2011 P Andrew Johnson Dollar Coin Value Guide and History
The 2011-P Andrew Johnson Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.05 in circulated condition to over $50 for high-grade uncirculated specimens. While most of these coins you find in your pocket change are only worth their face value, certain rare strikes and high-quality finishes can command a higher price from collectors.
Understanding the Backstory of the 2011 Andrew Johnson Presidential Dollar
Finding a gold-colored coin in your laundry or desk drawer is always an exciting moment. If you have found a 2011-P Andrew Johnson Dollar, you are holding a piece of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. Launched in 2007, this series was designed to honor every deceased U.S. President in the order they served. Andrew Johnson, the 17th President, took office following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. This specific coin was released in 2011, a year that marked a significant shift in how these coins were distributed.
Before you rush to the bank, it is helpful to use a top coin identifier app to confirm the exact variety you have. Interestingly, by 2011, the public demand for dollar coins had plummeted. The government had vaults full of unspent dollar coins, leading the Treasury Department to halt production for general circulation shortly after the Johnson dollar was minted. This makes the 2011 series slightly less common in the “wild” compared to earlier years like 2007 or 2008.
For regular Americans, this means the coin you found likely came from a collector set or was released into circulation by mistake. If you want to dive deeper into the specifics of your collection, using the CoinHix app can provide instant data on rarity and market trends. Most of these coins feature a distinctive golden hue, though they are actually made of a manganese-brass alloy over a pure copper core.
How to Identify the P Mint Mark and Edge Lettering
One of the most common questions people ask is, “Where is the date and mint mark?” Unlike the quarters or pennies you are used to, the Presidential Dollars use edge-incused lettering. If you hold the coin on its side, you will see the year (2011), the mint mark (P for Philadelphia), and the mottos “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust.” The “P” indicates the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced millions of these coins for collectors and limited circulation.
If your coin is missing the lettering on the edge, you might have hit the jackpot. “Missing Edge Lettering” is a known error in this series, though it is much rarer in the 2011 issues than in the 2007 Washington dollars. Collectors are always on the hunt for these “Godless Dollars” (so named because the motto is missing). Using CoinHix can help you verify if your edge lettering is a genuine error or simply the result of heavy wear and tear.
The design itself is quite striking. The obverse features a portrait of Andrew Johnson, while the reverse displays a powerful image of the Statue of Liberty. This design remained constant throughout the series, emphasizing the American values of liberty and opportunity. Checking the 2011-P presidential dollar auction records shows that while millions were made, only a fraction remain in perfect condition.
The Current Market Value of 2011-P Andrew Johnson Dollars
When determining value, condition is everything. In the world of coin collecting (numismatics), we use a scale from 1 to 70. Most coins found in change are “Circulated,” meaning they have scratches, dings, and have lost their original luster. These are generally worth $1. However, if your coin looks like it just came out of a fresh roll, it might be “Uncirculated” (MS60 or higher).
Professional collectors often look for coins that are “Gem Uncirculated” (MS65 and above). These coins have a brilliant shine and very few surface marks. You can find detailed 2011 dollar coin valuation charts online that break down prices by grade. Because the 2011 coins were produced in lower numbers for collectors, they sustain slightly higher interest than the 2007-2009 issues.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (F-VF) | $1.00 – $1.05 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS67+) | $25.00 – $60.00+ |
| Special Mint Set (SP69/70) | $15.00 – $40.00 |
Special Varieties and Errors to Look For
While the standard P-mint coin is common, there are variations that can increase the value significantly. For example, some coins were issued in “Position A” or “Position B” regarding the edge lettering orientation. Position A means the edge lettering is upside down when the President’s portrait is facing up, while Position B means it is right-side up. In the collector world, having both versions is often desired, though one is not necessarily rarer than the other for the 2011 Andrew Johnson dollar.
Another thing to look for is “Satin Finish” coins. These were included in official Uncirculated Coin Sets from the U.S. Mint and have a soft, matte appearance rather than a shiny, reflective one. These coins often grade higher and are more sought after by serious hobbyists. If you aren’t sure which finish your coin has, the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin against high-resolution photos of known varieties.
Errors like “Double Dies” (where the letters look doubled) or “Off-Center Strikes” (where the design is not centered on the coin) are extremely rare but highly valuable. If you find a 2011-P dollar that looks physically deformed or weirdly stamped, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin actually lowers its value. Instead, take a photo and consult a professional or a pricing guide.
Is It Worth Keeping Your 2011 Andrew Johnson Dollar?
For most people, a coin found in pocket change is a fun curiosity but not a retirement fund. If your coin is heavily scratched or dull, it is likely only worth its face value of $1. However, if you enjoy history or want to start a collection, these coins are a fantastic “entry point.” They are affordable, beautiful, and tell the story of the American Presidency.
If you happen to find a pristine, shiny coin that looks like it was never touched by human hands, it is worth putting it in a protective plastic flip or a coin folder. Over time, as fewer of these coins remain in top condition, their value may slowly increase. The 2011 series is particularly interesting because it represents the “end of an era” for the Presidential Dollar program’s wide-scale production.
Always remember that the market for coins fluctuates based on demand. What is worth $10 today might be worth $15 or $5 in five years. Keeping track of your finds with a digital tool like the CoinHix app ensures you always have the latest pricing information at your fingertips, whether you are at a garage sale or browsing your own spare change jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2011-P Andrew Johnson Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, despite its golden color, the coin contains no real gold. It is composed of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel.
Q: How many 2011-P Andrew Johnson Dollars were minted?
A: The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 32,480,000 Andrew Johnson dollar coins. While this sounds like a lot, it is much lower than the 300 million+ minted for George Washington in 2007.
Q: Where can I sell my Andrew Johnson dollar coin?
A: You can sell circulated coins at local coin shops, but they may only offer face value. For high-grade or error coins, consider online marketplaces like eBay or specialized numismatic auction houses.
Q: What does the “P” stand for on the edge of the coin?
A: The “P” represents the Philadelphia Mint. Coins minted in Denver will have a “D,” and those minted in San Francisco for collectors will have an “S.”
