James Madison Dollar Coin Value: 2007 Edge Lettering, P/D and Proofs

In this article

Quick answer

An ordinary circulated 2007 James Madison Presidential dollar has a $1 face-value baseline and contains no gold. Its golden color comes from the outer alloy. The date and P or D mint mark are on the edge rather than the portrait face.

The PCGS retail guide checked October 23, 2026 lists the ordinary Philadelphia Position A regular-strike entry at $6 in MS63, $10 in MS65 and $15 in MS66. Other edge orientations, Denver, Satin Finish and S Proof entries need matching comparisons.

Coin photos

2007 James Madison dollar obverse: fourth president, with service dates 1809–1817.

Same Presidential dollar reverse: Statue of Liberty; face photos do not show the edge lettering.

Basics & coin story

James Madison was the fourth president, serving from 1809 through 1817. His coin was the fourth Presidential dollar released in 2007, after Washington, John Adams and Jefferson. The portrait inscriptions identify the presidency; those service years are not the coin’s issue date.

The reverse shows the Statue of Liberty design shared by the program. Moving inscriptions to the edge made room on the faces while creating a new identification task for collectors: the date, mint and wording must be read around the rim.

The ordinary Philadelphia mintage recorded by PCGS is 84,560,000 for the mint’s issue as a whole, not a count restricted to Position A. Position A and Position B describe normal edge-lettering orientation. A production count, an edge orientation and a marketing label such as First Day of Issue answer different questions.

Identification at a glance
Feature	What to check
Issue / denomination	2007 James Madison Presidential dollar / $1
President	Fourth president, 1809–1817
Standard construction	Golden-colored manganese-brass outer alloy over a copper core
Gold content	None
Nominal weight / diameter	8.10 g / 26.5 mm
Edge	Lettered: issue date, mint mark and inscriptions
Regular mints	P: Philadelphia; D: Denver, on the edge
Collector versions	S Proof; separate Satin Finish mint-set entries

Identification

Read the edge before declaring the date missing

On a normal 2007 coin, inspect the full edge for 2007, the mint letter, IN GOD WE TRUST and E PLURIBUS UNUM. A face photograph without a date does not prove a missing-date or missing-motto error. Rotate the coin carefully without rubbing the surfaces.

Position A and B are normal orientations

Edge lettering can face in either direction relative to the portrait. These are cataloged orientation categories, not evidence that one coin was accidentally made upside down. Record the orientation when using an entry-specific grade reference.

Separate ordinary, Satin Finish and Proof

Collector mint sets used a separate Satin Finish comparison, while S Proofs have their own manufacture and grading context. A bright regular coin is not automatically either. A First Day label is also not a different metal composition.

Condition & value

Amounts are in U.S. dollars. PCGS retail-guide examples were checked October 23, 2026 and apply only to the stated issue, grade and designation. They are not guaranteed purchase offers; current market conditions and selling costs can change the amount received.

Value comparisons: match the issue before using a price
Issue	Grade / condition	Value or reference	Basis	Important condition
Ordinary circulated regular strike	Worn	$1 face-value baseline	Denomination	Golden color is not gold
2007-P Position A, regular	MS63	$6	PCGS retail guide	Exact entry, not First Day label
2007-P Position A, regular	MS65	$10	PCGS retail guide	Problem-free uncirculated
2007-P Position A, regular	MS66	$15	PCGS retail guide	Correct grade and orientation
D / Position B / Satin / S Proof / error	Exact issue and grade	Compare separately	Different entries	Full edge must be examined

The ordinary issue’s modest guide figures do not establish a premium for an alleged missing-edge coin. That claim needs examination of the entire edge, excluding wear, damage or an incomplete photograph. The paired face photographs here illustrate the design and do not authenticate an edge error.

Inspect Madison’s portrait, the open fields and the Statue of Liberty for wear and handling marks. Mint State refers to lack of circulation wear, not an absence of every contact mark. Match the exact entry and actual grade when comparing completed sales.

For low-value individual coins, shipping and certification may exceed the likely premium. Do not use a multi-coin set price as the value of one dollar. The Martin Van Buren dollar guide offers a related Presidential-series comparison while retaining separate dates and prices.

Summary

Read the edge, confirm 2007 and the mint, and treat normal orientation separately from an error. Madison’s presidency dates and the golden color do not establish issue date, gold content or rarity.

FAQ

Is the James Madison dollar made of gold?

No. The standard coin has a golden-colored outer alloy but contains no gold.

Where is the date on a James Madison dollar?

The 2007 issue date and mint mark are on the edge. The 1809–1817 dates on the face describe Madison’s presidency.

Is upside-down edge lettering an error?

Normal edge-lettering orientations are cataloged as Position A and Position B. Orientation alone does not establish a mint error.

Does no date on the face mean missing-edge lettering?

No. Examine the entire edge, where the normal date and inscriptions were placed, before considering a missing-edge claim.

References

References and further reading

Sources and quoted guide evidence checked October 23, 2026. Guide estimates, historical sales, face value and metal-content calculations are identified separately.