2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar Coin Value: History and Prices
The 2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in circulated proof condition to over $45 for high-grade specimens. While these golden-colored coins look ancient or rare, most found in pocket change or old drawers are modern collectibles minted specifically for collectors rather than general daily commerce.
| Coin Version | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| 2013-S Taft Proof (Clad) | $4.00 – $12.00 |
| 2013-S Taft Silver Proof | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| High Grade (PR70 DCAM) | $50.00+ |
Identifying Your 2013-S William Howard Taft Dollar
If you have stumbled upon a gleaming gold-toned coin featuring the 27th President, William Howard Taft, you might be holding a piece of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. By 2013, the United States Mint had stopped producing these dollars for general circulation because banks were overflowing with them. Consequently, every 2013 Taft dollar was minted in limited quantities for collectors.
To determine if yours is the “S” mint mark version, you need to look at the edge of the coin. Unlike quarters or dimes, the date and mint mark of these dollars are incused on the rim. If you see a small “S,” it means your coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. If you are unsure about the details of your find, using a free coin identifier app is the quickest way to confirm the minting location and variety.
Most casual finders use CoinKnow to instantly recognize these edge inscriptions, which can be hard to read with the naked eye. The 2013-S Taft dollar is primarily found in “Proof” finish, meaning it has a mirror-like background and frosted details. These were sold in special sets and were never intended to be spent at a grocery store.
The Difference Between Clad and Silver Taft Proofs
One of the most important factors in determining the value of your 2013-S Taft dollar is the composition. In 2013, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of these coins. The first is the standard “Clad” version, made of a copper core with a manganese-brass coating, giving it that golden hue. These are common in proof sets and are usually worth a few dollars over their face value.
The second, more valuable version is the 90% Silver Proof. These were part of the annual “Silver Proof Sets.” While they look very similar to the clad versions, they are significantly heavier and have a brilliant white-silver edge instead of the layered copper look. Identifying the metal is crucial for an accurate valuation.
| Condition/Grade | Clad Proof Value | Silver Proof Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard) | $4.50 | $28.00 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $8.00 | $35.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect) | $18.00 | $65.00 |
What Makes the 2013-S Taft Dollar Rare?
In the world of numismatics, rarity is often tied to mintage numbers. For the 2013-S William Howard Taft dollar, the mintage was relatively low compared to the millions of “P” and “D” mint coins produced in earlier years of the program. Because the public wasn’t using these coins, the Mint only produced enough to satisfy collector demand.
Specifically, the clad proof saw a mintage of approximately 1.4 million, while the silver version was even more restricted. When compared to the current market value for 2013 Sacagawea dollars, the Taft proof holds its own as a desirable collectible. If you find one in a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) state, where the contrast between the frosted portrait and the shiny fields is intense, you have a specimen that collectors covet.
Many people use CoinKnow to scan their collections for these specific proof attributes. A coin that has been handled and lost its shine (becoming “impaired”) drops significantly in value, often down to its silver melt value or just a couple of dollars if it’s clad.
Condition and Grading the 2013-S Dollar
Since these coins were never circulated, you won’t usually find them in “Good” or “Fine” condition. Instead, they are graded on the Proof scale from 60 to 70. A PR70 is a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. Even a single tiny scratch from a coin flip or a fingerprint can drop the grade to a PR69 or PR68, which cuts the value by half or more.
If you are looking for specific 2013 dollar coin pricing and rarity details, you will notice that the “S” mint mark consistently fetches a premium over the business strikes from Philadelphia or Denver. This is because the manufacturing process for proofs is much slower and more precise, resulting in a superior strike.
| Feature | Proof Description |
|---|---|
| Fields | Highly reflective, mirror-like finish |
| Devices | Frosted, matte appearance on Taft’s face |
| Edges | Crisp lettering with no circulation wear |
Collecting the Presidential Dollar Series
The William Howard Taft dollar was the first of four Presidential dollars released in 2013. He was followed by Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, and Calvin Coolidge. For a collector, the 2013-S Taft is a vital piece of the set. Because Taft served as both President and Chief Justice, he holds a unique place in American history, which adds a bit of crossover appeal to his coin.
If you’re building a set, you might find that the 2013 coins are harder to find in the wild than the 2007 Washington or 2000 Lincoln dollars. This “forced rarity” is why many beginners get excited when they find one. Pro tip: Always handle these coins by the edges. The oils from your skin can cause “milk spots” or permanent clouding on a proof coin, which CoinKnow users often report as the biggest killer of coin value.
Summary of Taft Dollar Market Trends
The market for modern Presidential dollars is generally stable. While they aren’t going to make you a millionaire overnight like a 1933 Double Eagle, they are excellent “gateway” coins for new hobbyists. The 2013-S W.H. Taft dollar value has remained steady over the last few years, with silver prices dictating the floor for the 90% versions.
If you find a Taft dollar that doesn’t have the “S” mint mark, don’t worry—it’s still worth checking. The P and D versions from 2013 were also “Not Intended For Circulation” (NIFC), meaning they still carry a premium of $2 to $5 in Uncirculated condition. Use a high-quality magnifying glass or a digital coin app to ensure you aren’t missing any minor errors, like doubled die lettering on the edge.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-S Taft Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is not made of gold. The golden color comes from a mixture of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. Only the 90% Silver Proof version contains precious metal.
Q: Why isn’t the date on the front of the coin?
A: Starting in 2007, the Presidential Dollar series moved the date, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” to the edge of the coin to allow for larger portraits on the obverse.
Q: Can I spend a 2013-S Taft Dollar at a store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender worth $1. However, since the coin is worth at least $4 to collectors (and more if silver), spending it would be a waste of money!
Q: How can I tell if my coin is the Silver version?
A: The easiest way is to look at the edge. A clad coin will usually show a copper stripe, while a silver coin will be solid silver-white. Additionally, a silver Taft dollar weighs 6.25 grams, while the clad version weighs 8.1 grams (though this sounds counterintuitive, the clad’s thickness and base metals make it heavier).
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2013-S Taft Dollar?
A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens have sold for upwards of $80-$100 in major auctions, particularly when they are bundled with other coins from the same year.
