. Taft dollar, avoid cleaning it. Amateur cleaning can leave microscopic scratches that significantly reduce its numismatic worth. If you think you’ve found a high-grade specimen, store it in a PVC-free flip or a plastic coin capsule to prevent the metal from oxidizing and turning a dark, murky brown.
Potential Errors to Look For in 2013-P Dollars
While the 2013-P W.H. Taft Dollar is generally well-made, errors can occur. The most famous errors in the Presidential series involve the edge lettering. Occasionally, a coin will skip the edge-lettering machine entirely, resulting in a “smooth edge” dollar. These can be worth $50 to $100 depending on the grade.
Another common error is “Double Edge Lettering,” where the coin passes through the machine twice, creating overlapping text. There are also “Position A” and “Position B” variations, which refer to whether the edge lettering is upright or upside down when the President’s face is up. However, in this series, both positions are considered normal and usually do not carry an extra premium.
Checking for these subtle mistakes is part of the fun of coin collecting. If you find something that looks odd, like a clipped planchet or a die crack on Taft’s face, you might have a unique piece worth much more than a standard uncirculated coin. Modern collectors often use CoinKnow to quickly research recent auction prices for these specific varieties.
| Error Type | Description | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Edge Lettering | Edge is completely smooth with no date/mint mark | $50 – $150 |
| Double Edge Lettering | Inscriptions appear twice, often overlapping | $20 – $45 |
| Die Crack | Raised lines of metal on the coin surface | $5 – $15 |
FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-P William Howard Taft Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is composed of a copper core with a manganese-brass cladding. This gives it the “golden” look without the high cost of precious metals. It contains 0% gold.
Q: Why can’t I find this coin in circulation?
A: In 2011, the U.S. Mint stopped producing Presidential Dollars for general circulation due to low demand. Since 2012, they have only been produced for collectors and sold through the Mint’s website.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2013-P Taft Dollar?
A: The mint mark “P” is located on the edge of the coin, along with the year (2013) and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” You have to look at the side of the coin to see it.
Q: How much is a 2013-P Taft Dollar worth if it’s dirty?
A: If a 2013-P Taft dollar is heavily circulated or dirty, it is likely only worth its face value of $1. Because these were never meant for circulation, any “worn” coin is considered less desirable by collectors.
Q: Should I get my W.H. Taft dollar professionally graded?
A: Generally, it is only worth paying for professional grading (from NGC or PCGS) if you believe the coin is in perfect MS-67 condition or higher, or if it has a significant, confirmed error. Otherwise, the grading fees will likely exceed the value of the coin.
