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The 2009-S John Tyler Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade Proof 70 condition. While these shiny gold-colored coins often catch the eye of non-collectors, understanding the difference between a common pocket change find and a valuable numismatic treasure is key to knowing what you have in your hand.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (P or D Mint) | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated MS-65 (P or D) | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Proof-65 Deep Cameo (S Mint) | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Proof-70 Deep Cameo (S Mint) | $45.00 – $65.00 |
History and Background of the 2009 John Tyler Dollar
The 2009 John Tyler Dollar is the tenth release in the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. John Tyler served as the 10th President of the United States, taking office after the sudden death of William Henry Harrison. This was a significant moment in American history as it established the precedent of presidential succession.
If you have just found one of these coins and want to know more about its technical specs, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different mint marks and finishes. Most people encounter these coins in change and assume they are rare because of their golden color; however, they are actually made of a manganese-brass alloy over a copper core.
The 2009 Tyler Dollar features a stern portrait of the president on the obverse, designed by Phebe Hemphill. Unlike older coins, the date and mint mark are not found on the face of the coin. Instead, they are incused on the edge. This unique design choice led to some famous errors in earlier years, though by 2009, the production process was much more refined. To get a better sense of where your coin fits in the market, check out the latest 2009 Presidential Dollar price data.
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Identifying the 2009-S Proof John Tyler Dollar
The letter “S” on the edge of the coin indicates that it was minted in San Francisco. Unlike the coins minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for general circulation, the 2009-S Tyler Dollar was produced specifically for collectors. These are known as “Proof” coins.
Proof coins are struck multiple times using specially polished dies, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. If you find a 2009-S in a plastic case or a mint set, it is almost certainly a Proof. If you find an “S” mint coin at the bottom of a jar of change, it has likely been “impaired,” meaning it was spent by someone and has lost its collector premium.
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To accurately identify the mint mark on the edge, you might need a magnifying glass. If you are ever unsure whether your coin is a proof or just a very shiny business strike, the CoinKnow app can provide an instant visual analysis. Collectors pay a premium for “Deep Cameo” finishes, where the contrast between the shiny fields and the white-frosted portrait is extreme.
Grading and Quality: What Makes it Valuable?
In the world of coin collecting, the “grade” is everything. Most 2009-S John Tyler Dollars will fall into the “Proof 67” to “Proof 69” range. While these are nearly perfect, they are very common. It is only when a coin reaches the perfect “Proof 70” grade that the value jumps significantly.
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A Proof 70 coin has no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. For everyday enthusiasts, determining if a coin is an 11 or a 12 on a scale of 70 is nearly impossible. This is where CoinKnow comes in handy, helping you compare your coin against high-resolution images of certified gems.
| Numerical Grade | Designation | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 | Deep Cameo | $5.00 |
| PR-68 | Deep Cameo | $12.00 |
| PR-69 | Deep Cameo | $18.00 |
| PR-70 | Deep Cameo | $55.00+ |
Are There Rare Errors on the 2009 Tyler Dollar?
While the more famous Presidential Dollar errors—like the “Godless Dollars” which were missing edge lettering—mostly occurred in 2007, there are still things to look for in the 2009 series. Collectors often search for doubled edge lettering or missing edge lettering, though these are much rarer on San Francisco proof coins.
Because proof coins are inspected more rigorously at the mint, errors on an “S” mint coin are exceptionally valuable. If you find a 2009-S Tyler dollar where the edge lettering is doubled or completely smooth, you could be looking at a coin worth hundreds of dollars.
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For those interested in general market trends for similar coins, you can view the current auction results for 2009 dollar coins to see how the market treats modern small-size dollars. Generally, errors are found more often in Denver and Philadelphia mintages rather than the San Francisco Proofs.
Composition and Technical Specifications
Understanding what the coin is made of helps explain its appearance. Many people mistake these for “Gold” coins because of their color. In reality, the 2009-S Tyler Dollar contains 0% gold. It is composed of a core of pure copper, with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel.
This specific alloy was chosen because it mimics the electromagnetic signature of the older Susan B. Anthony dollars, allowing them to work in vending machines without needing a mechanical overhaul. However, the manganese causes the coins to tarnish or turn a brownish-grey very quickly once they enter circulation.
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| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Weight | 8.1 grams |
| Edge | Lettered (E PLURIBUS UNUM, 2009, S) |
Collecting the Presidential Dollar Series
Is the 2009-S John Tyler Dollar a good investment? For most casual collectors, it is a fun piece of history to own. While it won’t pay for a college education, a complete set of Proof Presidential Dollars is a beautiful and relatively affordable numismatic project.
The 2009-S mintage was approximately 2,179,867 pieces. While two million might sound like a lot, compared to the hundreds of millions of coins minted for circulation in other years, the “S” mint is relatively scarce. Keeping your coin in its original mint packaging is the best way to ensure it retains its value.
If you are looking to build a collection or sell a group of coins, using CoinKnow can help you organize your inventory and track values over time. As the years pass, well-preserved specimens of these manganese dollars become harder to find, as many were kept in poor conditions that led to unsightly spotting and oxidation.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2009 John Tyler Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, the coin is made of a manganese-brass alloy over a copper core. It contains no gold. The color was designed to make it easily distinguishable from the silver-colored quarter.
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Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2009 John Tyler Dollar?
A: The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the edge of the coin, along with the date and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” You must look at the coin from the side to see it.
Q: Can I spend a 2009-S John Tyler Dollar?
A: Yes, it is legal tender worth one dollar. However, since it is a Proof coin intended for collectors, it is worth more than its face value. Most collectors recommend keeping it out of circulation.
Q: How many John Tyler Dollars were made in 2009?
A: There were roughly 43 million minted in Philadelphia, 43 million in Denver, and about 2.1 million Proof versions minted in San Francisco.