The 2007-D $1 George Washington Presidential Dollar is an important and rare coin in the world of numismatics. As part of the United States Mint’s Presidential Dollar Coin Program, this coin carries both historical significance and monetary value, particularly when it includes a mint error. Let’s explore the details behind this coin, why it is valuable, and its auction history.
Design and Composition of the 2007-D $1 George Washington Dollar
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The 2007-D George Washington Dollar was designed by Joseph Menna and Don Everhart, two renowned engravers at the U.S. Mint. The coin’s obverse features a portrait of George Washington, the first president of the United States, while the reverse showcases an eagle in flight with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
This dollar coin weighs 8.10 grams and is made from a mix of metals: 88.5% copper, 3.5% zinc, and 2% nickel. It was minted at the Denver Mint, as indicated by the ‘D’ mint mark. The Presidential Dollar series was introduced to honor each U.S. president, with Washington being the first to be featured.
The Significance of the George Washington Dollar
The 2007-D $1 George Washington is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it marks the launch of the Presidential Dollar Coin Program, which was designed to honor U.S. presidents in the order they served. Washington’s coin was the inaugural release of this series, making it a key piece in the collection of numismatists and coin enthusiasts alike.
Additionally, the coin has historical value because it represents an important part of U.S. currency history, designed to encourage the public to embrace dollar coins. While dollar coins were not widely circulated in everyday transactions, the Presidential Dollar series sparked renewed interest in these coins.
Auction Price and Mint Error
What makes this coin even more noteworthy is the presence of a mint error. Coins with mint errors, such as misstrikes or design flaws, often attract the attention of collectors and can fetch higher prices. The 2007-D George Washington Dollar, with its error, was sold on eBay for a remarkable $1,575. Although this auction occurred several years ago, the coin’s high sale price underscores its rarity and desirability among collectors.
Given the increasing cost of living and inflation in recent years, it’s possible that the value of this coin could rise even further if it were auctioned again today. The combination of being a first-year coin in the Presidential Dollar series, along with its mint error, makes it a highly coveted item.
Why the 2007-D George Washington Dollar is Important
The 2007-D $1 George Washington coin is historically important because it was the first coin minted for the Presidential Dollar Coin Program. This program aimed to honor the legacy of U.S. presidents through a series of dollar coins, each featuring a portrait of a different president. Washington’s coin, as the first in the series, set the tone for the rest of the program.
Beyond its role in the Presidential Dollar series, the mint error that occurred on this particular coin makes it an even more valuable specimen. Coins with minting mistakes are often considered rare, and as collectors continue to seek out such items, their value tends to increase over time.
The Future of the 2007-D George Washington Dollar Coin
As collectors continue to value the 2007-D George Washington Dollar, its price may see further increases due to factors like inflation and the growing interest in Presidential Dollar coins. If another auction were to take place, there is potential for the coin to fetch a higher price, especially if demand continues to rise.
Conclusion
The 2007-D $1 George Washington Presidential Dollar is a unique and valuable coin, not only because of its place in U.S. currency history but also due to the mint error it carries. As part of the first Presidential Dollar release, it is an important collectible that continues to gain value, especially when in error-strike condition. For collectors, this coin is a prime example of how attention to detail and the rarity of certain minting flaws can elevate the worth of a piece of currency. Whether for its historical significance or its future potential as a rare find, the 2007-D George Washington Dollar remains an important part of numismatic collections.
