Numismatic

2009-P James Polk Presidential Dollar BU

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In 2009, the United States Mint continued its educational Presidential Dollar series with a coin honoring the nation's eleventh president, James K. Polk. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this modern dollar coin presents a detailed portrait of Polk on the obverse, accompanied by inscriptions of his name, his years in office from 1845 to 1849, and the national motto. The reverse of the coin showcases a powerful depiction of the Statue of Liberty, a design element shared across the series. This side also features the denomination of one dollar and the name of the issuing nation. Unlike traditional coins with flat rims, this piece utilizes edge lettering to display its mint mark and other inscriptions, keeping the main faces clean and focused on the artwork. Measuring 26.5 millimeters in diameter and weighing 8.1 grams, the coin is composed of a unique alloy containing 88.5 percent copper, with zinc, manganese, and nickel completing the blend. This specific metal composition gives the coin its distinctive golden appearance. Part of a larger program launched in 2007 to celebrate past American leaders, this brilliant uncirculated dollar remains a fascinating study in modern circulating commemorative design.