In 2007, the United States Mint launched the Presidential $1 Coin Program, beginning with the first U.S. president—George Washington. Millions of these golden-colored coins were made, and at first glance, they all seemed perfectly normal. But soon, collectors began noticing a surprising mistake: some of the coins were missing the edge lettering, a detail that was supposed to be a major feature of the new series. This minting error turned what was meant to be a common coin into a rare and valuable collector’s item. Known as the “Godless Dollars”, these coins have sparked excitement among coin hunters and quickly gained value in the collector’s market.
Coin Name: 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar – Missing Edge Lettering Error
The 2007 George Washington dollar coin was the very first release in the U.S. Mint’s Presidential Dollar series. One unique feature of these coins was the edge lettering, which included the year, mint mark, “E Pluribus Unum,” and “In God We Trust” inscribed on the rim rather than on the face of the coin. However, during the minting process at the Philadelphia Mint, some coins skipped the final step where the edge lettering was applied. As a result, these coins were released into circulation without any writing on the edge—a striking and unusual error for a modern coin.
Because “In God We Trust” was missing from the edge, the coin was nicknamed the “Godless Dollar” by collectors and the media. While this was a simple mechanical mistake, it created a valuable variation that caught the attention of coin enthusiasts across the country. It’s estimated that 50,000 to 100,000 of these error coins were released before the mistake was noticed and fixed, which makes them rare but still discoverable in the collector world.
Why This Coin Is So Valuable
The value of the 2007 George Washington dollar without edge lettering comes down to three main factors:
- First in Series: It’s the very first coin in the Presidential Dollar series, making it especially important to collectors.
- Minting Error: Coins missing their edge inscriptions are rare, especially in modern times where quality control is tight.
- Public Interest: Media coverage and the “Godless Dollar” nickname made this coin widely known, increasing its demand.
Depending on the condition, these coins can sell for $100 to $500 or more, especially if certified by grading companies like PCGS or NGC. High-grade examples in mint condition can bring even higher prices at auction.
How to Identify the Missing Edge Lettering Coin
Finding a 2007 George Washington dollar without edge lettering is simple if you know where to look. Here’s how to check:
- Hold the coin sideways: Turn the coin so you can see the thin edge.
- Check for lettering: A normal coin should have the year, mint mark, and two phrases—“In God We Trust” and “E Pluribus Unum”—etched into the edge.
- Smooth edge? If the edge is completely smooth with no writing, you may have the valuable error coin.
- Mint Mark: Most of these error coins came from the Philadelphia Mint, so look for the “P” mint mark on the coin’s face.
If you believe you’ve found one, don’t clean or damage it. Get it professionally graded to confirm authenticity and value.
Table: Quick Facts – 2007 George Washington Dollar Error
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 2007 George Washington Dollar |
| Mint | Philadelphia (P) |
| Error Type | Missing Edge Lettering |
| Nickname | “Godless Dollar” |
| Edge Design (Normal) | “In God We Trust,” “E Pluribus Unum,” Year |
| Known Quantity | Estimated 50,000–100,000 |
| Current Value | $100–$500+ (depending on condition) |
The 2007 George Washington dollar with missing edge lettering is one of the most exciting U.S. coin errors in recent years. As the first coin in a major Presidential Dollar series, and with its high-profile nickname—the “Godless Dollar”—it has become a must-have for collectors. While many error coins are hard to spot, this one stands out clearly once you know what to look for. If you have a few dollar coins lying around, especially from 2007, check the edge—you might be holding a piece of modern coin history that’s worth much more than face value.
FAQ’s:
Q1. Why is it called the “Godless Dollar”?
A1. The name comes from the fact that the error coin is missing the phrase “In God We Trust,” which is normally found on the edge of the coin.
Q2. How much is the missing edge lettering coin worth?
A2. Depending on condition and grading, it can be worth anywhere between $100 and $500, with some rare, high-grade examples selling for more.
Q3. How many 2007 George Washington error coins exist?
A3. Experts estimate that between 50,000 and 100,000 were released into circulation before the mistake was discovered.
Q4. Can I still find one in circulation?
A4. It’s rare, but possible. Some collectors have found them in change or coin rolls, though most are now in private collections.
Q5. Should I get the coin graded?
A5. Yes, if you believe you have a missing edge lettering coin, getting it graded by PCGS or NGC can confirm its authenticity and increase its resale value.