The 2007 George Washington Dollar is part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which started in 2007. This program is celebrated by every U.S. president with a unique dollar coin. As the first coin in this series, the George Washington Dollar was highly expected by collectors and history enthusiasts. This article provides a complete look at the coin’s history, design, specifications, types, rarity, errors, value, and more.
History of 2007 George Washington Dollar
George Washington, the first President of the United States, played an important role in the country’s founding. Serving as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, he became the nation’s first president, serving two terms from 1789 to 1797. His legacy made him the right option to be the first president celebrated in the Presidential $1 Coin Program.
The George Washington Dollar was officially founded on February 15, 2007, with a ceremony at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. The United States Mint Director, Edmund Moy, attended the event, where George Washington impersonators welcomed the public to celebrate the release of the new coin.
Specifications
- Denomination: $1.00
- Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese and 2% nickel
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Weight: 8.1g
- Thickness: 2.0 mm
- Edge: Lettered with inscriptions
Design
Obverse:
The obverse of the 2007 George Washington Dollar features a portrait of George Washington, designed and sculpted by Joseph Menna. The inscriptions include “GEORGE WASHINGTON,” “1st PRESIDENT,” and “1789-1797,” which marks the years of his presidency.
Reverse:
The coin’s reverse showcases a rendition of the Statue of Liberty, which is used across all coins in the Presidential $1 Coin Program. The reverse was designed and sculpted by Don Everhart. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “$1.”
Edge:
The edge of the coin is inscribed with the date, mint mark, and the national mottoes “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Types
There are two main variations of the 2007 George Washington Dollar based on the orientation of the edge lettering:
- Position A: The edge lettering reads upside down when the president’s portrait is facing up.
- Position B: The edge lettering reads right-side up when the president’s portrait is facing up.
Neither position is particularly rare, but collectors often seek both types to complete their sets.
Rarity and Condition
The 2007 George Washington Dollar had the highest mintage in the Presidential $1 Coin Program, with over 300 million coins produced. Specifically, the Philadelphia Mint produced 176,680,000 coins, and the Denver Mint produced 163,680,000 coins. Additionally, the San Francisco Mint struck 3,965,989 proof coins.
Given the high mintage numbers, the coin is not considered rare in general circulation. However, coins in uncirculated condition, especially those with specific errors, can be more valuable.
Errors
One of the most famous errors associated with the 2007 George Washington Dollar is the “Godless Dollar” or Plain Edge error, where the edge lettering, including the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST,” is missing. This error occurred because the edge lettering was applied after the obverse and reverse were struck.
At its discovery, these error coins fetched up to $600, though their value has since decreased to around $50 due to the increased number of examples found.
Another notable aspect of the coin is the two edge lettering positions (Position A and Position B), though these are not considered errors but rather variations.
Value of 2007 George Washington Dollar
The value of the 2007 George Washington Dollar varies based on its condition and any errors:
- Godless Dollar (Plain Edge Error): Approximately $50 in typical uncirculated condition. High-grade examples, such as those in Mint State-68, can be worth $2,000 or more.
- 2007-D Position A Dollar: Scarce in higher grades, with Mint State-67 examples valued at over $300.
- 2007-S Proof George Washington Dollar: Generally common, valued at $3 to $5.
- Regular Issue from Philadelphia and Denver Mints: $1.50 to $2 in average Mint State grades. Worn examples are worth face value.
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Conclusion
The 2007 George Washington Dollar is a significant coin in U.S. numismatic history, not only as the first in the Presidential $1 Coin Program but also because of its unique errors and variations. While the coin is not rare, its historical value and the interest in error coins make it a fascinating addition to any collection. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, the George Washington Dollar offers a glimpse into the history and the complex world of coin collecting.