2016-S Ronald Reagan Dollar Coin Value Guide
The 2016-S Ronald Reagan Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in Proof condition to over $100 in high-grade Proof-70 Deep Cameo. If you have found one of these shiny gold-colored coins in your pocket change or a family collection, you are looking at a special tribute to the 40th U.S. President.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR-65 (Standard Proof) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR-69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR-70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $80.00 – $140.00 |
| Reverse Proof (Coin Set) | $25.00 – $60.00 |
What Makes the 2016-S Ronald Reagan Dollar Special?
The 2016-S Ronald Reagan Dollar is a unique piece of American numismatic history because it represents the final entry in the Presidential $1 Coin Program. While most coins you find at the grocery store are meant for circulation, these “S” mint mark coins were produced specifically for collectors by the San Francisco Mint.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a standard strike or a special proof, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish the mirror-like finish of an “S” mint coin from the satin finish and different Reagan dollar market prices of business strikes.
Because these were the last coins in a decade-long series, demand among collectors was high from the start. Unlike previous presidents, Reagan’s eligibility for the coin was a matter of timing; the law required a president to be deceased for at least two years before appearing on a dollar. Reagan fit the criteria just as the series was concluding in 2016, making this coin a sentimental favorite for many. CoinKnow helps users track the specific mintage numbers for this final release.
Understanding the “S” Mint Mark and Proof Quality
The “S” mint mark located on the edge of the coin indicates that it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) coins, which were sold in bags and rolls for collectors but minted with standard dies, the “S” coins are “Proof” coins.
Proof coins are struck twice using specially polished dies and planchets (coin blanks). This results in a stunning contrast: the raised parts of the design (like Reagan’s portrait) look frosted, while the flat background looks like a shiny mirror.
When evaluating 2016 dollar coin values, it is vital to check for fingerprints or scratches. Because the surfaces are so delicate, even a small oily smudge from your thumb can reduce the value from $20 down to its face value of $1. Professional collectors always handle these coins by the edges or while wearing cotton gloves.
| Mint Mark | Struck For | Finish Type |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Collectors (Uncirculated) | Business/Satin |
| D (Denver) | Collectors (Uncirculated) | Business/Satin |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Sets / Coin & Chronicles | Proof / Reverse Proof |
The Rare 2016-S Reverse Proof Reagan Dollar
While the standard proof coin is common in sets, there is a much rarer version known as the “Reverse Proof.” This coin was only included in the Ronald Reagan Coin & Chronicles Set, which was limited to a mintage of only 150,000 units.
In a Reverse Proof, the visual effect is flipped: the background is frosted, and the raised portrait of Ronald Reagan is mirror-shined. This creates a very dramatic look that is highly sought after by serious investors.
Many people use CoinKnow to determine if they have a standard proof or the more valuable Reverse Proof. A Reverse Proof in a perfect grade can sell for significantly more than its standard counterpart at major auctions like Heritage Auctions or on eBay.
Grading Your 2016-S Reagan Dollar Coin
How do you know if your coin is worth $5 or $100? It all comes down to “grading.” The coin industry uses a 70-point scale. Since 2016-S dollars were never released into general circulation, you won’t find them in “Good” or “Fine” condition unless someone accidentally spent a collector’s coin.
PR-65 through PR-68 are the most common grades. These coins have minor imperfections visible under a magnifying glass. PR-69 is “near perfect” and is the standard for most modern proof coins found in original US Mint packaging.
The “Holy Grail” is the PR-70 Deep Cameo. This is a flawless coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. Because it is so difficult to achieve a perfect 70, collectors will pay a premium of $100 or more for coins certified by services like PCGS or NGC.
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-67 DCAM | Some light spots or hairlines | $10.00 |
| PR-69 DCAM | Virtually perfect to the naked eye | $22.00 |
| PR-70 DCAM | Absolute perfection under magnification | $125.00+ |
Does My Coin Have a High Bullion Value?
A common misconception among everyday Americans is that the “gold” dollar coins are actually made of gold. Unfortunately, the 2016-S Ronald Reagan Dollar does not contain any precious metals.
The coin is composed of a pure copper core with an outer layer of manganese brass (77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel). This gives it that bright yellow hue that mimics the look of gold without the high cost.
Therefore, the value is strictly “numismatic,” meaning it’s based on how many collectors want it and how rare it is in high grades. You won’t be able to sell it for its weight in gold, but its historical value as the final Presidential dollar keeps its price steady above its $1 face value. Using CoinKnow can help you keep an eye on these price trends over time.
Where to Sell Your 2016-S Reagan Dollar
If you’ve identified your coin and realize you have a high-grade specimen, the next step is finding a buyer. For standard proof coins worth under $20, eBay is often the best platform. You can list the coin with clear photos, and collectors looking to finish their sets will often bid them up.
For coins that appear to be in “Perfect 70” condition, you might consider having them professionally graded first. A certified coin sells for much more than an “unraw” coin because the buyer has a guarantee of the quality.
Local coin shops are another option, though they usually offer “wholesale” prices so they can make a profit on the resale. Expect a local shop to offer you roughly 50-60% of the retail market value for your Reagan dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016-S Reagan Dollar
Q: Why isn’t my Reagan dollar in my pocket change?
A: The U.S. Mint stopped producing Presidential Dollars for general circulation in 2011 due to low demand. From 2012 to 2016, including the Reagan dollar, coins were only produced for collectors and sold directly by the Mint in sets and rolls.
Q: What is the “Deep Cameo” designation?
A: Deep Cameo (DCAM) refers to the heavy contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like field. On a 2016-S Reagan proof, the portrait should look snowy white, while the background should look like a dark, glossy mirror.
Q: Is there a 2016 Reagan Dollar with a “P” or “D” mint mark?
A: Yes. Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) coins exist. These have a satin/uncirculated finish rather than a mirror finish. While they are also somewhat collectible, they generally sell for less than the “S” Proof versions unless they are in exceptionally high uncirculated grades.
Q: I found a Reagan dollar with “2016” on the edge. Is that an error?
A: No, that is standard for this series. The date, mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are all incused (engraved) onto the edge of the coin rather than the face. This allowed for larger portraits on the front.
Q: How many 2016-S Reagan Dollars were made?
A: The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 1.3 million standard proof Reagan dollars. While that sounds like a lot, it is a very low mintage compared to coins like the Lincoln Penny, which are minted by the billions.
