The 2011 S James Garfield Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in standard proof condition to over $50 in top-tier deep cameo grades. If you have recently found one of these golden-colored coins in a collection or a mint set, you are likely holding a proof specimen specifically struck for collectors rather than daily spending.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Proof)	$4.00 – $6.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$12.00 – $18.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$45.00 – $85.00

Understanding the 2011 S James Garfield Dollar Coin

The 2011 James Garfield Dollar was released as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which honored each U.S. President in the order they served. Because you are holding a coin with the “S” mint mark, it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” or “D” versions you might see in circulation, the “S” version was only issued in official United States Mint proof sets.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a proof or a standard business strike, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes. Proof coins are recognizable by their mirror-like backgrounds and frosted details.

Most people discover these coins when going through inherited collections or buying unsealed mint sets. Because James Garfield was the 20th President and served a very short term, these coins are popular with history buffs. However, from a financial perspective, their value is dictated by their “Deep Cameo” contrast and the absence of any surface scratches. Using CoinKnow allows you to scan the surface details to ensure you aren’t overlooking a high-grade specimen.

Value and Market Trends for the Proof Garfield Dollar

When determining the 2011 S James Garfield Dollar value, the most important factor is the grade. Since these coins were never intended for circulation, they shouldn’t have the typical wear and tear of a quarter or a dime found in your pocket. Instead, collectors look for “hairlines” or tiny scratches that occur if the coin was handled without gloves.

The market for modern proof dollars is relatively stable. Most standard proof specimens sell for a small premium over their face value. However, coins that receive a perfect PR 70 grade from professional services like PCGS or NGC can fetch significantly more. You can track shifting 2011 James Garfield dollar price data through online auctions to see what buyers are currently paying for certified copies.

Mintage Year	Mint Mark	Total Mintage (Approx)
2011	S (San Francisco)	1,972,863
2011	P (Philadelphia)	37,100,000
2011	D (Denver)	37,100,000

Design Features and Edge Lettering

The James Garfield Dollar features a bold portrait of the 20th President on the obverse. One of the unique features of the Presidential $1 series is the edge lettering. If you look at the side of the coin, you will see the year of minting, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” On earlier 2007-2008 coins, the “In God We Trust” motto was also on the edge, but by 2011, it had been moved to the obverse (front) of the coin.

Identifying these small variations is key to understanding 2011 presidential dollar worth information and avoiding confusion with other similar-looking coins. The reverse of the coin depicts the Statue of Liberty, a design used across the entire Presidential series.

Because the edge lettering is applied in a separate step from the main strike, sometimes errors occur where the lettering is missing or doubled. While extremely rare on the 2011-S proofs, such errors can skyrocket the value of a coin into the hundreds of dollars. The CoinKnow app can be a great tool for comparing your coin’s edge to a standard specimen.

What Makes the James Garfield Dollar Rare?

In the world of coin collecting, “rarity” is a relative term. With a mintage of nearly 2 million pieces for the proof version, the 2011 S Garfield Dollar is not considered a rare coin in the traditional sense. However, it is much scarcer than the Philadelphia or Denver business strikes which were produced in tens of millions.

The rarity comes in the “Condition Census.” A “Condition Census” coin is one that is among the finest known to exist. For modern coins, this usually means a perfect grade of 70. When a coin is struck perfectly and preserved in a vacuum-sealed environment, it becomes a target for high-end collectors.

If you find a Garfield dollar that looks exceptionally shiny but does not have the “S” mint mark, it is likely a satin finish or a well-preserved circulation coin. These are generally worth only their face value of $1 unless they are in pristine, uncirculated condition.

Factor	Impact on Value
Mint Mark “S”	Higher (Proof Only)
Scratches/Wear	Decreases value to $1
Deep Cameo Contrast	Increases collector appeal

Tips for Selling Your 2011 Coin

If you have used CoinKnow to identify your coin and believe it has significant value, you should consider the best avenue for selling. For coins worth under $20, online marketplaces like eBay are often the best bet, though shipping costs can eat into your profit.

For coins that appear to be in perfect condition, you might consider having them professionally graded. However, keep in mind that the cost of grading (often $20-$40 per coin) might exceed the coin’s actual market value unless it hits that elusive PR 70 grade.

Always handle your 2011 S James Garfield Dollar by the edges. The oils from human skin can leave permanent fingerprints on the delicate mirror-like proof finish, which significantly reduces the price a collector is willing to pay. To get the best price, keep the coin in its original mint plastic or a protective archival-safe flip.

FAQ

Q: Is the 2011 S James Garfield Dollar made of real gold?

A: No, the coin is made of a manganese-brass alloy over a pure copper core. This gives it a golden color, but it contains no actual gold.

Q: Where is the mint mark located on this coin?

A: The mint mark “S” is located on the edge of the coin, along with the year and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”

Q: Can I spend a 2011 S Garfield Dollar at a store?

A: Yes, it is legal tender for one dollar. However, since it is a proof coin worth at least $4 to collectors, spending it for just $1 is not recommended.

Q: Why is my Garfield dollar missing the edge lettering?

A: If the edge is smooth, you have found a major mint error. These are rare and should be authenticated by a professional, as they can be quite valuable.

Q: How many James Garfield dollars were made in 2011?

A: Between the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, over 76 million James Garfield dollar coins were produced.