The 2010-D James Buchanan Presidential Dollar is worth between $1.25 and $5 for most circulated examples, but uncirculated mint state coins can fetch anywhere from $3 to $15 or more depending on their grade and condition. If you found one of these golden-colored coins in your change or in an old drawer, you’re in the right place to find out what it’s really worth.
free coin identifier app tools have made it easier than ever for everyday coin hunters to quickly identify what they have without needing to visit a dealer first. Whether you’re brand new to coin collecting or just curious about a coin you stumbled upon, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 2010-D James Buchanan Dollar.
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What Is the 2010-D James Buchanan Dollar Coin?
The 2010-D James Buchanan Presidential Dollar was issued as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential Dollar Program, which ran from 2007 to 2016. This program honored former U.S. presidents in the order they served, and James Buchanan — the 15th president — was one of four presidents featured in 2010.
The “D” in the coin’s name refers to the Denver Mint, where this particular version was struck. Philadelphia produced its own version (the 2010-P), making the Denver coin slightly different in terms of mintage numbers and collector interest.
These coins are large, dollar-sized, and golden in appearance thanks to their manganese brass composition. They feature a portrait of Buchanan on the obverse and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. The edge of the coin includes the date, mint mark, and motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” — a distinctive feature of the Presidential Dollar series.
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2010-D Buchanan Dollar Value by Condition
The condition of your coin is the single biggest factor in determining its value. A coin that’s been sitting in a cash register for years will be worth much less than one that was kept in a protective sleeve from day one.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what the 2010-D James Buchanan Dollar is typically worth based on grade:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (worn) | $1.25 – $2.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-63) | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-64 to MS-65) | $6.00 – $12.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-66+) | $15.00 – $40.00+ |
| Proof versions (special sets) | $5.00 – $20.00 |
For a closer look at how similar Presidential Dollars are graded and priced, you can check out detailed value breakdowns for 2010 dollar coins in various conditions, which gives you a helpful comparison point.
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Mintage Numbers and Rarity
The Denver Mint struck approximately 36,120,000 of the 2010-D James Buchanan Dollars. That’s a solid number, which is why most of these coins don’t command a huge premium — there are simply a lot of them out there.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely without value. Coins in exceptionally high grades (MS-67 or above) are genuinely hard to find because most were released into general circulation and handled carelessly. A coin in that condition could easily be worth $50 to $100 or more to the right buyer.
CoinKnow is a great resource if you want to instantly check the grade and market value of your coin using just your smartphone camera. It takes the guesswork out of figuring out what you have.
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Error Coins and Special Varieties Worth More
One of the most exciting areas in Presidential Dollar collecting is error coins. The 2010-D James Buchanan Dollar has been found with a few known errors that can dramatically increase its value.
The most famous error associated with this series is the “Missing Edge Lettering” variety — coins where the inscriptions on the edge (date, mint mark, motto) were never applied. These are sometimes called “Godless Dollars” because they lack “IN GOD WE TRUST,” which was on the edge during this era. If your coin has a completely blank edge, it could be worth $50 to $200 or more.
Other errors to look for include double-struck coins, off-center strikes, and rotated die errors. If something looks unusual about your coin, don’t dismiss it — take a closer look or use CoinKnow to help identify whether you might have a rare variety.
For pricing data on related 2010 dollar coins, current market prices for 2010 mint state dollar coins give you a solid benchmark when evaluating your piece.
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Should You Clean, Spend, or Save Your 2010-D Buchanan Dollar?
If you found a 2010-D Buchanan Dollar, here’s the honest advice: don’t clean it. Cleaning a coin — even gently — destroys its surface and almost always reduces its collector value significantly. Dealers can spot a cleaned coin immediately, and it will be graded as “damaged” no matter how shiny it looks.
If the coin is just circulated with no special errors, it’s worth face value or slightly above — about $1.25 to $2. That’s not a fortune, but it’s a piece of American history you can keep or spend as you like.
If it looks uncirculated or you notice something unusual about it, store it in a soft coin flip or protective holder and consider getting it examined. CoinKnow makes it simple to get a quick assessment right from your phone before you decide what to do next.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 2010-D James Buchanan Dollar worth anything?
A: Yes, though most examples are only worth $1.25 to $5. Coins in high uncirculated grades (MS-66 and above) or with errors can be worth significantly more — sometimes $50 to $200 or higher.
Q: How do I know if my 2010-D Buchanan Dollar is uncirculated?
A: Uncirculated coins show no wear on the high points of the design — the cheekbone, hair, and collar. They often have a slight luster or shine. If the coin has been handled or spent, it’s circulated and worth closer to face value.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2010-D James Buchanan Dollar?
A: On Presidential Dollars from this era, the mint mark is found on the edge of the coin along with the year and motto. Look at the coin’s edge carefully and you should see “2010 D” along with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
