The 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in standard proof condition to over $50 in high-grade deep cameo finishes. While these golden-colored coins look like relics from the 19th century, they were actually minted recently as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program to honor our 17th president.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Deep Cameo)	$4.00 – $6.50
PR 69 (Deep Cameo)	$12.00 – $18.00
PR 70 (Perfect Grade)	$45.00 – $75.00

Identifying Your 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar Coin

If you have found a golden coin featuring a stern-looking man and the name “Andrew Johnson,” you are holding a piece of the Presidential $1 Coin series. Many people mistake these for gold, but they are actually composed of a copper core clad in manganese brass, which gives them that distinct yellow shine. Identifying the “S” mint mark is the first step in determining its rarity. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) versions meant for circulation, the “S” mark indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint.

The San Francisco Mint specifically produced “Proof” versions of this coin. Proof coins are not meant for your pocket change; they are specially struck using polished dies and planchets to create a mirror-like background and frosted details. If you’ve found one in a random jar of change, it might be an “impaired proof,” meaning it was spent by someone who didn’t realize its collector value. To get an instant identification of any coin you find, using a top coin identifier app can save you hours of manual research.

When you look at the 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar, the “S” mint mark, the year, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are actually inscribed on the edge of the coin. This was a unique design choice for the Presidential series. If the edge is worn down, it becomes much harder to verify the mint source. Professional collectors often use CoinKnow to track these edge-lettering details and ensure the coin is authentic rather than a common circulation strike.

Understanding the Value of San Francisco Proof Strikes

The value of a 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar is heavily dependent on its “cameo” effect. In the world of numismatics, a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) describes a coin where the portrait of Andrew Johnson stands out with a heavy frost against a highly reflective, watery background. Because these were sold in official sets by the U.S. Mint, most surviving examples are in excellent condition. However, a perfect PR 70 grade is what every collector hunts for.

For those curious about market trends, the 2011 Andrew Johnson dollar value information shows that prices remain stable because the mintage for the proof version was approximately 1,972,863. While nearly two million might sound like a lot, it is significantly lower than the tens of millions of coins struck in Philadelphia and Denver that same year.

Most everyday Americans will find these in a “PR 65” to “PR 69” condition. A PR 69 coin is virtually perfect to the naked eye but might have a microscopic flaw visible under a 10x magnifier. These generally sell for a modest premium over their face value. If you suspect your coin is truly flawless, it might be worth sending to a grading service like PCGS or NGC, but keep in mind that grading fees often exceed the coin’s value unless it hits that elusive Tier 70.

Mint Mark	Strike Type	Mintage	Avg. Value (PR69)
2011-P	Circulation	37,100,000	$1.50 – $3.00
2011-D	Circulation	35,560,000	$1.50 – $3.00
2011-S	Proof	1,972,863	$15.00

Why the 2011 Series is Special for Collectors

In late 2011, the Treasury Department made a significant announcement: the Presidential $1 Coin Program would no longer produce coins for general circulation. Because the public wasn’t using them and the Federal Reserve had massive stockpiles of unwanted dollar coins, production was cut. From 2012 onward, these coins were only made for collectors. The 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar falls right at the end of the “circulation” era, though the S-mint specifically was always a collector product.

This shift in production makes the 2011 coins slightly more interesting to those who study modern mintage figures. While the Andrew Johnson dollar isn’t as famous as a 1921 Morgan or a 1943 Steel Penny, it represents a specific moment in American fiscal history. For hobbyists using CoinKnow, tracking these “end of an era” coins is a popular way to build a collection that might appreciate in value over the next several decades.

When comparing this to other modern dollars, the 2011 dollar coin price data reveals that the Andrew Johnson Proof is actually one of the more attainable yet beautiful coins for a budget collector. Its sharp relief and the historical significance of Johnson—the first president to be impeached—make it a conversation starter.

Potential Errors and Varieties to Look For

Whenever you have a coin with edge lettering, there is the potential for “Error Coins.” While rare on the 2011-S Proofs, collectors always look for “Missing Edge Lettering” or “Double Edge Lettering.” In the proofing process, the edge lettering is applied using a specialized machine. If a coin skips this step, it becomes a “Plain Edge” variant, which can be worth hundreds of dollars.

Another thing to watch for is “Spotting” or “Milk Spots.” Because these coins contain manganese and copper, they are prone to oxidation and environmental damage if they aren’t kept in their original plastic lenses from the Mint. A 2011-S Johnson dollar with white milky spots on the surface will be worth significantly less than a clean, deep-amber colored specimen.

Before you assume your coin is just a standard dollar, take a close look at the portrait and the fields (the flat areas). If you see doubling in the words “In God We Trust” or in the lines of the Statue of Liberty on the reverse, you might have a “Doubled Die” error. These errors are highly sought after. Finding these small details is much easier when you utilize the high-resolution photo reference libraries found in CoinKnow.

Error Type	Rarity	Potential Value
Missing Edge Lettering	Very Rare	$100 – $300
Doubled Die Obverse	Rare	$25 – $50
Impaired Proof (Circulated)	Common	$1.00 – $1.50

How to Store and Protect Your Golden Dollar

If you discover your 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar is in PR 70 condition, protection is your top priority. The oils from your skin can cause “fingerprint toning,” which permanently stains the manganese-brass surface and ruins the coin’s “Cameo” contrast. Always handle the coin by its edges, or better yet, wear cotton gloves.

Most collectors prefer to keep these coins in PVC-free flips or hard plastic capsules. If the coin is already in its original 2011 United States Mint Proof Set, it is usually best to leave it there. Breaking it out of the original packaging can actually decrease the value unless the coin is clearly a perfect 70-grade candidate for professional encapsulation.

For those just starting out, keeping a digital inventory is key. Tools like CoinKnow allow you to photograph your collection, note the date of purchase, and track the current market value based on recent auction results. This ensures that if the 2011-S Johnson dollar spikes in value due to a sudden interest in Presidential memorabilia, you’ll be the first to know.

Conclusion: Is the 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar a Good Investment?

While the 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar won’t pay for a new car, it is a fantastic “entry-level” collectible. Its low cost of entry makes it perfect for children or new hobbyists who want to learn about the San Francisco Mint and the proofing process. In perfect condition, it holds its value well and serves as a beautiful example of modern American engraving.

Always remember that “condition is king.” A shiny dollar from the bank is likely just a P or D mint mark worth face value, but that “S” on the edge changes the story. By using the right tools and staying informed on market prices, you can turn a simple discovery in a coin jar into the start of a rewarding numismatic journey.

FAQ

Q: Is the 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar made of real gold?

A: No. Despite its golden appearance, it is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. There is zero gold content in this coin.

Q: Where is the mint mark on the Andrew Johnson dollar?

A: Unlike most US coins where the mint mark is on the face (obverse), the 2011 Presidential Dollars have the mint mark, year, and motto “E Pluribus Unum” engraved on the edge of the coin.

Q: How much is a circulated 2011 Andrew Johnson dollar worth?

A: If it was minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) and shows signs of wear from being used in stores, it is generally worth only its face value of $1.

Q: Can I find a 2011-S Andrew Johnson Dollar in my pocket change?

A: It is rare but possible. Proof coins (S mint) were only sold in sets to collectors, but sometimes they are broken out and spent by accident. These are called “impaired proofs” and are usually worth $1 to $2.