2009-S William Henry Harrison Dollar Value: A Complete Guide

The 2009-S William Henry Harrison Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in standard Proof condition to over $45 for high-grade specimens. While these golden-colored coins often catch the eye of non-collectors, understanding the specific “S” mint mark is key to determining if you have a common circulation coin or a special collector’s edition.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$4.00 – $6.00
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$12.00 – $18.00
PR 70 (Perfect Grade)	$40.00 – $65.00
S-Mint Satin Finish (Rare)	$15.00+

Identifying the 2009-S William Henry Harrison Dollar

The 2009-S William Henry Harrison Dollar is the ninth release in the Presidential $1 Coin Program. Unlike the shiny gold-colored coins you might receive as change from a vending machine, the “S” mint mark version was produced specifically for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. If you are unsure what you have in your hand, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a proof strike in seconds.

William Henry Harrison served as the 9th President of the United States, famously known for having the shortest presidency in history, lasting only 31 days. The coin features a stoic portrait of Harrison on the obverse (front) and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse (back). The “S” mint mark, along with the year and the motto “E Pluribus Unum,” is actually inscribed on the edge of the coin, a unique feature of this series.

To truly get an accurate 2009-S W.H. Harrison Dollar coin value, you must look at the luster. Proof coins are struck using polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny—almost like a mirror—it is likely the “S” mint version intended for collectors. Finding these in pocket change is rare, but it does happen when collections are spent by mistake.

Determining the 2009-S Harrison Dollar Value by Grade

The value of your 2009-S Harrison Dollar is almost entirely dependent on its condition, also known as its “grade.” Because these coins were sold in protective plastic sets by the U.S. Mint, most surviving examples are in excellent shape. However, a perfect “PR 70” grade is significantly more valuable than a “PR 65” grade that might have tiny hairline scratches from improper handling.

When evaluating your collection, it is helpful to check the current price trends for 2009 dollar coins to see how the market is moving. While the Harrison dollar isn’t as famous as the Morgan or Peace dollar, it maintains a steady demand among people completing their Presidential sets. Collectors often use tools like CoinKnow to track these fluctuations and ensure they aren’t overpaying.

For most casual finders, a standard proof 2009-S Harrison dollar will retail for about $4 to $7. If you believe your coin is flawless, having it professionally graded by a service like PCGS or NGC could unlock higher values. A perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimen can sometimes fetch over $50 at auction, though the cost of grading often exceeds the coin’s value unless it is truly perfect.

Grade Designation	Description	Market Price
Proof (PR) 60-64	Noticeable marks or cloudiness	$2 – $3
Proof (PR) 65-68	High eye appeal, minimal marks	$5 – $15
Proof (PR) 69	Virtually perfect to the naked eye	$18 – $25
Proof (PR) 70	Perfect under 5x magnification	$45 – $80+

Why the Mint Mark Matters: P, D, vs. S

To understand the 2009-S William Henry Harrison Dollar worth, you must compare it to its siblings from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D). The P and D versions were minted in the tens of millions for general circulation. If you find a 2009 Harrison dollar in your pocket, it is almost certainly a P or D mint mark. These are generally worth only their face value of $1 if they have been used in commerce.

However, the “S” mint mark signifies the San Francisco Mint, which only produced these coins for “Proof Sets” and “Silver Proof Sets.” Interestingly, the 2009 Presidential dollars were also part of a special “Satin Finish” production for uncirculated coin sets. While you can find detailed 2009 Presidential dollar value information online, the general rule is: “S” is for collectors, “P” and “D” are for spending.

The total mintage for the 2009-S Proof Harrison Dollar was approximately 2.8 million. While this might sound like a lot, it is quite small compared to the 50 million+ coins struck in Philadelphia. This relative scarcity is what gives the “S” mint dollar its premium over its face value. If you use CoinKnow, you can quickly scan the edge of the coin to confirm which mint mark you have.

Historical Context and Design of the Harrison Dollar

The 2009 William Henry Harrison dollar pays tribute to the man who gave the longest inaugural address in history and served the shortest term. He died of pneumonia just a month after taking office. Because his presidency was so brief, Harrison hasn’t appeared on many forms of U.S. currency, making this coin a favorite for historical buffs and enthusiasts of the series.

The design by Joseph Menna features a very detailed engraving of Harrison’s face. On the reverse, Don Everhart’s rendition of the Statue of Liberty provides a consistent look across the entire Presidential series. One common misconception is that these coins contain real gold. In reality, they are composed of a pure copper core with a manganese brass cladding, which gives them that golden hue but contains 0% actual gold.

Because these coins are part of a larger set, their value is often linked to the popularity of the Presidential Dollar series as a whole. While the series ended for circulation in 2011 (moving to collector-only production), the early coins like the 2009-S Harrison remain foundational for anyone trying to build a complete “Dansco” or “Whitman” album.

Special Varieties and Error Coins to Look For

While the 2009-S Harrison Dollar is mostly known for its proof finish, error hunters are always on the lookout for anomalies. The most common errors in the Presidential series involve the “Edge Lettering.” Some coins were released without the edge inscriptions, known as “Plain Edge” errors. While these are more frequent on the 2007 Washington and 2007 Adams dollars, they can occur on 2009 issues as well.

Another interesting variety is the “Position A” vs. “Position B” edge lettering. This refers to the orientation of the writing on the edge when the President’s portrait is facing up. However, for “S” mint proofs, the lettering is usually standardized, so deviations are extremely rare and highly valuable. If you find a 2009-S that looks “wrong”—perhaps with doubled lettering or a missing date on the edge—you could be looking at a coin worth hundreds of dollars.

For most collectors, the focus remains on “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM) designations. These are coins where the contrast between the mirror fields and the white, frosted portrait is intense. Using CoinKnow to check auction records for “DCAM” varieties can help you see which specific 2009-S coins are selling for the highest prices on eBay and at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions.

Variety Type	Estimated Value
2009-S Proof (Standard)	$4.00
2009-S Silver Proof Set Version	$5.00 – $8.00
Major Edge Error (Rare)	$50.00+

Summary: Should You Keep Your 2009-S Harrison Dollar?

If you have found a 2009-S William Henry Harrison Dollar in a plastic case or a mint set, it is definitely worth keeping. While it won’t make you rich overnight, it is a piece of American history that holds a premium over its face value. If you found one in circulation that looks scratched or “circulated,” its value might be closer to $1.25 to $2.00, as collectors prefer pristine examples.

For those looking to start a collection, the 2009-S is an affordable and beautiful entry point. The golden color and the unique edge lettering make it a conversation piece. Always remember to handle these coins by the edges only, as the oils from your fingers can smudge the delicate proof surfaces and lower the coin’s future resale value.

FAQ

Q: Is the 2009-S William Henry Harrison Dollar made of gold?

A: No, despite its golden appearance, the coin is made of a mixture of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. It contains no actual gold content. The “golden” color comes from the manganese brass outer layer.

Q: Where can I find the mint mark on my 2009 Harrison Dollar?

A: Unlike most coins where the mint mark is on the face, the 2009 Presidential Dollars have the mint mark, the year, and “E Pluribus Unum” engraved on the edge (the side) of the coin.

Q: How much is a circulated 2009-P or 2009-D Harrison dollar worth?

A: In most cases, a 2009 Harrison dollar from the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mint that has been used in circulation is only worth its face value of $1. Only the “S” mint proofs or exceptionally high-grade uncirculated coins carry a significant premium.

Q: Can I spend a 2009-S Proof Dollar?

A: You can, but it is not recommended. It is legal tender for $1, but since it is worth at least $3-$4 to a collector, spending it at a grocery store would be losing money.