Key Takeaways
🔑 The John Tyler Presidential $1 Coin series honors the 10th president and features his portrait on the obverse.
🔑 Coin grading, mintage figures, errors/varieties largely determine a Tyler dollar’s value, with uncirculated examples fetching higher premiums.
🔑 Most regular issue Tyler dollars in typical uncirculated condition are worth $3-$6, but rare varieties can trade for much more.
🔑 Smart collecting practices like third-party grading, proper storage, and buying/selling knowledge are crucial.
An Intriguing Chapter in Presidential Dollar History
In the grand story of American coinage, few chapters are as intriguing as the John Tyler Presidential Dollar series. Minted from 2009 through 2016, these golden dollars not only immortalized the 10th president’s legacy in coinage, but opened a fresh new narrative in the realm of modern numismatics.
As you gaze upon the sun-kissed Sacagawea dollar reverse design by Glenna Goodacre, you can almost envision Tyler, the “Accidental President,” rising to the highest office after William Henry Harrison’s untimely passing. It’s a tale as rich and complex as the very coins it’s minted upon.
But today, we’re not just admiring the artistic heritage of these coins – we’re going to dive deep into what truly makes them valuable. So let’s turn the page and unravel the factors that influence the worth of John Tyler dollars, and maybe even stumble upon a few buried treasures along the way.
What Makes the Liberty Dollar Valuable?
Coin Composition and Specifications
Before we explore their value, let’s first understand what composes a Tyler Presidential dollar. These coins:
- Are struck from a brass clad composition of 88.5% copper, 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, and 2% nickel
- Weigh 8.1 grams
- Measure 26.5 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in thickness
- Feature edge inscriptions of the date, mint mark (if applicable) and mottoes “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust”
These specifications were consistent across all Presidential dollars from 2007-2016, with the primary variable being the different president’s obverse portrait and corresponding mintage figures.
Mintage Figures Matter
Mintage, or the number of coins struck for circulation each year, is a major factor influencing long-term value and pricing. The lower the mintage, the scarcer and more valuable that particular coin generally becomes over time.
For the John Tyler dollar series:
2009 Mintages
- 2009 P (Philadelphia) – 192,600,000 minted
- 2009 D (Denver) – 233,400,000 minted
- 2009 S Proof (San Francisco) – 1,176,414 minted
With over 400 million business strikes produced across the P and D mints that year, the 2009 Tyler dollars are relatively common in circulated and Mint State grades – keeping prices low.
The key here is the smaller 1.17 million proof mintage. These laser-frosted Cameo coins with pristine Deep Mirror fields command a premium for their exquisite beauty and rarity compared to regular strikes.
| Coin | Grade | TPG Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 P | MS 65 | $3-$5 |
| 2009 D | MS 65 | $3-$5 |
| 2009 S Proof | PR 65 DCAM | $4-$6 |
Pro Tip: While mintages can hint at a coin’s potential scarcity, be sure to cross-reference with third-party population data from top grading companies like NGC and PCGS to gauge true rarity.
Errors, Varieties & Missing Edge Lettering = Premium Prices
For avid collectors, some of the most coveted Tyler dollars are the rare varieties and error coins that slipped through quality control. These can fetch hefty premiums if authenticated and graded by a reputable third-party service.
One of the most valuable Tyler Presidential dollar errors is the missing edge lettering variety. These coins lack the proper edge inscriptions of the date, mintmarks and mottoes – and are considered majer errors.
A PCGS MS 65 2009-P Missing Edge Lettering John Tyler dollar sold for $759 at a 2020 Heritage auction! And that’s just in gem brilliant uncirculated condition. Examples in higher MS 66/67 grades with superior surface preservation can easily approach $1,000+.
Other errors like off-center, doubled die, and clashed planchet strikes are avidly sought after as well when they occur on Presidential dollars. Their oftentimes dramatic visual impact combined with rarity ramps up collectors’ demand.
A 2009-P $1 John Tyler Presidential dollar graded MS 65 by PCGS with the rare and valuable missing edge lettering error variety.
Grading Condition is Paramount for Value
We’ve hinted at it, but now let’s make it crystal clear: a coin’s certified grade is the absolute biggest factor determining its market value. Two identical John Tyler dollars with the same specifications could be worlds apart in price simply based on their differing condition.
Let’s take a closer look at the two primary grading scales in use – and what each grade really means.
The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale for Uncirculated (Mint State) Coins
This 0-70 point scale is used to grade coins that never circulated and were kept in pristine condition since leaving the mint’s presses. Key grades:
- MS 60-62Â – While still uncirculated, surfaces show scattered marks, hairlines and other hits. Low-end uncirculated quality.
- MS 63-64Â – Cleaner surfaces with only some minor marks, good overall luster. Many John Tyler dollars in this range.
- MS 65Â – Sharply-struck with attractive luster and essentially mark-free surfaces when viewed naked eye. The “gem” grade.
- MS 66-67Â – Virtually pristine, exceptional luster and eye appeal. Very few marks even under magnification.
- MS 68+Â – The highest grades are reserved for truly flawless, superb examples that approach perfection.
Pro Tip: A single numerical point on the Mint State scale can mean a significant jump in price – especially at the higher gem levels where coins get exponentially rarer and more valuable.
The Sheldon Scale for Circulated (Proof) Coins
Used for grading deeply-mirrored Proof coinage, this scale prioritizes cameo contrast and absence of hairlines. Main grades:
- PR 60 PFÂ – Proof surfaces dull, lacking crisp details and cameo contrast.
- PR 63+ Cameo – Moderate cameo frost on devices with contrasting mirror fields.
- PR 65 DCAM/Deep Cameo – Gorgeous deeply-mirrored fields with thick frost on raised elements. John Tyler dollars often peak here.
- PR 67+ Ultra Cameo – Nearly perfect contrast between pristine mirror fields and thick frosted devices.
Similar to the Mint State scale, a single point up in Proof grade correlates to a hefty premium since each level up is exponentially rarer.
Anatomy of a Certified, Graded John Tyler Dollar
Keeping in mind how dramatically final grades affect the value of a coin, it’s crucial to know what top grading services like PCGS and NGC are evaluating:
PCGS-graded 2009-P $1 John Tyler Presidential dollar encapsulated in its secure holder.
Obverse: John Tyler’s profile portrait by United States Mint sculptor Norman E. Buck. Careful scrutiny for any defects, hairlines or contact marks in the fields/devices.
Reverse:
*Glenna Goodacre’s iconic soaring eagle design reverse with inscriptions “United States of America” and the denomination “$1”. Graders closely examine lustre quality, cameo frost/contrast (for Proofs), any distracting bagmarks or hairlines.
Edge Lettering: The all-important date, mintmark, and dual mottoes “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust” must be boldly struck and complete for maximum grade.
Eye Appeal: An often underrated factor, the coin’s overall eye appeal and aesthetic beauty plays a key role in pushing a grade into the highest Gem/Ultra Cameo tiers.
Beyond the technical aspects like strike, surface preservation and lustre, graders must also factor in any obtrusive toning, clouding or spotting that detracts from the coin’s eye appeal and originality.
With a keen understanding of what truly constitutes an MS 65, PR 65 or higher grade, we can now better appreciate just how superior these coins are – and why they command the highest premiums in the Tyler dollar market.
Beyond the Basics: Novelty Angles on John Tyler Dollars
Now that we’ve covered the core fundamentals influencing Tyler dollar values, it’s time to get creative and uncover some fresh, insightful angles that breathe new life into this topic. After all, what fun is coin collecting without the occasional surprise treasure hunt?
Why Third-Party Grading Adds Huge Value
While we touched on coin grading basics earlier, the real hidden story lies in the “third-party” aspect – and the vital role these impartial experts play.
You see, having an independent company like PCGS or NGC certify and seal your coins not only establishes bullet-proof authenticity and grade standards – it exponentially boosts their liquidity and resale value in the marketplace.
These days, virtually all serious collectors and dealers only buy and trade coins certified by the “Big Two” – PCGS and NGC, the preeminent names in the industry. Their trademark tamper-evident holders and strict quality control protocols are universally trusted and recognized worldwide.
Case in point: that MS 65 2009-P Tyler dollar we mentioned earlier with the missing edge lettering error variety? It garnered a lofty $759 auction price precisely because it was certified and graded by PCGS, lending it instant credibility.
An identical raw, ungraded error coin would likely sell for far, far less since buyers have no way to verify authenticity or grade without opening themselves up to potential forgeries and overgraded coins.
So while grading costs add up, having those four sacred letters “PCGS” or “NGC” on the insert label could mean the difference between a bargain sale and top dollar down the road. Food for thought for any Tyler dollar collector!
Creative Ways to Store & Protect Your Coins
OK, so you’ve invested wisely in certified, graded Tyler dollars – now what? Proper storage and handling is critical to maintaining your coins’ peak condition and preventing any devaluing surface damage.
Sure, you could simply toss those PCGS and NGC holders into a closet and call it a day. But why settle for dull and boring when you could showcase your numismatic treasures in a way fit for the White House?
Options for the creative collector abound, from elegant wood cabinets with lush glass panes to cutting-edge modern holders with UV protection. Feeling extra presidential? Spring for a replica Oval Office desk and display your Tyler dollars in a miniature Perspex vitrine.
The possibilities are endless – and making a grand presentation is half the fun! Just remember to keep those coins a respectable distance away from any open flames. We’re guessing President Tyler wouldn’t approve of prematurely melting his own currency.
Buy Smart, Sell Smart – Expert Collecting Advice
As with any collectible asset like rare coins, smart acquisitions and well-timed exits are crucial to growing your holdings’ value over time. This applies just as much to the John Tyler Presidential dollar series.
On the buying front, always seek the best possible value. Look for reputable dealers offering certified Tyler dollars at or below the latest Greysheet/CPG pricing data. Online auctions hosted by trusted companies like GreatCollections are prime hunting grounds as well.
When pruning or liquidating your collection, having those PCGS/NGC-graded coins gives you a major advantage. Not only will you avoid the constant haggling over authenticity and grade, but their universal liquidity means you can easily advertise or consign them through major national outlets.
Auction houses like GreatCollections and Heritage will gladly accept quality-graded material from collectors. Selling direct to dealers or at local coin shows is another option, with less overhead/fees but generally lower sale prices unless your coins are genuine six-figure rarities.
Whatever your exit strategy, the key is leveraging your certified coins’ rock-solid authenticity and value to maximize sale proceeds. And who knows – maybe you’ll even uncover the next million dollar John Tyler variety in the process!
The Legacy Lives On: A Collector’s Tale
As we approach the conclusion of our grand Tyler dollar voyage, it’s clear these coins hold multitudes of value beyond just their metallic worth. They’re miniature monuments celebrating a defiant patriot who ascended to the presidency under the most tragic of circumstances.
Perhaps that’s why I find myself drawn again and again to my cherished 2009 John Tyler Proof dollar, safely encapsulated in its iconic PCGS holder. Staring deep into those mirror-like fields, I can’t help but see faint reflections of a resilient leader overcoming political adversity with courage and resolve.
Then my focus shifts to those softly-frosted portrait and eagle designs, and I’m admiring the immaculate craftsmanship and artistry poured into each high relief detail. The undeniable allure of Proof coinage in its purest form.
Of course, my heart also flutters a bit when I recall tracking down this stunning PR 65 DCAM specimen at a local coin show for just $6 over melt value. The same example featured in the latest CPG price guide at $45 retail!
Ah, yes – the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of a wise purchase, the joys of building a collection with insight and strategy. THAT is the true wealth of numismatics, my friend. The John Tyler dollars are simply masterpieces playing their part in a much grander unfolding drama.
In Conclusion – Determining the Value of John Tyler Dollars
To understand what makes these coins valuable, we’ve explored virtually every facet that gives them worth beyond just cold metallic value:
- Mintage rarity, especially for low-mintage Proof issues
- Premium prices for certified, third-party graded examples
- Hefty premiums for errors like missing edge lettering varieties
- Impact of strict grading standards and earning a prized “Gem” grade
- Creative ways to protect, display and responsibly sell your coins
Yet through it all, we’ve also seen how these golden dollars represent far more than just pretty steppingstones in a endless parade of Presidential portraits. These coins allow us to forge deeper personal connections with history itself. To peer back into the struggles, victories and indomitable spirit of an era.
So whether you’re a new collector just discovering President Tyler’s numismatic chapter, or a seasoned veteran still chasing that elusive missing edge letter variety – revel in the journey. After all, it’s not just about the What’s or the How Much’s – but the magic of experiencing history one glimmering coin at a time.