2009-D William Henry Harrison Dollar Value Guide
The 2009-D William Henry Harrison Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade mint state. While most of these golden-colored coins found in your change are only worth their face value, certain edge lettering errors and high-quality specimens can fetch a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (F-AU) | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67+) | $40.00 – $150.00+ |
History of the 2009-D William Henry Harrison Presidential Dollar
The 2009-D William Henry Harrison Dollar was the ninth coin released in the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. Launched in 2007, this series was designed to honor United States Presidents in the order they served. Harrison, known for having the shortest presidency in American history—merely 31 days—is depicted on this coin with a dignified portrait.
The “D” mint mark indicates that this specific coin was produced at the Denver Mint. In 2009, the economy was still recovering, and interest in the Presidential Dollar series was shifting. Unlike the early Susan B. Anthony or Sacagawea dollars, these coins were produced in massive quantities for circulation initially. To find out exactly what your specific coin is worth, using a top coin identifier and value app is the fastest way to get an accurate appraisal.
Many everyday Americans come across these coins and mistake them for “gold coins.” However, they are actually composed of a copper core with a manganese brass cladding, which gives them that distinct golden hue. If you have “Old Tippecanoe” in your pocket, CoinKnow can help you determine if it’s a common spender or a collector’s prize.
Grading the 2009-D W.H. Harrison Dollar Coin
When evaluating the value of your 2009-D Harrison Dollar, condition is everything. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Most coins found in pocket change are “Circulated,” meaning they have scratches, oil from fingers, and lost luster. These are almost always worth exactly one dollar.
“Uncirculated” coins, also known as Mint State (MS), are those that never made it into public hands. These are usually found in original rolls from the bank or in specialized mint sets. A coin graded MS65 is considered a “Gem,” and these often show very few marks and have a brilliant surface.
Because the Presidential Dollar series uses edge-incused lettering (the date and mint mark are on the rim), the way collectors view these coins is unique. Some collectors look for “Position A” or “Position B” edge lettering, referring to whether the text is upright or upside down when the portrait is facing up. You can find detailed 2009 presidential dollar market prices for various positions and grades online.
2009-D Harrison Dollar Value and Price Chart
To help you understand what you might receive if you sold your coin today, we have compiled a price guide based on recent auction data and private sales. Keep in mind that for a coin to reach the higher price tiers, it usually needs to be professionally “slabbed” or graded by a company like PCGS or NGC.
| Grade | Denver Mint (D) Value | Philadelphia Mint (P) Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | $2.15 | $2.15 |
| MS65 | $8.50 | $7.00 |
| MS66 | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| MS67 | $45.00 | $40.00 |
| MS68 | $350.00+ | $275.00+ |
As shown in the table, the jump from MS67 to MS68 is massive. This is because very few coins survive the high-speed minting process without any microscopic scratches. By using CoinKnow, you can take a high-resolution photo of your coin to see if it has the visual characteristics of a high-grade specimen.
Key Errors and Varieties to Look For
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2009-D Harrison Dollar is the potential for errors. Because the U.S. Mint began putting the “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the date on the edge of the coin, several things went wrong during production.
The most famous error is the “Missing Edge Lettering” variety, often called “Godless Dollars” if the “In God We Trust” is missing (though by 2009, “In God We Trust” had been moved to the face of the coin). For the 2009 series, you should look for coins that have a completely smooth edge. These can be worth between $50 and $100 depending on the condition.
Another error type is “Double Edge Lettering.” This occurs when the coin passes through the edge-incusing machine twice. This creates an overlapping text effect that is highly desired by collectors. If you think you’ve found an error, checking current 2009 dollar error values is a vital step before heading to a coin shop.
Why the 2009-D Mint Mark Matters
The Denver Mint (D) and Philadelphia Mint (P) produced nearly equal amounts of the Harrison dollar. Specifically, the Denver Mint produced 55,160,000 coins, while Philadelphia produced 43,260,000. While these numbers seem high, they are much lower than the 300 million plus minted for George Washington just two years prior.
As the Presidential series continued, the Mint lowered production because the coins weren’t circulating well. People preferred paper dollars. This lower mintage makes 2009 coins slightly harder to find in pristine condition than 2007 coins. If you reside on the East Coast, you are more likely to find “P” mint marks, while West Coast residents see more “D” marks.
Collectors often try to complete a “Date and Mint Mark” set. This means they need both the P and D versions of every president. If you have a particularly shiny 2009-D, a collector might pay a premium to fill that hole in their album. Finding these buyers is easy when you use CoinKnow to identify the rarity of your specific minting.
Is your 2009-D William Henry Harrison Dollar Worth Keeping?
If you found a 2009-D Harrison dollar in your pocket change today, the reality is that it is likely worth $1. Many were used in vending machines and laundromats. However, you should definitely keep it if it looks brand new, as if it just came out of a roll.
Coins with unusual features—like a lack of writing on the edge or a very “satiny” finish—should be set aside for further inspection. Even if the coin is only worth face value now, it serves as a wonderful piece of American history. Harrison was the first president to die in office, and his coin is a tribute to a brief but notable period in 19th-century politics.
For those interested in starting a collection, the 2009 series is an affordable entry point. You can often buy “Proof” versions of these coins (specially made for collectors with a mirror-like finish) for under $10. These Proof coins were minted in San Francisco and carry an “S” mint mark.
| Coin Feature | Rarity Factor | Action Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth Edge (No Text) | Rare | Get Professionally Graded |
| “S” Mint Mark | Moderate | Keep in Protective Case |
| Heavy Scratches/Wear | Common | Safe to Spend |
FAQ about the 2009-D Harrison Dollar
Q: Is the 2009-D Harrison Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, it contains no gold. The color comes from a mixture of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. It is often called a “Golden Dollar” only because of its appearance.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2009 Harrison Dollar?
A: Unlike most coins where the mint mark is on the face, the 2009 Presidential Dollars have the mint mark (“D”, “P”, or “S”), the date, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” engraved on the edge of the coin.
Q: How many William Henry Harrison dollars were made?
A: A total of approximately 98.4 million Harrison dollars were minted for circulation across the Philadelphia and Denver facilities.
Q: What is the most expensive 2009-D Harrison Dollar ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens in MS68 condition have sold at major auctions for over $500. Most everyday examples, however, remain near their $1 face value.
Q: Can I spend this coin at a grocery store?
A: Yes! These are legal tender. However, some younger cashiers might not recognize them immediately because they are not commonly seen in daily circulation.
