The 2007 George Washington dollar coin was part of the Presidential Dollar series, a collection honoring former U.S. presidents.
While most of these coins are only worth one dollar, some minting errors have turned them into valuable collectibles. These mistakes make certain coins unique, and collectors are willing to pay big money for them.
Below are some of the most valuable 2007 George Washington dollar coin errors and how much they have sold for at auctions.
1. Missing Edge Lettering Error – $1,225
One of the most famous errors in the 2007 George Washington dollar coin is the missing edge lettering mistake. Normally, these coins should have inscriptions along the edge, including the date, mintmark, and “E Pluribus Unum”. However, some skipped this process, leaving the edge smooth.
A 2007-P George Washington dollar with missing edge lettering, graded MS65, sold for $1,225 at a Heritage Auctions sale in 2020.
Why It’s Valuable:
- A well-known and highly collectible error.
- A missing mintmark makes it more desirable.
- Higher-grade examples fetch the most money.
2. Inverted Doubled Edge Lettering Error – $1,205
This error happens when the edge lettering is applied twice, with one impression upside down. This mistake occurs if a coin is sent back to the minting press incorrectly.
A 2007-P MS65 dollar coin with inverted doubled edge lettering sold for $1,205 at auction.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Double-struck lettering is rare.
- An upside-down impression makes it unique.
- Popular among error coin collectors.
3. Die Clash Error – $830
A die clash error occurs when the coin dies (the metal stamps used to create the coin’s design) collide without a planchet (blank coin) between them. This leaves faint outlines of the design on both sides of the coin.
A 2007-P George Washington dollar, graded MS64 with a die clash error, sold for $830 in 2021.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Shows an interesting minting mistake.
- Adds character to the coin’s appearance.
- Collectors seek out unusual errors.
4. Die Chip Error – $540
A die chip error happens when small pieces of the die break off, leaving raised marks or blobs on the coin’s surface. These imperfections are sometimes mistaken for damage but are actually minting flaws.
A 2007-D MS63 dollar with die chip errors on both the obverse (front) and reverse (back) sold for $540 in 2020.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Adds unique raised marks to the coin.
- Some collectors specifically hunt for die chip errors.
- Certain die chip locations can increase value.
5. Annealing Error – $915
An annealing error occurs when a coin is heated or cooled unevenly during the minting process, leading to unusual colors like black, orange, or purple.
A 2007-P MS65 George Washington dollar with an annealing error fetched $915 in 2022.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Creates an eye-catching and unique appearance.
- Shows an uncommon minting issue.
- High-grade specimens sell for more.
6. Off-Center Strike Error – $730
An off-center strike happens when the planchet (blank coin) isn’t properly aligned with the die, resulting in a misaligned design. The value depends on how off-center the strike is—coins with 25% or more missing design are usually worth more.
A 2007-D MS63 dollar struck 25% off-center sold for $730 on eBay in 2023.
Why It’s Valuable:
- The further off-center, the higher the value.
- Completely missing details make it even rarer.
- Popular among error coin collectors.
7. Struck-Through Error – $1,030
A struck-through error occurs when a foreign object (like grease, dust, or debris) interferes with the minting process, leaving impressions or gaps on the coin’s surface.
A 2007-D MS64 dollar with a struck-through error sold for $1,030 in 2022.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Creates a unique pattern on the coin.
- Some struck-through errors cause missing details.
- Collectors love one-of-a-kind mistakes.
8. Double-Struck Error – $945
A double-struck coin happens when the coin is struck twice, leaving overlapping designs. Some double-struck coins rotate slightly before the second strike, making the error more dramatic.
A 2007-D MS64 double-struck George Washington dollar sold for $945 on eBay in 2023.
Why It’s Valuable:
- More dramatic double strikes increase the value.
- Unique and noticeable minting error.
- A favorite among error coin collectors.
Why Are These Errors Valuable?
Several factors influence the value of error coins:
- Rarity: Minting errors are uncommon, making them highly collectible.
- Condition: Higher-graded coins (MS63 and above) sell for premium prices.
- Uniqueness: Each error type adds a distinct story to the coin.
The 2007 George Washington dollar is a great example of how mistakes can turn everyday coins into valuable collectibles. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, these error coins show the fascinating quirks of the U.S. Minting process.
If you have one of these coins, it might be worth getting it checked—you could be holding a hidden treasure!