The 2009 James K. Polk Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from face value ($1) in circulated condition to $5–$15 or more for uncirculated examples, with certain mint errors commanding significantly higher prices. If you found one of these coins in your change drawer or inherited a collection, here’s everything you need to know about its value.
What Is the 2009 James K. Polk Dollar?
The 2009 James K. Polk Presidential Dollar was issued as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential Dollar Program, which ran from 2007 to 2016. Each year, four presidents were honored on the $1 coin in the order they served. James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, was featured on the third release of 2009.
These coins were struck at two mint facilities — Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) — for general circulation, and at San Francisco (S) as proof coins for collectors. If you’re not sure which version you have, a free coin identifier app can help you quickly figure out the mint mark and grade of your coin right from your phone.
The design features a portrait of Polk on the obverse, with the Statue of Liberty on the reverse — standard for all Presidential Dollar coins of this era. The edge lettering includes the year, mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
2009 J.K. Polk Dollar Value by Mint Mark and Condition
The value of a 2009 Polk Dollar depends heavily on its mint mark and condition. Circulated coins — those that passed through everyday commerce — are typically worth only face value or a small premium. Uncirculated coins, especially those in higher mint state grades, can fetch more from collectors.
Here’s a breakdown of current estimated values:
| Coin Type | Mint Mark | Circulated Value | Uncirculated (MS63–MS65) | Proof (PR65–PR70) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Polk Dollar | P (Philadelphia) | $1.00 | $2 – $8 | — |
| 2009 Polk Dollar | D (Denver) | $1.00 | $2 – $8 | — |
| 2009 Polk Dollar Proof | S (San Francisco) | — | — | $5 – $15+ |
| 2009 Polk Dollar (Error) | Various | $20 – $100+ | $50 – $300+ | — |
For collectors interested in comparing values across different dollar coin series, you might find it useful to explore current dollar coin price data and market trends to see how modern Presidential Dollars stack up against other collectible issues.
Error Coins That Could Make Your 2009 Polk Dollar Worth a Lot More
This is where things get exciting. Some 2009 Polk Dollars were minted with errors, and those can be worth far more than a typical specimen. The most famous error associated with Presidential Dollar coins is the “Missing Edge Lettering” error — coins struck without the inscriptions on the edge. These were nicknamed “Godless Dollars” because they lacked “IN GOD WE TRUST,” which was edge-inscribed during this era.
A 2009 Polk Dollar with missing edge lettering can be worth $50 to $300 or more depending on the condition and how cleanly the error appears.
Other errors to look for include double-struck coins, off-center strikes, and die cap errors. Even minor die varieties can add collector value. CoinKnow is a great tool to identify these errors quickly — just photograph your coin and let the app analyze it for known varieties and mint mistakes.
How Mintage Numbers Affect the Value of the 2009 Polk Dollar
The 2009 Polk Presidential Dollar had relatively modest mintage numbers compared to the earlier releases in the series. The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 46.8 million coins, while the Denver Mint produced around 41.7 million. Though these numbers sound large, many were saved by collectors, which means the true circulated supply is smaller than you’d think.
San Francisco produced proof versions exclusively for collector sets, with a much lower mintage — making those shinier, mirror-finish coins more desirable.
Lower mintage years in other dollar series have proven to hold value well over time. For example, rare Eisenhower dollar values and key dates show how scarcity and collector demand can drive prices far above face value — the same principles apply to Presidential Dollars.
CoinKnow tracks mintage data and grade populations to give you a real sense of how rare your specific coin might be.
Should You Get Your 2009 Polk Dollar Graded?
If you believe you have a high-grade uncirculated example or a genuine error coin, professional grading from PCGS or NGC is worth considering. A certified MS67 or MS68 example could sell for $25–$100 or more, while a certified proof in PR70 can bring $20–$40 from dedicated Presidential Dollar collectors.
For most everyday finds, grading fees may outweigh the return. But if your coin looks pristine — brilliant, untouched, with no visible marks — it’s worth checking. Use CoinKnow to get a preliminary sense of your coin’s potential grade before investing in professional certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2009 James K. Polk dollar rare?
A: In circulated condition, no — over 88 million were minted between Philadelphia and Denver. However, high-grade uncirculated examples and error coins are genuinely scarce and worth seeking out.
Q: Where can I sell my 2009 Polk Dollar?
A: eBay, coin shows, and local coin dealers are all good options. For error coins or high-grade specimens, major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers may get you a better return.
Q: How do I know if my coin has a missing edge lettering error?
A: Hold the coin on its edge under good lighting and look for the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” the year, and mint mark. If the edge is completely smooth and blank, you likely have a valuable error coin worth having assessed.
