If you’ve stumbled across an 1850 Millard Fillmore $1 coin, you might be wondering: Could this be a rare million-dollar find? The internet is buzzing with rumors claiming these coins are worth a fortune—but is there any truth to it?
Let’s dive into the facts, the fiction, and everything you need to know about this intriguing coin.
The Truth About the Millard Fillmore $1 Coin
First, a quick history check: Millard Fillmore became the 13th U.S. President in 1850, serving until 1853. However, no official $1 coins featuring his likeness were minted during his lifetime. The U.S. Mint only began honoring presidents on coins much later.
So what is the Millard Fillmore $1 coin?
The Millard Fillmore Presidential $1 Coin was issued in 2010 as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program (2007–2016). This series featured portraits of deceased U.S. Presidents on golden-colored dollar coins made of a manganese-brass alloy.
Why Are People Saying It’s Worth Millions?
Here’s where myth meets reality. A few viral videos and online posts claim that an 1850 Millard Fillmore coin is worth millions of dollars. But there’s no official 1850-era coin featuring Fillmore.
So, why the hype?
Possible reasons:
- Misleading online claims or exaggerated auction stories.
- Private novelty coins with “1850” printed as a tribute year, not a minting year.
- Confusion between real U.S. Mint coins and replica pieces or souvenirs.
What Is a Millard Fillmore $1 Coin Actually Worth?
Face Value: $1
Average Collector Value:
- Circulated Condition: $1.00–$1.50
- Uncirculated/Mint State: $2.00–$5.00
- Graded MS-65 or Higher: Up to $10–$15, depending on demand.
Possible High Value:
Rare errors or misprints (such as edge lettering errors or missing inscriptions) can raise a coin’s value into the hundreds, but not millions.
How to Tell If You Have Something Rare
If you own a Millard Fillmore $1 coin, inspect for:
- Mint Errors (double dies, missing edge lettering)
- Mint Mark: Look for “P,” “D,” or “S” for Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco.
- Condition: Uncirculated coins with a mirror-like finish hold more value.
- Grading: Coins graded by NGC or PCGS at MS-67+ could fetch higher prices.
What It’s Not
- It is not made of gold.
- It is not from 1850.
- It is not worth millions.
Unless there’s a serious minting error, its value remains modest.
Final Verdict
While the Millard Fillmore $1 coin is a great addition to any collection—especially for fans of U.S. presidential history—it’s not worth millions. Most are valued at just a few dollars unless there’s a documented mint error or it’s in pristine condition.