In the fascinating world of coin collecting, few pieces capture the imagination quite like the 1841 William Henry Harrison dollar coin. This modern commemorative issue offers collectors a unique blend of historical significance and numismatic intrigue. Let's embark on an in-depth exploration of this coin's story, value, and place in American numismatics.
The Presidential Dollar Series: A Modern Tribute to America's Leaders
The William Henry Harrison dollar is a key component of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, an ambitious initiative launched by the United States Mint in 2007. This series aimed to honor every deceased U.S. president, with a new coin released quarterly until its conclusion in 2016.
Key Facts About the Harrison Dollar:
- Issued in 2009
- 9th coin in the Presidential $1 Coin Series
- Commemorates William Henry Harrison, 9th U.S. President
- "1841" on the coin refers to Harrison's year in office, not the minting date
Design Elements and Specifications
The Harrison dollar boasts a distinctive design that sets it apart from traditional U.S. coinage, adhering to the uniform style of the Presidential series.
Obverse Design:
- Portrait of William Henry Harrison by Joseph Menna
- Inscriptions: "William Henry Harrison", "In God We Trust", "9th President", "1841"
Reverse Design:
- Statue of Liberty by Don Everhart
- Inscriptions: "United States of America", "$1"
Physical Characteristics:
- Composition: 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel
- Weight: 8.1 grams
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Edge: Lettered with date, mint mark, "E PLURIBUS UNUM", and 13 stars
Mint Marks and Production Variations
The 1841 William Henry Harrison dollar was struck at multiple U.S. Mint facilities, each contributing its unique characteristics to the series:
Philadelphia (P):
- No mint mark on coin face
- Mintage: 55,160,000
- Types: Business strikes and satin finish coins
Denver (D):
- "D" mint mark on edge
- Mintage: 43,260,000
- Types: Business strikes and satin finish coins
San Francisco (S):
- "S" mint mark on edge
- Mintage: 2,810,096
- Type: Proof coins only
Factors Influencing Valuation
Several key elements determine the value of an 1841 William Henry Harrison dollar coin:
- Mint State: Uncirculated coins in pristine condition command premium prices
- Mint Mark: Some variations are scarcer than others
- Edge Lettering Position: Type A (upside-down) or Type B (right-side up)
- Finish: Business strike, satin finish, or proof
- Errors: Coins with minting errors can be highly sought after by specialists
Comprehensive Value Guide
Here's a detailed breakdown of estimated values for different variations, based on recent market data and auction results:
Business Strikes (P and D mints):
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | Face value ($1) |
| MS63 | $3-$5 |
| MS65 | $7-$10 |
| MS67 | $46-$275 (depending on type and mint) |
| MS68 | $1,840+ (auction record for a Type A Philadelphia coin) |
Proof Coins (S mint):
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR60-PR65 | $3-$5 |
| PR69 | $15-$20 |
| PR70 | $30-$40 |
Satin Finish (P and D mints):
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| SP60-SP65 | $3-$5 |
| SP68 | $12-$15 |
| SP69 | $225-$460 (depending on type and mint) |
Notable Errors and Varieties
Errors in the minting process can create rare and valuable variations:
Missing Edge Lettering:
- Value range: $30 (MS63) to $456 (MS69, auction record)
- Estimated frequency: 1 in 50,000 coins
Partial Edge Lettering:
- MS65 example sold for $250 on eBay
- Highly variable in appearance and value
Double Edge Lettering:
- Rare error, with fewer than 10 confirmed examples
- Value range: $500-$2000, depending on grade and clarity of doubling
Collecting Strategies for the Harrison Dollar
For numismatists looking to add the 1841 William Henry Harrison dollar to their collection, consider these approaches:
- Complete Set: Acquire one of each mint and finish type
- High-Grade Hunt: Focus on finding the best possible condition examples
- Error Coin Pursuit: Seek out coins with interesting minting errors
- Type Set: Include this coin as part of a larger Presidential dollar collection
- Historical Context: Pair the coin with other Harrison memorabilia or period items
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The market for modern commemorative coins like the Harrison dollar continues to evolve:
- Steady Collector Demand: Presidential dollars maintain consistent interest among U.S. coin enthusiasts
- Condition Rarity: High-grade examples are becoming increasingly scarce as time passes
- Error Coin Premium: Unique errors continue to command significant premiums, often outpacing standard issues
- Long-Term Potential: As the series ages, overall values may increase, particularly for pristine examples
Expert Tips for Buyers and Sellers
Drawing from years of experience in the U.S. coin market, here are some key recommendations:
For Buyers:
- Authentication: Ensure you're getting a genuine coin, especially for high-value pieces. Consider coins certified by PCGS or NGC.
- Grade Carefully: Look for coins with strong eye appeal and minimal flaws. Learn to spot the difference between MS67 and MS68 grades, as this can significantly impact value.
- Research Prices: Compare recent sales data from major auction houses and online marketplaces to ensure you're paying a fair price.
- Build Relationships: Develop connections with reputable dealers who specialize in modern commemoratives.
For Sellers:
- Professional Grading: Consider having valuable coins certified by PCGS or NGC, especially for high-grade or error examples.
- Choose Your Market: Online marketplaces, coin shows, and dealers all have pros and cons. Understand the fees and audience for each.
- Timing: Monitor market trends to list your coins when demand is high. Presidential birthdays or anniversaries can spark increased interest.
- Provide Context: When selling, include information about the coin's historical significance to attract a broader range of collectors.
Preservation and Care
To maintain the value and appearance of your Harrison dollars:
- Store in non-PVC holders or albums designed for long-term coin storage
- Handle by the edges, wearing cotton gloves if possible to avoid skin oils and fingerprints
- Keep away from extreme temperatures and humidity
- Avoid cleaning, which can damage the coin's surface and significantly reduce its value
- Consider using inert gas capsules for long-term storage of high-grade examples
The Historical Significance of William Henry Harrison
While the coin itself is modern, it commemorates a pivotal moment in American history:
- William Henry Harrison served the shortest presidential term – just 31 days
- His "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" campaign revolutionized presidential politics, introducing new campaign tactics
- His death in office led to the first vice-presidential succession, setting an important constitutional precedent
- Harrison's presidency marked the end of the Jeffersonian era and the beginning of a new phase in American politics
Educational Value and Numismatic Research
The 1841 William Henry Harrison dollar provides an excellent entry point for numismatic education:
- Minting Process: Study the coin to understand modern minting techniques and quality control
- Grading Skills: Practice grading with a relatively affordable modern issue
- Historical Research: Use the coin as a starting point to explore early 19th-century American history
- Market Analysis: Track the coin's value over time to understand numismatic market dynamics
Conclusion: A Bridge Between Past and Present
The 1841 William Henry Harrison dollar coin stands as a fascinating bridge between America's past and its numismatic present. While not a rare coin in most cases, its unique design, minting variations, and potential for valuable errors make it an intriguing addition to any collection.
For the novice collector, the Harrison dollar offers an accessible entry point into the world of modern commemorative coinage. Its relatively low cost for most examples allows collectors to focus on condition and varieties, honing their skills in grading and coin identification.
For the seasoned numismatist, the coin presents opportunities for specialized collecting, whether focusing on high-grade examples, error coins, or building complete sets of the Presidential series.
As we move further from its initial release, the historical significance of this coin may well grow, potentially increasing its value and collectibility. The Harrison dollar serves as a tangible reminder of a brief but impactful presidency, encapsulating a moment in American history within a modern commemorative coin.
Whether you're drawn to its historical connections, intrigued by its minting varieties, or simply appreciate its design, the 1841 William Henry Harrison dollar coin offers something for every collector. It remains a fascinating piece of numismatic Americana, waiting to be discovered and appreciated by generations of coin enthusiasts to come.
