The 2011-S Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Dollar coin is worth anywhere from $2 to $10 for most examples, but proof versions struck at the San Francisco Mint can fetch $15 to $30 or more depending on condition. If you found one of these coins and are wondering whether it’s a hidden treasure, keep reading — you might be pleasantly surprised.
What Is the 2011-S R.B. Hayes Dollar Coin?
The 2011-S Rutherford B. Hayes dollar is part of the Presidential Dollar series, which the U.S. Mint launched in 2007 to honor former presidents in the order they served. Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th president, and his coin was released in the third batch of 2011 Presidential Dollars alongside James Garfield, Andrew Johnson, and Chester Arthur.
The “S” mint mark on this coin tells you it was made at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike coins from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D), San Francisco-minted Presidential Dollars were produced specifically as collector-grade proof coins — not for everyday circulation. That means they were struck with polished dies onto specially prepared blanks, giving them a mirror-like finish that regular coins simply don’t have.
If you’re holding a shiny, sharp-edged dollar coin with an “S” on the edge, you likely have a proof coin — and that’s a good thing. You can also use a free coin identifier app to quickly confirm the mint mark and coin details right from your phone before diving deeper into the value research.
How Much Is the 2011-S Hayes Dollar Worth Today?
Value depends heavily on condition and whether the coin is a standard proof or an ultra cameo proof. Most 2011-S Hayes dollars in proof condition trade in the $5 to $15 range. Deep cameo proofs graded by PCGS or NGC at PR69 or PR70 can push past $20 to $30, and top-pop coins occasionally sell for more.
To get a clearer picture of current market prices, you can check out detailed coin value information for 2011 dollar coins that breaks down pricing across different grade levels and mint marks.
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Coin | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-S Hayes Dollar (Proof) | PR65 | $5 – $10 |
| 2011-S Hayes Dollar (Proof) | PR69 Deep Cameo | $15 – $25 |
| 2011-S Hayes Dollar (Proof) | PR70 Deep Cameo | $25 – $50+ |
| 2011-P or 2011-D Hayes Dollar | Circulated | Face value – $2 |
Key Facts About the 2011-S Proof Dollar Series
The San Francisco Mint produced the 2011-S Hayes dollar exclusively for proof sets and collector packaging. These coins were never released into general circulation, which is why finding a raw, loose example outside of original government packaging is somewhat unusual.
The mintage for the 2011-S Presidential Dollar proof coins is in the range of 1.6 million, which is modest compared to circulation strikes but still plentiful enough that most examples aren’t rare. That said, coins in perfect PR70 grades are genuinely hard to find, because even a tiny contact mark or blemish drops a coin out of that top tier.
The coin features a portrait of Hayes on the obverse designed by Don Everhart, while the reverse carries the Statue of Liberty design used across the Presidential Dollar series. Edge lettering includes the date, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum.” For comparison, if you’re also researching related 2011 dollar coins, you can browse market price data for 2011 Native American dollar coins struck in Philadelphia to see how values compare across the same year.
How to Tell If Your Coin Is Worth More
The first step is checking condition. Proof coins should have no scratches, fingerprints, or cloudiness. Even a light wipe with a cloth can reduce value significantly — so don’t clean your coin under any circumstances.
Next, look for the original government packaging. Coins in original sealed proof sets or mint boxes are worth slightly more than raw coins because the packaging confirms their origin and protects the surfaces.
If you’re serious about getting top dollar, consider submitting the coin to a third-party grader like PCGS or NGC. Graded coins in holders generally sell for more on eBay or at coin shows because buyers trust the grade.
For a fast, no-hassle first look at what you’ve got, try CoinHix — a coin identification and valuation app that can help you identify the coin, find its mint mark, and get a ballpark value in seconds. It’s a great tool whether you’re new to coins or just exploring what grandma’s old collection might be worth.
Is the 2011-S Hayes Dollar a Good Coin to Collect?
For most casual collectors, the 2011-S Hayes dollar is an affordable and attractive coin to own. You can typically pick one up for under $15, and it represents a real piece of U.S. Mint craftsmanship. The Presidential Dollar series as a whole is popular among thematic collectors, and completing the full set — including all the proof versions — is a satisfying and manageable goal.
If you’re thinking about building a collection or just want to track values over time, CoinHix makes it easy to monitor prices and set alerts when coin values shift in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2011-S R.B. Hayes dollar rare?
A: Not particularly. With around 1.6 million minted, it’s not a scarce coin. However, examples graded PR70 by major grading services are harder to find and command higher premiums from collectors.
Q: Can I spend the 2011-S Hayes dollar as regular money?
A: Technically yes — it’s legal tender worth $1. But spending it would be a mistake, since even a basic proof example is worth $5 to $10 to a collector, which is many times its face value.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2011-S Hayes dollar?
A: eBay is the most popular option for individual sales. Coin shows and local coin dealers are also good options. If your coin is professionally graded, you’ll likely get better prices from serious collectors online. You can also use CoinHix to track recent sale prices so you know what to expect before listing.
