The 2010-S Franklin Pierce Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from $2 to $5 in typical proof condition, but certain high-grade specimens can fetch $15 or more among serious collectors. If you stumbled across one of these coins and you’re wondering whether it’s a hidden treasure, you’re in the right place — let’s break it all down in plain English.
What Is the 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar?
The 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar is part of the Presidential Dollar series, a program launched by the U.S. Mint in 2007 to honor every former American president in order. Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was featured in 2010 alongside James Buchanan, Millard Fillmore, and John Tyler.
The “S” mintmark tells you this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint — and that’s a big deal. San Francisco specializes in proof coins, which are specially made with polished dies and blanks to create sharp, mirror-like finishes. These aren’t coins you’d ever find in everyday pocket change. They were sold directly to collectors in proof sets.
If you’re not sure what mintmark your coin carries, a free coin identifier app can help you figure it out quickly using just your smartphone camera. Tools like CoinKnow make it incredibly easy for everyday people to identify and value their coins without needing any prior expertise.
How Much Is the 2010-S Pierce Dollar Worth?
Most 2010-S Pierce Dollars in standard proof condition (PR65 to PR67) are worth somewhere between $2 and $8. The coin’s face value is one dollar, so even a lightly circulated or lower-grade example is worth at least that. However, the real value comes in top-tier grades.
A coin graded PR69 Deep Cameo (DCAM) by a major grading service like PCGS or NGC can sell for $10 to $20. Step up to a perfect PR70 DCAM, and prices can push past $30 to $50 or even higher depending on demand and the grading service.
The Deep Cameo designation refers to the strong contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like background — it’s a stunning effect that collectors prize. For the most accurate and current pricing, you can check out detailed value data for 2010 Presidential and Sacagawea dollar coins to get a better sense of the market.
| Grade | Designation | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | Cameo | $2 – $4 |
| PR67 | Deep Cameo | $5 – $8 |
| PR69 | Deep Cameo | $10 – $20 |
| PR70 | Deep Cameo | $30 – $50+ |
How Many Were Minted and Why Does That Matter?
The U.S. Mint produced approximately 1.48 million 2010-S Franklin Pierce proof dollars. While that sounds like a lot, the number is actually quite modest compared to circulation coins that can be struck in the hundreds of millions. Lower mintages generally support better long-term collector value because there are fewer coins competing in the market.
That said, most of these proof coins were sold in complete proof sets, meaning many are still sitting safely in their original mint packaging. Well-preserved, original-packaging examples tend to hold their value better than coins that have been removed and handled.
For collectors who want to track live market data, up-to-date 2010 dollar coin price information broken down by grade and variety is a great resource to bookmark.
Is This Coin Worth Keeping or Selling?
If your 2010-S Pierce Dollar is still in its original proof set packaging and shows no signs of handling or fingerprints, it’s worth holding onto — especially if you think you might have a high-grade example. Getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC could unlock significantly more value if the coin grades PR69 or PR70 DCAM.
On the other hand, if it’s a raw (ungraded) coin in average proof condition, it might only realistically sell for $3 to $6 on eBay or at a coin show. The cost of professional grading may outweigh the return unless you have strong reason to believe it’s exceptional.
CoinKnow is a smart starting point if you want a quick, no-cost estimate before deciding whether to invest in professional grading. The app uses image recognition to help you identify coins and get instant ballpark values — perfect for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2010-S Franklin Pierce Dollar rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in the traditional sense, with a mintage of around 1.48 million. However, top-grade examples (PR70 DCAM) are relatively scarce and command a premium from collectors.
Q: Can I find a 2010-S Pierce Dollar in circulation?
A: Very unlikely. The “S” mintmark means it was produced exclusively as a proof coin for collectors and never released into general circulation. If you have one, it almost certainly came from a mint proof set.
Q: How do I know if my coin is worth grading professionally?
A: Look for strong cameo contrast, sharp details, and absolutely no fingerprints, scratches, or haze on the surfaces. If it looks flawless to the naked eye, it may be a PR69 or PR70 candidate. Using CoinKnow to do a quick scan can also give you a starting point before spending money on grading fees.
