The 2011-S R.B. Hayes Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in circulated proof condition to over $50 in high-grade deep cameo samples. Most people who find this coin in a drawer or safe deposit box are surprised to learn it was never actually intended for daily spending in grocery stores.
The History and Rarity of the 2011-S Rutherford B. Hayes Dollar
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Dollar was released in 2011 as part of the ongoing series honoring United States Presidents. While billions of quarters and pennies circulate through our pockets every day, the $1 coins from this specific era are a bit different. By 2011, the government realized that millions of dollar coins were sitting unused in bank vaults.
Consequently, the 2011 series became “NIFC” (Not Intended For Circulation). This means if you found one, it likely came from a special set sold by the Mint or was broken out of a collection. To find out exactly which version you have, you can use a top coin identifier app to scan the details.
The “S” mint mark on this coin indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. These are “Proof” coins, specially polished to have a mirror-like finish. Because they were made for collectors, finding one in your pocket change is rare, but they do occasionally get spent by mistake. If you’re unsure about the grade, the CoinHix app can help you distinguish between a common proof and a premium investment piece.
Understanding the S Mint Mark and Proof Finish
When looking at your 19th President’s coin, look closely at the date and mint mark. Unlike older coins where the mark is on the face, the 2011 Presidential Dollars have edge-incused lettering. You will find the year “2011,” the mint mark “S,” and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” engraved along the thin edge of the coin.
A proof coin is struck using special dies and planchets, resulting in a frosty portrait of Hayes against a shiny, dark background. This “Deep Cameo” effect is what collectors crave. If your 2011-S coin looks dull or scratched, it has likely been “circulated,” which lowers its value significantly.
For those curious about how this compares to other coins from the same era, you can check the current market value for 2011 dollar coins to see the price difference between the Hayes Dollar and the Native American series. Collectors often use tools like CoinHix to track these fluctuating prices in real-time.
2011-S Rutherford B. Hayes Dollar Value Chart
The value of your 2011-S coin depends almost entirely on its “Grade.” A grade is a score from 1 to 70 that describes how perfect the coin is. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC can make a $5 coin worth $100, though the cost of grading often exceeds the coin’s value unless it is flawless.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Impaired Proof | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| PR 65 (Typical Proof) | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $45.00 – $75.00 |
As shown in the table, the jump from PR 69 to PR 70 is significant. A PR 70 coin is essentially perfect under magnification. If you think your coin has a chance at a perfect score, it is worth researching further using a detailed 2011 dollar price guide to ensure you aren’t missing out on a hidden gem.
Key Features and Errors to Look For
Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th President, and his coin features a dignified portrait on the obverse. The reverse features a striking image of the Statue of Liberty. Because these were produced with high quality control at the San Francisco Mint, major errors are quite rare.
However, collectors always keep an eye out for edge-lettering errors. Sometimes the machines would skip the edge lettering process entirely, resulting in a “plain edge” coin. While this was more common in the 2007 Washington dollars, any 2011-S Hayes dollar missing its edge lettering would be worth a significant premium—potentially hundreds of dollars.
If you notice anything unusual, such as a double image or a missing letter on the edge, do not clean the coin! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value. Instead, use the CoinHix app to compare your coin to known error varieties to see if you have discovered something unique.
Is the 2011-S Hayes Dollar a Good Investment?
In the world of coin collecting, “Proof” coins like the 2011-S Hayes Dollar are generally stable in value. They don’t typically experience huge price spikes like gold or silver bullion because they are made of a manganese-brass composition (copper core), not precious metals.
However, because the 2011 Presidential Dollars were produced in lower quantities than the 2007-2010 versions, they have a natural scarcity. For the average American who finds one, it serves as a wonderful “gateway coin” into the hobby. It is attractive, historical, and worth more than its face value.
While you won’t retire on the profit from a single Hayes Dollar, building a complete set of PR 70 Presidential Dollars is a popular goal for many hobbyists. Whether you keep it in a protective flip or sell it on a collector marketplace, the 2011-S remains a staple of modern American numismatics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I spend my 2011-S Hayes Dollar at the store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender worth $1. However, since the coin is worth at least $3 to $5 to a collector, spending it at face value would be losing money.
Q: How do I know if my coin is a Proof (S Mint)?
A: Look for a mirror-like finish and the letter “S” on the edge of the coin. Proofs have much higher detail and a shinier surface than standard “P” or “D” mint coins from Philadelphia or Denver.
Q: Why isn’t my 2011 Hayes Dollar made of gold?
A: Despite their golden color, these coins do not contain any actual gold. They are made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel.
Q: What is the most expensive 2011-S Hayes Dollar ever sold?
A: Perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo specimens have sold at auction for over $100 in the past, though current market prices for the 2011-S R.B. Hayes Dollar usually hover between $40 and $60 for top-tier grades.
