The 2009-D James K. Polk Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from face value (just $1) in circulated condition to around $5–$15 or more in uncirculated mint state grades. If you found one in your change or an old collection, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what it’s worth and what to look for.
What Is the 2009-D James K. Polk Dollar?
The 2009-D James K. Polk Dollar is part of the U.S. Presidential Dollar series, which ran from 2007 to 2016. Each year featured four different presidents in order of their terms. James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, was honored on the third coin released in 2009.
The “D” in the coin’s name stands for the Denver Mint, where this particular coin was struck. Denver produced a large number of these coins — over 96 million in total — which is one reason why most circulated examples aren’t worth a huge premium above face value.
That said, coins in pristine, uncirculated condition — especially those in original mint packaging or graded by professional services — can still fetch a respectable price. If you’re not sure what you have, using a free coin identifier app is a great first step to figure out exactly which coin you’re holding and its approximate grade.
How Much Is the 2009-D Polk Dollar Worth in Different Conditions?
The value of your 2009-D James K. Polk Dollar depends heavily on its condition, or “grade.” Here’s a simple breakdown of what collectors and dealers typically pay:
| Condition | Grade (Sheldon Scale) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (worn) | AG-3 to EF-45 | $1.00 (face value) |
| About Uncirculated | AU-50 to AU-58 | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Mint State (typical) | MS-63 to MS-64 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mint State (gem) | MS-65 | $6.00 – $12.00 |
| Mint State (superb) | MS-66+ | $15.00 – $30.00+ |
For the most current and detailed pricing, you can check out 2009 Presidential Dollar values by mint mark and grade — it’s a reliable reference that covers the full series.
Key Details About the 2009-D Polk Dollar Mintage
Mintage numbers matter a lot in coin collecting. High mintage usually means lower collector demand, while low mintage can drive prices up. The 2009-D James K. Polk Dollar had a mintage of approximately 96,220,000 coins — that’s over 96 million pieces, making it relatively common.
For comparison, the Presidential Dollar series saw declining mintages as the years went on, partly because the coins weren’t widely used in everyday transactions. After 2011, the U.S. Mint shifted production mostly to collector sets.
Because so many Polk Dollars were made, you won’t get rich from a single circulated example. However, rolls of uncirculated coins or high-grade certified specimens (graded MS-67 or above) are notably scarcer and more desirable to serious collectors.
CoinKnow is a handy app that lets you scan any coin and instantly get mintage data, grading tips, and estimated values — perfect if you’re sorting through a coin jar or estate collection.
What Makes a 2009-D Polk Dollar More Valuable?
Most 2009-D Polk Dollars are common, but certain factors can make one worth significantly more:
Strike quality: Presidential Dollars were sometimes struck with weak or off-center details. A coin with a sharp, full strike is more desirable.
Edge lettering errors: These coins have “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the year stamped on the edge. Some coins were accidentally struck without edge lettering, creating rare “plain edge” error coins that can be worth $50–$200 or more depending on condition.
High grades (MS-67+): At the very top of the grading scale, coins become genuinely rare. A Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or NGC-certified MS-67 or MS-68 Polk Dollar can command premiums of $30–$100+.
If you want to compare prices across mint marks and similar issues, current market data for 2009 dollar coins in MS grades can help you put the Polk Dollar’s value in context alongside other coins from the same year.
You can also use CoinKnow to scan your coin and check whether it matches any known error varieties — the app’s database includes documented Presidential Dollar errors that many casual collectors miss.
Should You Hold Onto Your 2009-D Polk Dollar?
If your coin is circulated and in average condition, it’s essentially worth $1 — its face value. You won’t lose anything by keeping it, but don’t expect a windfall.
On the other hand, if you have a roll of uncirculated Polk Dollars still in bank wrapping, or a coin that looks brand new with no marks or contact blemishes, it’s worth getting a second opinion before spending it. High-grade examples and error coins are where the real value lies.
The best approach: grab CoinKnow, scan your coin, and see what grade and variety it might be. A few minutes of checking could be worth much more than $1.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2009-D James K. Polk Dollar rare?
A: No, it is not considered rare. With a mintage of over 96 million, it is one of the more common Presidential Dollars. However, error coins and high-grade certified examples (MS-67 and above) are genuinely scarce and worth collecting.
Q: What does the “D” mint mark mean on my Polk Dollar?
A: The “D” stands for the Denver Mint in Denver, Colorado. The Philadelphia Mint also produced Polk Dollars in 2009 with a “P” mint mark. Both versions are similarly common and have comparable values.
Q: Where can I sell my 2009-D Polk Dollar if it’s in great condition?
A: You can sell it on eBay, through a local coin dealer, or at a coin show. If you believe your coin is MS-65 or higher, consider getting it graded by PCGS or NGC first — a certified grade can significantly increase buyer confidence and sale price.
