George Washington One Dollar Coin: Your Top Questions Answered

For most people, dollar coins are unusual finds in their pocket change. They might appear in casino machines, or tucked away in a drawer. Yet for coin lovers, the George Washington one dollar coin has become one of the most talked-about modern U.S. coins. 

First struck in 2007 under the ambitious Presidential  Coin Program, this piece carried both historical importance and a host of varieties that turned an everyday coin into a collectible star. Thus, the coin attracts collectors with its features and raises certain questions. So, today, we are going to consider and answer several frequently asked questions to give you an idea about this dollar.

1. What Is the George Washington One Dollar Coin?

The coin was issued in 2007 as the first issue in the Presidential $1 Coin Program. Its release immediately caught public attention because of both the subject — George Washington, the nation’s first president — and its unusual features.

Basic specifications:

• Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel. Despite its golden color, it contains no gold.

• Weight: 8.1 grams.

• Diameter: 26.5 millimeters.

• Design: The obverse (front) of the coin showsGeorge Washington’s portrait, sculpted by Joseph Menna, while the reverse (back) of the dollar coin demonstrates The Statue of Liberty by Don Everhart, a symbolic nod to freedom.

• Edge: Lettered with inscriptions including IN GOD WE TRUST, E PLURIBUS UNUM, the year, and the mint mark.

It was the first circulating coin in decades to feature edge lettering, a detail more common in world coinage than in modern U.S. issues.

2. Why Was the Coin Part of the Presidential $1 Program?

The Presidential Coin Program was created by Congress to honor U.S. presidents in the order they served. Washington, of course, led the series and the idea was built on the success of the State Quarters program, which had introduced millions of people to coin collecting.

The series aimed to:

• Promote education about U.S. history.

• Reinvigorate the use of dollar coins.

• Create a collectible product with wide appeal.

The Washington dollar was significant not just as the first in the series but as well as a test case. If it caught public interest, the rest of the program (running through 2016) would benefit. And it did: media coverage spiked, largely because of error coins that made headlines.

3. Are There Different Types or Finishes of the Coin?

Yes, not all Washington dollars are the same. The U.S. Mint produced them for different audiences: circulation, collectors, and special sets.

Types and finishes explained:

The different finishes don’t greatly change the coin’s rarity, but they appeal to different kinds of collectors. Proof and Satin coins usually stayed out of circulation, which is why they remain in better condition today.

4. What Is the Famous “Godless Dollar” Error?

When the Washington dollar rolled out in 2007, one batch skipped the step where edge lettering was added. That meant the coin showed Washington and the Statue of Liberty but lacked IN GOD WE TRUST, E PLURIBUS UNUM, the date, and mint mark.

The press quickly dubbed it the “Godless Dollar”. For a nation used to seeing religious mottos on coins, the omission created a cultural storm. News stations ran with the story, collectors lined up at banks, and prices increased greatly.

• During the hype of 2007, examples sold for $600–$1,000.

• Today, values are calmer: certified coins often bring $100–$250, depending on grade.

The Godless Dollar became more than just an error coin, it turned into a cultural phenomenon, confirming the Washington dollar’s place in modern numismatics.

5. What Other Errors or Varieties Exist?

Beyond the Godless Dollar, several other varieties keep collectors hunting. Please refer to the table below to see them, where each coin demonstrates the challenges the Mint faced when introducing edge lettering in 2007.

Well, for collectors, these varieties offer a way to build a “mini-set” of Washington dollars showing the quirks of production.

6. How Much Is a George Washington One Dollar Coin Worth Today?

Most of these coins are common and worth just face value in circulation. But some stand out because of conditions or errors.

Value breakdown:

The chart shows the value chart clearly: from everyday dollars to highly sought-after errors, the difference depends greatly on rarity and preservation.

7. Why Don’t People See Them in Circulation Often?

Although hundreds of millions were minted, dollar coins never gained traction in daily commerce. Reasons include:

• Americans prefer dollar bills, which are lighter to carry in wallets.

• Vending machines and businesses often weren’t updated to accept dollar coins.

• Many coins went directly into collector rolls and sets instead of circulation.

The irony: scarcity in pocket change doesn’t equal scarcity in the market. Plenty of Washington dollars still sit in vaults, coin rolls, and Mint sets.

8. Can I Identify a Rare Variety Myself?

You can, but it isn’t always simple, as you know that the differences in edge lettering, doubling, or weak impressions can be unclear and only noticeable under magnification or when compared side by side with a regular coin. 

This is where technology helps. Apps like Coin ID Scanner allow you to snap a photo and get instant feedback on the coin’s type, possible rarity, and an approximate value range. For example, for  collectors looking through rolls or browsing coin shows, this kind of quick identification is a game changer: it saves time, helps you avoid overpaying, and can highlight coins that deserve a second look.

Of course, nothing replaces professional grading when it comes to setting a certified market value, but using tech tools alongside your own observations gives you the best of both worlds: speed, accuracy, and peace of mind.

9. Do These Coins Have Investment Potential?

The answer is mixed, so here we need to consider the both positive and negative sides.

Pros:

• Error varieties like the Godless Dollar and doubled edge lettering remain in steady demand.

• Certified top-grade coins may appreciate, especially as the Presidential series ages.

Cons:

• Regular Washington dollars are too common to gain much premium.

• Market hype, like in 2007, often cools down quickly.

Taking all the above, we can see that for most collectors, this coin is best seen as a fun addition rather than a serious investment tool.

Why This Coin Still Matters

The George Washington one dollar coin isn’t just another modern issue that came and went. And while for most people, these coins are still just worth a dollar, for collectors, the “Godless Dollar”, doubled lettering, and other quirks make it a piece worth paying attention to. Even common examples can be fun to spot in change or add to a set, while rare varieties continue to attract strong interest at auctions. 

The Washington dollar is proof that even modern coins can hold surprises. Sometimes the story behind a coin (along with the excitement of the hunt) can be even more valuable than the price tag.