The 2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in standard proof condition to over $50 in top-tier deep cameo specimens. If you have found one of these golden-colored coins in a collection or set, you are holding a piece of the Presidential $1 Coin Program specifically minted for collectors.

Coin Condition	Estimated Market Value
PR65 Proof (Standard)	$4.00 – $6.50
PR69 Deep Cameo	$12.00 – $18.00
PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$45.00 – $65.00

History of the 2013-S William Howard Taft Presidential Dollar

The William Howard Taft Presidential Dollar was released in 2013 as part of a series honoring the 27th President of the United States. By the time this coin was produced, the U.S. Mint had already ceased making Presidential Dollars for general circulation due to a massive surplus of coins sitting in Federal Reserve vaults. This means that if you find a 2013-S William Howard Taft coin, it was never intended to be spent at a grocery store or used in a vending machine.

To determine if your find is a rarity, many collectors turn to the top coin identifier app to verify the specific luster and strike of their 2013 issues. The “S” mint mark indicates that this coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) versions, the “S” version is almost exclusively found in Proof Sets. These sets were sold directly to collectors, making the “S” mint mark a bit more special for the average person who stumbles upon one.

Using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between the standard business strikes and these specialized San Francisco proofs. Because Taft served both as President and later as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, his coin holds a unique place in history, attracting interest from legal professionals and history buffs alike. Understanding the fair market value of 2013 Presidential coins is essential before you consider selling your specimen.

Identifying Features of the 2013-S Taft Dollar

When you look at the 2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar, the first thing you will notice is the sharp, frosted portrait of William Howard Taft on the obverse. Because these are “Proof” coins, they feature a mirror-like background with a contrasting matte finish on the raised designs. The reverse features a bold image of the Statue of Liberty, a design shared by all coins in this series.

Crucially, the date, mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are not on the face of the coin; they are incused on the edge. This “edge-lettering” is a hallmark of the series. If you are comparing this to other 2013 coins, keep in mind that the price data for 2013 dollar coins often depends on whether the edge lettering was applied correctly or if it is missing, which is a rare and valuable error.

Feature	Description
Composition	88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2% Nickel
Weight	8.10 grams
Edge Decoration	Lettered (Date, Mint Mark, E Pluribus Unum)

The Value of 2013-S Taft Proof Coins

The 2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar Value is largely determined by its condition, or “grade.” Professional graders use a 70-point scale. Since these coins were issued in protective packaging, most remain in high grades like PR68 or PR69. A PR70 coin is considered “perfect” and is quite rare, fetching a significant premium.

If you have a coin that looks particularly shiny but has small scratches from being handled, it might only be worth its face value or a small premium of $2 to $3. However, if it has been kept in its original plastic lens from the U.S. Mint, the value remains stable. Most everyday Americans can check their coins against a database using CoinKnow to see if their specific San Francisco strike carries a “Deep Cameo” designation, which is highly sought after.

Grade (PCGS/NGC)	Recent Auction Price
PR67 DCAM	$7 – $10
PR69 DCAM	$15 – $22
PR70 DCAM	$50+

Common Errors and Varieties to Watch For

While errors on the 2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar are less common than on the earlier Philadelphia and Denver circulation strikes, they can occasionally occur. The most valuable errors involve the edge lettering. If you find a Taft Dollar with a smooth edge (missing the date and mint mark), you could be looking at a coin worth hundreds of dollars.

Another variety involves “double edges,” where the machine struck the edge lettering twice. Because the San Francisco Mint has higher quality control, these mistakes are exceptionally rare for the “S” mint mark. If you suspect your coin has a unique flaw, the CoinKnow app can serve as a great first step in identifying whether the anomaly is a recognized mint error or simply post-mint damage.

How to Care for Your 2013-S Taft Dollar

If you want to preserve the 2013-S W.H. Taft Dollar Value, you must handle the coin properly. Proof coins have delicate surfaces that are easily ruined by the oils in human skin. Always hold the coin by its edges, or better yet, wear cotton gloves.

Cleaning a coin is the fastest way to destroy its collector value. A cleaned coin will have microscopic hairlines that professional graders will immediately spot, automatically lowering the grade and the price. Keep your Taft dollar in a PVC-free coin flip or its original Mint packaging to ensure the golden color doesn’t tarnish or turn “milky” over time.

Storage Method	Pros/Cons
Original Mint Lens	Best Protection; bulky to store
Cardboard 2×2 Flip	Inexpensive; allows for labeling
Plastic Capsule	Excellent visibility; airtight

Final Thoughts on the Taft Presidential Dollar

The 2013-S William Howard Taft Dollar is a beautiful example of modern American coinage. While it isn’t rare enough to fund a retirement, it is a significant collectible that represents a specific era of the U.S. Mint’s history. Whether you found it in an old drawer or inherited a full set of Presidential Dollars, knowing how to identify and value it is the first step toward becoming a savvy collector.

Keep an eye on market trends, as the interest in these modern dollars continues to grow among younger collectors who appreciate the historical significance of the American Presidency.

FAQ

Q: Is the 2013-S Taft Dollar made of real gold?

A: No, the coin is made of a “manganese-brass” alloy. It contains no gold. The golden color comes from the specific mixture of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel.

Q: Can I find a 2013-S Taft Dollar in my change?

A: It is highly unlikely. Since these were not produced for circulation and were only sold to collectors in sets, the only way one enters circulation is if a collector spends it by mistake.

Q: What is the most expensive Taft Dollar ever sold?

A: While standard proofs sell for a few dollars, a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimen can sell for over $60 at major auctions. If an error like missing edge lettering were found on an “S” mint mark, it could potentially reach higher prices.

Q: How do I know if my coin has the “S” mint mark?

A: Hold the coin on its side. Look at the edge lettering between the year “2013” and the motto. You will see a small “S” indicating it was minted in San Francisco.