2013-S Woodrow Wilson Dollar Value: Mint Price Guide
The 2013-S Woodrow Wilson Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in circulated proof condition to over $50 in high-grade deep cameo specimens. While these coins were never intended for your pocket change, many everyday Americans find them in inherited collections or estate sales and wonder if they’ve struck gold.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Typical Proof) | $4.50 – $6.00 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $45.00 – $85.00 |
History of the 2013-S W. Wilson Presidential Dollar
The 2013-S Woodrow Wilson Dollar was released as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, a series that honored every deceased U.S. President in the order they served. Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President who led the country through World War I, is featured on the obverse. By the time 2013 rolled around, the U.S. Mint had stopped producing these coins for general circulation due to low public demand and massive stockpiles in Federal Reserve vaults.
If you find one today, it likely came from a special government set rather than a cash register. Because they weren’t released to banks, the “S” mint mark version, which indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, is particularly special. If you’re unsure about a coin you’ve found, using a free coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and president in seconds.
Collectors often use the CoinKnow app to track the historical performance of these modern dollars. While they are made of a copper-zinc-manganese-nickel composition (giving them a “golden” look), they contain no actual gold. Their value is driven purely by their numismatic appeal and their condition.
Identifying the S Mint Mark and Proof Finish
One of the most important factors in determining the 2013-S W. Wilson Dollar Value is confirming it is a “Proof” coin. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) versions which were sold in bags and rolls for collectors, the “S” version was struck using specialized dies and polished blanks. This results in a mirror-like background and frosty details on President Wilson’s portrait.
To find the mint mark, look at the edge of the coin. Presidential Dollars feature “edge-incused” lettering. You will see the year 2013, the mint mark S, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” If your coin has a standard matte finish and an S mark, it might be an Enhanced Uncirculated version from a different set, which carries a different price point.
Understanding the market valuations for 2013 dollars is essential because modern coins often have very thin margins between a common find and a rare treasure. CoinKnow allows you to scan the edge of the coin to ensure you aren’t missing any rare varieties or errors.
| Mint Mark | Production Type | Rarity for Collectors |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) | Common |
| D (Denver) | NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) | Common |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Strike | Scarce / Collector Only |
Grading the 2013-S Woodrow Wilson Dollar
When it comes to modern coins, the difference between $5 and $50 often comes down to microscopic scratches. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. For the 2013-S Woodrow Wilson Dollar, most coins found in original Mint packaging will grade at PR 68 or PR 69.
A PR 70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) is the holy grail for this specific issue. This means the coin is perfect under 5x magnification, with no spots, hair-lines, or imperfections. Because modern striking technology is so advanced, PR 70s are more common today than they were in the 1960s, but they still command a significant premium from registry set collectors.
Before spending money on professional grading, many hobbyists use the CoinKnow photo-recognition feature to get a “pre-grade” estimate. If the app suggests your coin is flawless, it might be worth the $20-$30 fee to have it officially slabbed. You can check the current price trends for 2013 $1 coins to see if the investment in grading will pay off in the long run.
Factors That Influence 2013-S Dollar Pricing
What makes one 2013-S W. Wilson Dollar more valuable than another? Firstly, the “Eye Appeal.” Since these are proof coins, they are prone to “hazing”—a cloudy film that can develop on the surface of the coin if it is stored in PVC plastic or high humidity. A crystal-clear, deep black-and-white contrast on the surfaces will always sell faster.
Secondly, the “Set Origin.” The 2013-S W. Wilson Dollar was included in the 2013 United States Mint Proof Set and the Silver Proof Set (though the dollar itself is not silver). If you have the original box and Certificate of Authenticity (COA), the value is generally higher than if the coin is “loose” or in a generic flip.
Finally, errors are a major factor. While rare in proof coins, edge lettering errors—where the lettering is doubled or missing—can skyrocket the value into the hundreds of dollars. Always check the rim of your Woodrow Wilson dollar to see if the text looks “off” or different from a standard example.
| Sales Channel | Expected Price (PR 69) | Fees/Effort |
|---|---|---|
| eBay Auction | $8.00 – $14.00 | High (13% fee + shipping) |
| Local Coin Shop | $3.00 – $5.00 | Low (Immediate cash) |
| Coin Show | $6.00 – $10.00 | Medium (Negotiation required) |
Collector Demand and Future Outlook
Is the 2013-S Woodrow Wilson Dollar a good investment? Generally, modern Presidential Dollars are considered “low-entry” collectibles. They are great for children or beginning collectors because they are affordable and educational. Because the mintage for the 2013 individual presidents was much lower than the 2007 issues (like George Washington), they have a better chance of appreciating over several decades.
However, because these coins were never circulated, thousands of them exist in “Gem” condition. This keeps the price ceiling relatively low compared to 19th-century silver dollars. The best way to maximize your profit is to find a buyer who is looking to complete a full 2013 set or a full Presidential series.
If you are holding onto these coins, ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place. Using archival-quality holders is essential to prevent the “milk spots” that often plague modern mint products. Keeping an eye on auction results via CoinKnow can help you decide when it is the optimal time to sell your collection.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-S Woodrow Wilson Dollar made of gold?
A: No, despite its golden color, it contains zero gold. It is composed of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This “manganese brass” alloy gives it the distinct look but only keeps it at a base metal value.
Q: Why can’t I find this coin in my pocket change?
A: In late 2011, the Treasury Department suspended the production of Presidential Dollars for circulation. From 2012 onwards, including the 2013 Woodrow Wilson issue, the coins were produced only for collectors and sold directly by the U.S. Mint at a premium.
Q: What is the most valuable 2013-S W. Wilson Dollar ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens in perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo condition have sold at major auctions for prices between $80 and $150, depending on the grading service and the timing of the sale. Most “raw” or ungraded examples remain in the $5 to $10 range.
Q: How do I know if my coin is a “Proof”?
A: A proof coin will have a very shiny, mirror-like surface on the flat parts (fields) and a frosted, matte appearance on the raised parts (Lincoln’s portrait and the Statue of Liberty). It will also bear the “S” mint mark on the edge of the coin.
