Surprising Value of 2009 Lincoln Penny Bicentennial Cents
Surprising Value of 2009 Lincoln Penny Bicentennial Cents
Discover the hidden value in these commemorative coins and learn how to identify valuable error varieties
Quick Value Summary
2009 Lincoln pennies in high Mint State grades are worth about $15. Coins in the most pristine condition and error coins can be worth over $100.
In 2009, the United States Mint marked the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth with a four-coin series of circulating commemorative cents. Known as the "Lincoln Bicentennial" series, the program consisted of four different reverse designs marking major milestones in Lincoln's life. Even today, you can often still find these one-cent coins in your spare change.
By far the most valuable Bicentennial cents are error coins, also called "mint errors." The combined total mintage numbers of all four designs from both the Philadelphia Mint and Denver Mint was more than 2.3 billion coins. Combined with the fact that many millions of Lincoln Bicentennial cents were saved by the public, it is small wonder that they are so seldom seen in circulation.
That hoarding also explains why a Lincoln Bicentennial cent is not worth much more than face value in any grade less than MS65. Understanding current precious metals markets can help collectors appreciate how coin values fluctuate with market conditions, much like these commemorative pennies.
Table of Contents
2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Cent Value Chart
Grading Matters
The coin's condition will greatly determine its value. Uncirculated coins in mint condition (mint state) will always be worth more than those with lower grades. Proof coins are oftentimes more desirable than regular coins, as well. A certified 2009 Lincoln cent grading MS65 often sells for around $15, with prices escalating to around $100 for a MS67.
Prices below are quoted from NGC Coin Explorer for coins designated "Red" (RD) in the finest known grade. Values for coins designated "Red-Brown" (RB) or "Brown" (B) will typically be lower. For proofs, coins with the "Ultra Cameo" designation tend to garner higher prices.
| Coin Variety | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-P Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky | $30 | MS67 |
| 2009-P Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (Satin Finish) | $60 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky | $30 | MS67 |
| 2009-D Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (Satin Finish) | $50 | MS69 |
| 2009-S Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (Proof) | $45 | PF70 (Cameo) |
| 2009-P Formative Years in Indiana | $25 | MS67 |
| 2009-P Formative Years in Indiana (Satin Finish) | $50 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Formative Years in Indiana | $25 | MS67 |
| 2009-D Formative Years in Indiana (Satin Finish) | $65 | MS69 |
| 2009-S Formative Years in Indiana (Proof) | $15 | PF69 (Cameo) |
| 2009-P Professional Life in Illinois | $35 | MS67 |
| 2009-P Professional Life in Illinois (Satin Finish) | $30 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Professional Life in Illinois | $35 | MS67 |
| 2009-D Professional Life in Illinois (Satin Finish) | $40 | MS69 |
| 2009-S Professional Life in Illinois (Proof) | $85 | PF70 (Cameo) |
| 2009-P Presidency in Washington, D.C. | $35 | MS67 |
| 2009-P Presidency in Washington, D.C. (Satin Finish) | $100 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Presidency in Washington, D.C. | $2,500 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Presidency in Washington, D.C. (Satin Finish) | $90 | MS69 |
| 2009-S Presidency in Washington, D.C. (Proof) | $75 | PF70 (Ultra Cameo) |
2009 Lincoln Cent Errors and Varieties
There are many instances of errors on the different 2009 Lincoln cent mintages, but the supply of most of them is greater than collector demand. PCGS only recognizes one set of varieties—the die doubling on Lincoln's hand on the "Formative Years" design. Nonetheless, the error coins described below can often garner hundreds of dollars from collectors, making them valuable additions alongside traditional precious metals investments.
Errors on "Birthplace in Kentucky" 2009 Lincoln Cents
- Look for die doubling on the ends of the logs in the front left corner of the log cabin
- The doubling will generally affect only two or three logs
- These logs can be in different places
- Sometimes the E in ONE and the C in CENT are doubled
Errors on "Formative Years" 2009 Lincoln Cents
The doubled die errors on the "Formative Years" 2009 Lincoln cent are the most visible and dramatic errors of the series. These varieties involve doubled fingers or thumbs. This is the only series of 2009 Lincoln cent varieties recognized by PCGS, which lists eight different doubled die reverses.
- Most visible and dramatic errors of the series
- Eight different doubled die reverses recognized by PCGS
- Similar visibility to the "extra corn leaf" doubled die Wisconsin quarters
- Features doubled fingers or thumbs on Lincoln
Errors on "Professional Life" 2009 Lincoln Cents
- Die errors concentrated on the third upstairs window to the left
- Filled-in window panes are common
- Doubled window sills frequently found
Errors on "Presidency" 2009 Lincoln Cents
- Doubled die reverses most often on upper and lower window panes
- Some DDRs appear on the front door of the Capitol
- Nearby windows also show doubling varieties
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Designs
The front design (obverse side) for Lincoln pennies remained the same in 2009, using the original design by sculptor Victor David Brenner. The difference with the new commemorative coins was the 2009 Lincoln penny back designs (reverse) that depicted different periods in Lincoln's life, replacing the Lincoln Memorial design used from 1959 to 2008.
1. Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky
Released: February 12, 2009 (Lincoln's 200th birthday) in Hodgenville, KY
The log cabin scene on the reverse was designed by Richard Masters, and sculpted by Jim Licaretz. This design is sometimes called the "log cabin penny."
Philadelphia (P): 284,400,000
Denver (D): 350,400,000
2. Formative Years in Indiana
Released: May 14, 2009 in Lincoln City, IN
The depiction of the young "railsplitter" Lincoln was designed and sculpted by Charles L. Vickers. This design portrayed a young adult Lincoln taking a break from rail splitting and studying with a book, reflecting how Lincoln was largely self-taught as a young man.
Philadelphia (P): 376,000,000
Denver (D): 363,600,000
3. Professional Life in Illinois
Released: August 13, 2009 in Springfield, IL
This depiction of Lincoln as lawyer and statesman standing in front of the Illinois state capitol building was designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart. Lincoln worked as a lawyer in Springfield and served in the state Legislature.
Philadelphia (P): 316,000,000
Denver (D): 336,000,000
4. Presidency in Washington DC
Released: November 12, 2009 in Washington, DC
This reverse was designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Joseph Menna. It shows the United States Capitol building while under construction, as it appeared on the day of Lincoln's first inauguration. This scene invokes Lincoln's determination to rebuild the nation from the "house divided" caused by the Civil War.
Philadelphia (P): 129,600,000
Denver (D): 198,000,000
2009 Proof and Satin Finish Lincoln Cents
2009 Proof Lincoln Cents
There were 2,995,615 Proof Sets made in 2009. The proof 2009 Lincoln cent designs were struck with a mirror finish in the fields with frosted features. They were struck on solid 95% copper bronze planchets, just like the original 1909 Lincoln cent—the first time Lincoln cents had been made of copper since 1982.
Proof Set Contents
The proof 2009-S Lincoln cents were only available in the 18-coin 2009 Proof Set, made at the San Francisco Mint. In addition to the four proof 2009 Lincoln cents, each set contained four proof Presidential dollar coins, one proof Sacagawea dollar coin, six proof State quarter designs, one proof dime, one proof nickel, and one proof Kennedy half dollar.
2009 Satin Finish Lincoln Cents
784,614 Uncirculated mint sets were produced in 2009. The satin-finish 2009 Lincoln cents were only issued as part of the 2009 Uncirculated coin sets. These sets used special burnished dies and a special strike to give a satin finish to the fields on each coin.
The 2009 Uncirculated coin set comprised 36 coins, double the number in the Proof sets. These sets featured all 18 coin designs and denominations issued in 2009 for both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.
Collecting Tips and Investment Strategies
Modern Shield Design
After the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial celebrations were done, the cent returned with a new permanent reverse. Building on the sentiment conjured by the 2009 designs, the new "Union Shield" Lincoln cent harkens to a patriotic, reunited Union after the Civil War.
Understanding coin values in relation to broader precious metals markets can enhance your collecting strategy. While silver prices and other precious metals fluctuate daily, collectible coins like these 2009 Lincoln cents maintain value based on rarity, condition, and historical significance.
Key Collecting Points
- Focus on high-grade examples (MS65 and above) for best value retention
- Error varieties offer the highest potential returns
- Proof and satin finish coins command premium prices
- Complete sets of all four designs are popular with collectors
- Professional grading adds authenticity and value
For collectors interested in diversifying beyond coins, consider exploring silver bullion investments as a complement to numismatic holdings. Both collectible coins and precious metals can play important roles in a well-rounded investment portfolio.
Authentication Advice
Given the potential value of error varieties, professional authentication through services like PCGS or NGC is recommended for any suspected error coins. The cost of grading is often worth the peace of mind and potential value enhancement.