2013-P W.H. Taft Dollar Coin Value: Worth More Than A Buck?
The 2013-P William Howard Taft Dollar is worth anywhere from its $1 face value in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade mint state. Finding one in your pocket change is exciting, but determining its true market price requires looking closely at its condition and specific minting details.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Condition) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65) | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-67+) | $40.00 – $150.00+ |
History of the 2013-P William Howard Taft Dollar
The 2013-P William Howard Taft Presidential Dollar was released as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which began in 2007. This specific coin honors the 27th President of the United States, who served from 1909 to 1913. If you have recently found one and are curious about its origin, using a top coin identifier app can help you verify its authenticity and mint mark instantly.
By 2013, the United States Mint had stopped producing Presidential Dollars for general circulation due to a massive surplus in Federal Reserve vaults. This means that the 2013-P Taft dollar was primarily struck for collectors and sold in rolls, bags, and sets directly from the Mint. Because they weren’t released into the “wild” through banks, finding one in your spare change is actually quite rare today.
The “P” on this coin signifies it was minted in Philadelphia. For a modern coin, the 2013-P Taft Dollar has a relatively low mintage of approximately 4,760,000 coins. While that sounds like a lot, compare it to the 2007 Washington Dollar, which had over 176 million struck in Philadelphia alone. This scarcity is why many collectors turn to CoinKnow to track down these specific dates for their albums.
Identifying Features and Design of the 2013 Taft Coin
On the obverse (front) of the coin, you will see a detailed portrait of William Howard Taft. His name is inscribed at the top, and the dates of his presidency, 1909-1913, are at the bottom. The reverse features a striking image of the Statue of Liberty, designed by Don Everhart. This design is consistent across the entire Presidential series, making them easy to spot.
One of the most unique aspects of the 2013-P Taft Dollar is the edge lettering. Unlike traditional coins where the date and mint mark are on the face, these details are incused on the rim. You’ll find the year “2013,” the mint mark “P,” and the mottoes “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the side of the coin.
Identifying these features is the first step in assessing value. If you are struggling to read the edge or want to see how it compares to others, CoinKnow provides high-resolution images to guide you. When looking for the current market price for 2013 dollars, remember that the edge condition is just as important as the face.
Professional Grading and the Value Scale
For collectors, “Value” is all about the “Grade.” Coin grading ranges from 1 to 70. Most 2013-P Taft Dollars found in coin rolls will fall between MS-63 and MS-65 (Uncirculated). However, a coin that reaches the elusive MS-67 or MS-68 grade can be worth significantly more because very few survived without tiny scratches or “bag marks.”
A “MS” or Mint State coin means it has never been used in commerce. If your Taft dollar looks shiny and has no wear on Taft’s forehead or the Statue of Liberty’s robes, it might be a high-grade specimen. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are the industry standard for verifying these top-tier grades.
| Grade Designation | Physical Appearance | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS-63 | Lustrous but with several marks | $3 – $4 |
| MS-65 | Strong luster, very few marks | $12 – $18 |
| MS-67 | Nearly perfect to the naked eye | $45 – $60 |
Special Varieties and Error Coins to Look For
While the standard 2013-P Taft Dollar is common, error coins can fetch a premium. In the Presidential Dollar series, common errors include “missing edge lettering.” Since the edge inscriptions are applied in a separate step at the mint, some coins occasionally skip this process, resulting in a smooth/plain edge.
Another error to watch for is a “doubled die” error, though these are less documented for the Taft dollar specifically. If you notice doubling in the text or the lines of the portrait, you might have something special. Modern errors are often subtle, so using a magnifying glass or the CoinKnow digital zoom feature can be very helpful.
Collectors are also interested in “Position A” and “Position B” edge lettering. This refers to the orientation of the text on the rim relative to the portrait. While neither is usually more valuable than the other for the Taft dollar, it is a fun detail for serious hobbyists to document. Understanding the factors that influence dollar coin worth can help you spot these nuances.
Is the 2013-P Taft Dollar a Good Investment?
If you are looking at the 2013-P Taft Dollar as a long-term investment, the outlook depends on the quality. Because these were “Not Intended For Circulation” (NIFC), many people saved them. This means there is a large supply of high-grade coins, which usually keeps prices stable rather than causing them to skyrocket.
However, as the years go by, the “P” mint mark from Philadelphia and the “D” from Denver are becoming harder to find in pristine condition. For a casual collector, they are a great piece of American history. For a serious investor, only the highest-graded coins (MS-67 and above) are likely to see significant appreciation in value over the next decade.
The following table shows the price trends for the last few years for high-quality strikes:
| Year of Sale | Average Sale Price (MS-66) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $15.00 |
| 2021 | $19.50 |
| 2024 | $24.00 |
How to Store Your Taft Dollar Coins
If you find a 2013-P Taft Dollar that looks particularly shiny, don’t just toss it in a jar with other coins! These coins are made of a manganese-brass composition (giving them that golden color), and they are very prone to tarnishing and “fingerprint” oils. Touching the surface of the coin can leave permanent marks that lower its grade.
The best way to preserve the value of your coin is to place it in a cardboard 2×2 flip, a plastic coin capsule, or a dedicated coin album. Proper storage prevents the coin from scratching against others. A well-preserved coin will always command a higher price than one that has been handled roughly.
If you have a large collection of these presidential dollars, organizing them by date and mint mark is a rewarding hobby. Apps like CoinKnow can help you manage your digital inventory so you always know exactly what you have and what it’s worth on today’s market.
FAQ
Q: Why isn’t my Taft Dollar gold?
A: While they have a “golden” color, Presidential Dollars do not contain any actual gold. They are made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This mixture gives them their distinct look but keeps production costs low.
Q: Can I spend a 2013-P W.H. Taft Dollar at the store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth exactly one dollar. However, because they were not minted for general circulation, many cashiers might not recognize them. Furthermore, since they are often worth slightly more than $1 to collectors, it’s usually better to keep them or sell them to a coin shop.
Q: How do I know if my coin is from Philadelphia?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. You will see a small “P” inscribed there. If you see a “D,” it was minted in Denver. If you see an “S,” it is a Proof coin from San Francisco, which is usually held in a plastic protective case.
Q: Where can I sell my 2013 Taft dollar?
A: You can sell your coin at local coin shops, through online auction sites like eBay, or at coin shows. For high-value, professionally graded coins, specialized auction houses are the best route. For raw, uncirculated coins, online marketplaces are often the easiest way to find a buyer.
