2009 James K. Polk Dollar Coin Value + Fun Facts About The 11th Presidential Dollar Coin In The Series

by Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez

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The 2009 James K. Polk dollar coin was the 3rd Presidential $1 Coin released in 2009 and the 11th of the entire Presidential $1 Coin series which began in 2007.

The James K. Polk dollar honors our nation’s 11th president — who led our country from 1845 through 1849.

The dollar bearing Polk’s bust was released on August 20, 2009.

Did You Know?

The James K. Polk coin is the 3rd Presidential $1 coin to feature “In God We Trust” on the obverse (heads side).

“In God We Trust” was moved to the obverse (tails side) of the coin after being placed within the edge lettering of 2007 and 2008 Presidential $1 coins.

Where To Find James K. Polk Dollar Coins

Most banks and even some stores have reserves of the James K. Polk dollar coin on hand. Another place to find dollar coins is from some vending machines — especially those within the mass transit systems of major cities.

If you prefer uncirculated examples of James K. Polk dollars, you’re in luck! Coin dealers and the U.S. Mint are selling the James K. Polk dollar in mint condition.

The United States Mint is selling the James K. Polk dollars in the Presidential $1 Coin proof set. The U.S. Mint is also selling the James K. Polk dollar coin in mint sets and rolls.

How Much Are James K. Polk Dollar Coins Worth?

James K. Polk dollar coins in proof condition are worth between $4 to $6.

Uncirculated versions sell for roughly $2 each.

Prices vary, depending on whether you buy the coin from a private coin dealer or the U.S. Mint.

For example, buying James K. Polk dollar coins by the roll or bag cost less than if bought in smaller quantities or as part of a proof or mint set.

Should any mistakes result during minting, interest could cause values of error James K. Polk dollars to rise quickly.

PUBLISHED August 19, 2009

UPDATED September 2, 2026

Coin Values

Commemorative Coins (circulating), Dollar Coins, Presidential Dollars, Type And Date Sets, X-Presidential Dollar Coins

Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez

Numismatic Specialist

Hi, I’m Josh! I’m the Editor here at the US Coins Guide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century.

I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG). I have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek.

I’ve authored over 1,000 articles here at the US Coins Guide (many with over 50K shares).

I welcome your coin questions!

32 responses to “2009 James K. Polk Dollar Coin Value + Fun Facts About The 11th Presidential Dollar Coin In The Series”

Tim

January 20, 2010

I have a old James Polk coin,that appears to be made of copper or possibly bronze. On the front side of the coin, it has a bust of James Polk. On the left side of the neck it has the date of 1845. On the right side of the neck,it has the date of 1849. Under the bust, it has ” Eleventh President of the United States”.On the back side of the coin, it has ,”James Knox Polk, born Nov. 2, 1795,first “dark horse” pres.,extended the U.S. borders to the 49th parallel,the Rio Grande, and the Pacific ocean.Died June 15,1849″. The coin has NO monitary value displayed on it. The coin does have some tarnish on it, and very little wear. I have been several websites, in an attempt to get some idea of its value. Hopfully you can assist me in this matter? I do understand, that any value, you may give me is just an estimate. I would sincerely appreciate any assistance you can give. Sincerely, Tim

Reply
1. Anonymous
  
  January 20, 2010
  
  Hi, Tim –
  
  I did some research online. Because there are so many types of presidential medals and tokens, I really had a hard time finding any minting information about your token because I simply couldn’t find any images or descriptive details for the specific pieces being described.
  
  However, you’ll be glad to know I DID find your token on eBay. While this is just one resource, it is currently priced at $9.99 as a “Buy it Now” lot with free shipping. If this is a good representation of its value, when you subtract shipping costs, it’s selling for probably $7 to $8 or so. Here’s a link to the page: https://cgi.ebay.com/James-Polk-1845-1849-Presidential-Medal-Bronze_W0QQitemZ360215593792QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53de85c340
  
  I hope this helps give you a better idea as to the value of your token!
  
  Reply
  1. Tim
    
    January 21, 2010
    
    Hey Joshua, Thanks alot for your help. That medal on ebay is exactly like mine. Except mine is more tarnished! I had hoped,I had something that may be valuable. Dang!!! That’s just my luck!! lo-lo Anyways, I really do appreciate the help. Take it easy, Tim
    
    Reply
    1. Anonymous
      
      January 21, 2010
      
      You’re quite welcome, Tim!
      
      Reply
Elizabeth Tierney

March 16, 2010

I recently found a box of old coins and have been trying to identify them. Some are US, some are foreign. One is an old James Polk coin, no date and no value, on the back is a list of his accomplishments. I saw where someone else had one and asked you about it, but couldn’t access the response. Can you tell me what this is? Thanks

Reply
1. Anonymous
  
  March 17, 2010
  
  Hi, Elizabeth —
  
  I’ll definitely be glad to help. It sounds like you and the other reader have the James K. Polk token which you can see here: https://cgi.ebay.com/James-Polk-1845-1849-Presidential-Medal-Bronze_W0QQitemZ360215593792QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53de85c340
  
  You’ll see that the piece is being offered for about $10 (with free shipping), so the piece is likely worth around $5 to $7 in the typical market.
  
  I otherwise have had a difficult time myself learning more about this piece in terms of what year it was made, what mint may have made it, and who designed the token. If memory serves, there was a popular series of bronze presidential tokens made sometime in the 1930s, but I’m not absolutely certain if this piece belongs to that series.
  
  What I can tell you with absolute certainty is that it’s NOT a legal tender coin made by the United States Mint.
  
  I hope this helps you!
  
  Reply
Bfhill

April 23, 2010

I am interested in a coin of James K. Polk. Can you provide any information about this coin. This coin appears to have been a commorative coin of his campaign (definitely does not feel like gold, although it has a gold finish and weighs aprox. 3. ounces. It was in possession of my aunt who died at the age of 100 about thirty five years ago. She gave it to me before she died. One side of the coin has asident Bust of Polk as President in 1845-1849. The back of the token (?) reads: First Dark Horse: Govedrnor of Tennessee; Speaker of the House:and the states annexed along with a few other statements. I have measured the coin to be just about the size of a quarter. If you can share any information, I would be appreciative.

Reply
1. Anonymous
  
  April 23, 2010
  
  You seem to know as much as I. I’m told it was a presidential souvenir, and that coins were typical souvenirs from that time period. I don’t have a value for the coin, and haven’t really followed up since it was identified. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
  
  Reply
2. Anonymous
  
  April 23, 2010
  
  Hi, BF (and Savvieta);
  
  What you have, BF, is a copper or bronze medal. It’s worth about $5 to $10. While I don’t know the mintage (number made) of your piece, I can say I have seen it before and have seen a few over my years in passing while browsing for coins online; it must be a fairly common medal.
  
  Here’s a link to such a piece listed on eBay: https://cgi.ebay.com/James-Polk-1845-1849-Presidential-Medal-Bronze_W0QQitemZ360215593792QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item53de85c340
  
  Reply
Llpb2good2btru

November 23, 2010

LLPB i have a coin that im trying to get information on.its a james k polk coin,onthe front it has the 11th president usa.the datesonthe left side is 1845 under the 11th president words.then under usa the date 1849,at the bottom of the coin the words james k polk.on the back of the coin at the top it says “YOUNG HICKORY in the middle it saysgovenor of tennesses,speaker of the house annexed california,new mexico and north west territory.A manof ability identified with slave intrestes.at the bottom it says first dark horse.If you can help me with this please let me know.

Reply
1. Anonymous
  
  November 24, 2010
  
  Llpb,
  
  There was a series of bronze medals made some years ago that honors each of the presidents up to that time. While I haven’t seen this specific piece, I have seen others very similar to what you’re describing. These bronze medals tend to sell for around $5 to $10.
  
  Reply
Crajis Deals

January 22, 2011

Hello,
I have 2 coins that were in a role of coins from the bank that are silver in color and not gold? Are they worth more? Are they a common occurrence?

Reply
1. Anonymous
  
  January 23, 2011
  
  Hi Crajis,
  
  While its possible they have been silver plated and, thus, considered altered, they’re likely discolored, which is a common occurrence for golden dollars.
  
  If you’d like, feel free to submit a photo on the wall of The Fun Times Guide to Coins Facebook page and we’ll be happy to try to help more after looking at a photo: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#!/TheFunTimesGuideToCoins
  
  Reply
Gsupike

April 27, 2011

I have a James K. Polk dollar that I noticed had an error. On the edge of the coin the 2009 date is shifted to the left where the stars are also printed and this lives a gap due to the overlapping print. Is this a common occurance with the James K. Polk coin?

Reply
AltheaHouston

September 5, 2011

i have a John Q Adams one and two James K Polk

Reply
Epic

April 25, 2012

Epic I have 50 of them

Reply
Antonio Boone

July 11, 2013

I have one. I wish it was worth a fortune, though.

Reply
Marie Cannon

June 20, 2015

I have a James K Polk 1845-1849 coin and it says President 11 coin on the back which is under a eagle. Is it worth anything??

Reply
1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  June 22, 2015
  
  Hi, Marie —
  
  This sounds like you’re describing some type of token. Would you please post a photo of your coin on this forum?
  
  Thanks!
  Josh
  
  Reply
Charlotte Rae Martin

October 25, 2016

Can you tell me the value of the United States Steel Cents 1944 P, D and S. I have the set and had just wondered if it were of any value. Thank you. PS. They are in a sealed package. Also, I have Certificate of Authenticity Admiral Gardner wrecked the 25th of January 1809 “Cash ” coin.

Reply
1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  October 25, 2016
  
  Hi, Charlotte —
  
  Would you please submit a photo of the steel cent set and the Cash coin?
  
  Thank you!
  Josh
  
  Reply
  1. Charlotte Rae Martin
    
    October 29, 2016
    
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bb2a82a7d702a515cc4d9ab0f0368405fac4591a8259252b79b561f742ec60ff.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/865b508c58dffab380305b56f8949fe93928acddf0e56d9f3c33aae116f2effe.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e5b5d417f8c05e0f78695a1ce001451824fbb3cd44944d0757cdc786d9a58bd5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/db2d9b78b32d89c5cb9e1a8b8f2257dbd68e65e356432b5bfe413204d5adb17e.jpg
    
    Reply
    1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
      
      October 31, 2016
      
      Hi, Charlotte –
      
      It’s good to hear from you! Let’s start off with your set of 1943 steel cents; while 1943 steel cents are unusual, about 1 billion were made across all three of the mints (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco) represented in your set. This 3-piece set is worth about $1 to $1.50. Very cool and historic coins, as they were made from steel to help ration copper for World War II ammunitions.
      
      The Admiral Gardner Cash coin is another great piece. As the card explains, the coins went down on a ship. While these coins are also relatively common, they are historic in that they are two centuries old and represent the British East India Company, which was established in 1600. Your coin is worth somewhere around $10 and $20.
      
      These are really great coins, Charlotte. Hang on to them as they are fantastic historic relics.
      
      All my best,
      Josh
      
      Reply
      1. Charlotte Rae Martin
        
        November 1, 2016
        
        Thank you, Josh
  2. Charlotte Rae Martin
    
    October 29, 2016
    
    Sorry it took me so long I was having a problem trying to down load them to my computer.
    
    Reply
Nan

January 26, 2020

We have a James K. Polk dollar coin that have 2000 on the side. Is this a misprint?

Reply
1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  January 26, 2020
  
  Hi, Nan —
  
  Would you please post a photo here so I can help further?
  
  Thanks!
  Josh
  
  Reply
Michael Silva

April 16, 2020

I have a Jame K Polk Gold dollar coin with the usual features but there is no minted date on it anywhere. is it worth anything.

Reply
1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  April 17, 2020
  
  Hi, Michael —
  
  You don’t even see the date on the coin’s edge, where it is normally inscribed on Polk dollars? Is the edge of your coin plain?
  
  Thanks for reaching out,
  -Josh
  
  Reply
Michael Silva

April 17, 2020

I see something written but I need a magnifying glass to see it. It isn’t raised like a normal minted coin.

Reply
1. JoshuaTheFunTimesGuide
  
  April 18, 2020
  
  Hi, Michael —
  
  Any photos of this that you could kindly provide here would allow me to help you further!
  
  Thanks,
  Josh
  
  Reply
Michael Silva

April 18, 2020

the website won’t let me upload a photo. It keeps stating I must be logged in even though I already am.

Reply