William Henry Harrison Dollar Coins: Values, Varieties & Collector Info

What presidents are known for? Their speeches, perhaps. William Henry Harrison had one of the longest presidential speeches in American history. His legacy made him worthy enough to get a Presidential Dollar Coin in his name.

Overview of the William Henry Harrison Presidential $1 Coin

The U.S. The Presidential $1 Coin Program (2007–2016) celebrated its 9th issue in 2009 with a William Harrison dollar coin.

William Harrison was a well-liked president during his term. Moreover, he was a national hero who achieved victories at the Battle of Tippecanoe and the Battle of the Thames. Unfortunately, as a president, he didn't live long. His term lasted about a month and ended with Harrioson saying his goodbyes in his office.

Harrison’s coin was in many ways similar to other issues (e.g., James Polk dollar), with a similar composition and mintage:

The 1841 William Harrison dollar coin had on its obverse a totally different design. The reverse was similar, used on all other Presidential dollars (for instance, Millard Fillmore dollar).

The obverse side presents a bust of William Henry Harrison. He was the 9th President of the United States. You will see the inscriptions “WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON” (top), “9th PRESIDENT 1841” (bottom part of the bust), and “IN GOD WE TRUST” (left side). The edge has the text “E PLURIBUS UNUM” as well. 

The reverse shows the Statue of Liberty bearing a torch. She is attired in a classical gown and has a crown on her head. You will see the text on the reverse “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” (top edge) and “$1” (bottom).

"The first Presidential Dollar of 2009 and the ninth coin in the series was released into circulation on Thursday, February 19, 2009. Coins received for certification by February 20 were eligible for the designation FIRST DAY OF ISSUE."
— United States Mint
Official Website 

1841-Dated William Henry Harrison Coin Varieties and Market Value

Back in 1841, there were coins dedicated to Harrison. Technically, those were medals, issued in 1840 and 1841 to celebrate his becoming the president. These old bits were small and brass-made, but the age and exclusivity made them relatively valuable. Most examples are valued at over $70.

What varieties does the modern 1841 William Henry Harrison dollar have? Even though it has a date “1841” in the name, it refers to his presidential term date, not the actual mining date (which is 2009).

As with any other coin in the series, Harrison's dollar was produced in three mints:

• Philadelphia State Mint: produced bits with a “P” mint mark for circulation.

• Denver State Mint: produced bits with a “D” mint mark for circulation.

• San Francisco State Mint: produced bits with an “S” mint mark for collectors. This variety is also called “proof” and would commonly feature bits with finer details.

Most Denver and Philadelphia pieces go for face value. The San Francisco variety is more valuable.

The final, “extra” variety is errors. It’s a whole class of various mishaps. William Henry Harrison dollar coin errors are extremely rare, but also exceptionally valuable:

• Missing edge lettering: A common error when edge inscriptions (year, mint mark, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”) are partially or completely absent.

• Inverted/rotated edge lettering: The edge lettering is upside-down or rotated from its normal orientation. A bit more uncommon.

• Off-center strikes: The coin’s portrait or reverse is not centered. 

• Broadstrikes: The coin expands outside the normal collar during striking. It has a "pancake" like appearance. 

• Clipped planchets: A part of the coin is missing due to a miscut. It looks like something too a “ite” off the edge.

• Die cracks / die chips: Small raised lines or blobs appear on the coin caused by a cracked die.

• Die doubling: Some of the lettering or design elements are doubled due to die misalignment. Exceptionally rare and rarely reported on presidential dollars.

Most of these errors are worth at least $50. If the error was certified (i.e., proved) by a third party like NGC or PGC, the actual price goes over the $100 mark.

Value Ranges for Harrison Dollar Coins (Circulated & Uncirculated)

While errors are valuable, each is a different case, and it’s next to impossible to structure each error in one neat value table.

As for the "normal" coins with no errors, it’s easy to assist in their value ranges. The single biggest price driver is grade. A Harrison dollar in circulation is worth face value, but uncirculated editions are worth at least twice as much.

Here are the general William Henry Harrison 1841 dollar coin values:

Even if circulated, Harrison dollars are a valuable addition to your collection. These coins are commemorative, so the 1841 William Harrison dollar coin value is intrinsically symbolic. Perhaps, in a few decades, when Harrison has a new anniversary, these bits will make a comeback, more valuable than ever.