How Much is a 2013-D William Howard Taft Dollar Worth?
The 2013-D W.H. Taft Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.05 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade uncirculated condition. If you have recently discovered one of these golden-colored coins in your change or a family collection, you may be wondering if you have hit a small jackpot.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Face Value) | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS65+) | $15.00 – $45.00 |
| Special Strike / Error | $50.00+ |
History of the 2013-D William Howard Taft Presidential Dollar
The 2013-D William Howard Taft dollar was released as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This specific coin honors the 27th President of the United States, who served from 1909 to 1913 and later became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. While many people think these “golden” coins are rare, they are actually composed of a copper core clad in manganese brass. If you are ever unsure about a coin’s identity, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between standard issues and rare varieties.
Interestingly, by 2013, the U.S. Mint had already stopped producing Presidential dollars for general circulation because of a massive oversupply in Federal Reserve vaults. This means that the 2013-D Taft dollar was only issued for collectors through government sets or rolls sold directly by the Mint. Because they weren’t put into pocket change by the bank, they are slightly harder to find than the early “George Washington” or “Thomas Jefferson” dollars. Whenever you encounter one, it is a good idea to check the CoinKnow app to see if its specific mintage figures are boosting its current market demand.
The Denver Mint (represented by the “D” mint mark) produced a relatively low number of these coins compared to the millions of dollars minted in 2007. For everyday Americans, finding a Taft dollar in a vending machine is rare, but usually, it means someone broke open a collector set to spend it. These coins feature the classic Statue of Liberty on the reverse, designed by Don Everhart, and the edge-incused lettering that denotes the year and mint mark.
How the 2013-D Taft Dollar Value is Determined
The value of a 2013-D W.H. Taft dollar is primarily driven by its “grade,” which is a professional assessment of its physical condition. Because these were never intended to circulate, most Taft dollars found today are at least in “About Uncirculated” condition. Collectors look for coins that lack scratches, bag marks, or dullness. When researching pricing, you can find detailed market data for similar modern dollars to see how slight differences in condition impact the final sale price.
If your coin looks perfect—meaning it has a sharp strike and a vibrant, “fresh-from-the-mint” luster—it might be worth sending to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. A coin graded as MS66 or MS67 can sell for significantly more than its $1 face value. For the average person, using CoinKnow to scan the coin is the fastest way to determine if the luster is original or if the coin has been cleaned, which actually lowers the value. Even though these coins are modern, the market for high-grade specimens is quite competitive among set builders.
The following table breaks down the current market prices based on standard numismatic grades:
| Numerical Grade | Designation | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| AU58 | About Uncirculated | $1.25 |
| MS63 | Uncirculated | $4.50 |
| MS65 | Gem Uncirculated | $12.00 |
| MS67 | Superb Gem | $45.00+ |
Identifying Rare Errors on the 2013-D Taft Dollar
Errors are where the real “big money” lies when it comes to modern Presidential dollars. Because the edge lettering (the date, “E Pluribus Unum,” and the mint mark) is applied in a separate step, many mistakes can occur. The most famous is the “Missing Edge Lettering” error, though this was much more common in 2007. For a 2013-D coin, you should check if the edge lettering is doubled or if any part of the text is missing.
Another common error to look for is the “mule” or improper die strike. While rare, these errors can turn a one-dollar coin into a three-figure prize. Identifying these requires a keen eye and often a magnifying loupe. You can check current value trends for 2013 dollar errors to see what specific mishaps have sold for recently at auction. If your coin has a strange shape or a partial design, do not spend it! It might be a “wrong planchet” error.
Before you get too excited, remember that many “flaws” are actually just post-mint damage. If a coin has been scratched by a machine or stepped on, it isn’t an error. CoinKnow provides a high-resolution database of known errors so you can compare your Taft dollar against verified mistakes. The error market is volatile, but a genuine 2013-D error coin is a prized addition to any modern collection.
Where to Find and Sell Your 2013 Taft Dollars
If you are looking to acquire the 2013-D Taft Dollar, your best bet is to look for “Uncirculated Rolls” or Mint Sets from 2013. Since these were not released to banks for general use, you won’t find them by “coin roll hunting” at your local bank like you would with pennies or quarters. Most collectors buy them from reputable online dealers or at local coin shows.
When it comes time to sell, you have several options. For a standard uncirculated Taft dollar worth $3-$5, eBay is often the best platform, though shipping costs might eat into your profit. If you suspect you have a high-grade MS67 or an error coin, taking it to a local coin shop or a professional auction house is the way to go. Dealers will usually pay about 50-70% of the retail value, as they need to make a profit.
| Selling Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant cash, expert advice | Lower payout percentage |
| Online Auctions (eBay) | Reach many collectors | Fees and shipping hassle |
| Coin Shows | Compete for best price | Requires travel |
The Minting Process and Mintage Figures
The Denver Mint produced exactly 3,360,000 Taft dollars in 2013. While 3 million sounds like a huge number, it is actually quite low in the world of U.S. coins. For comparison, the 2007 George Washington dollar had a mintage of over 160 million from the Denver Mint alone. This lower mintage is the reason why the 2013-D Taft dollar value remains higher than the face value for most specimens.
The coins are struck with a “Business Strike” finish, but even so, the quality control in Denver in 2013 was quite high. Most coins emerged with a “Satin” like appearance even if they weren’t official Satin Finish coins from a set. Understanding the mintage helps collectors realize why they won’t see these coins every day. When a coin has a low mintage, it typically has better “long-term hold” potential for investors.
Always keep your 2013-D Taft dollars in a PVC-free flip or a plastic capsule. The manganese-brass composition is highly susceptible to “spotting” or turning a dark, brownish-black color if touched by skin oils. A pristine, bright gold-colored coin will always fetch a premium over one that has begun to oxidize.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2013-D W.H. Taft dollar made of real gold?
A: No, despite its golden color, it contains no gold. It is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This mixture gives it the “golden” look.
Q: Why can’t I find the date on the front or back of the coin?
A: The date, mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are located on the edge of the coin. This was a design choice for the Presidential Dollar series to allow for larger portraits on the obverse.
Q: How do I know if my Taft dollar is from Denver (D) or Philadelphia (P)?
A: Look closely at the edge of the coin. You will see the year “2013” followed by either a “D” for Denver or a “P” for Philadelphia.
Q: Are there any silver versions of the Taft dollar?
A: No, the U.S. Mint did not produce silver versions of the Presidential dollars. However, they did produce “Proof” versions in San Francisco (S mint mark) which have a mirror-like finish and are sold in special sets.
Q: Can I spend this coin at a grocery store?
A: Yes, the 2013-D Taft dollar is legal tender and is worth exactly one dollar at any business. However, since its collector value is often $2 or more, it is better to sell it to a collector than to spend it.
