Most of us forget about the ordinary penny, writing it off as worthless pocket change. But suppose the little copper coin in your pocket is more than you think it is? If you’ve found a 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny, you could be holding a keepsake worth far more than its penny face value.
The United States Mint produced four special series of the Lincoln penny in 2009 to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday. The Lincoln Bicentennial Cents not only honor one of America’s finest presidents, but they have also received a lot of notice from collectors for their historic significance, distinct designs, and unexpected worth in the coin collector market.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating story behind the 2009 Lincoln pennies, what makes them collectible, the different designs, and how much they could be worth today.
Why 2009 Was a Special Year for the Lincoln Penny
The year 2009 marked the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth (1809–2009) and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent itself, first introduced in 1909. To commemorate this milestone, the United States Mint launched a four-coin series that showcases the different phases of Lincoln’s life.
The outcome was an unprecedented departure from the familiar Lincoln Memorial design that had adorned the reverse of the penny since 1959. All four reverses for 2009 featured a distinctive step in Lincoln’s life, tracing his path from a modest log cabin to the White House.
The Four 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Designs
All 2009 pennies bore the traditional Abraham Lincoln bust on the obverse (front), but the reverse (rear) bore a unique image symbolizing a chapter in his life:
1. Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (1809–1816)
Design: A plain log cabin symbolizing Lincoln’s early life in Hardin County, Kentucky.
Designer: Richard Masters
Sculptor: Jim Licaretz
2. Formative Years in Indiana (1816–1830)
Design: Young Abraham Lincoln reading a book during a break from splitting logs.
Designer: Charles Vickers
3. Career in Illinois (1830–1861)
Design: Illustrates Lincoln in front of the Illinois State Capitol, representing his life as a lawyer and legislator.
Designer: Joel Iskowitz
4. Presidency in Washington, D.C. (1861–1865)
Design: Illustrates the half-complete U.S. Capitol dome, representing a still-unfolding country under Lincoln’s presidency.
Designer: Susan Gamble
These designs were a one-time-only issue, so they became inherently more collectible than regular pennies.
Types of 2009 Lincoln Pennies
There are two main types of 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial cents, depending upon where and how they were produced:
1. Circulation Strike Pennies (Copper-Plated Zinc)
- These were the coins produced for circulation.
- Made up of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper plating.
- Produced at Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark).
2. Collector Versions (Copper Coins)
- These were specifically produced for collector sets such as the 2009 Proof Sets and Mint Sets.
- Produced from the original 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc alloy used before 1982.
- Struck in San Francisco (S mint mark) and in proof and satin finishes.
- The collector’s versions are particularly precious because of their composition, finish, and limited availability.
Mint Marks and Their Meanings
Knowing the mint marks on your coin can determine its value and rarity:
- No mint mark = Philadelphia Mint
- D = Denver Mint
- S = San Francisco Mint (proof coins only)
- Look just below the year “2009” on the obverse to find the mint mark.
Why Are These Pennies More Valuable?
These are fairly new coins, yet a combination of factors makes them unexpectedly valuable:
1. Limited Mintage
These were only minted for a year, and though millions were produced, it is harder to find uncirculated or high-grade ones now.
2. Distinctive Designs
The uniqueness of each design being made only once in the history of the United States makes them extremely valuable for collection.
3. Metal Content
The 95% copper content of the collector’s editions gives them intrinsic value, particularly now that copper prices have increased.
4. Condition and Scarcity
Coins in Mint State (MS-67 or better) or with proof-like characteristics can be very valuable.
5. Error Coins
A few 2009 Lincoln cents have die cracks, doubling errors, or planchet defects, which can greatly enhance their value.
Current Market Value of 2009 Lincoln Pennies
The following is a general breakdown of their market value (as of 2025), by condition and type:
- Type of Penny\tCondition\tEstimated Value
- Circulated Zinc (any design)\tAverage\t$0.01–$0.10
- Uncirculated Zinc\tMS-65+\t$1–$5
- Copper Satin Finish\tMS-67+\t$10–$25
- Copper Proof (S mint mark) PR-69 DCAM $15–$50
- Error Coins (e.g., doubled die) Varies $100–$500+
Note: Prices may vary based on rarity, market demand, and buyer demand.
How to Identify Worthwhile 2009 Lincoln Pennies
If you are going through your coin collection or jar, here’s how to spot potentially valuable 2009 pennies:
✅ Step 1: Check the Reverse Design
Determine which of the four Bicentennial designs the coin has.
✅ Step 2: Check the Mint Mark
Identify where the coin was made (D, S, or none).
✅ Step 3: Examine the Surface of the Coin
Examine with a magnifying glass for:
- Shiny, smooth surfaces (shows uncirculated state)
- Doubling in letters or digits
- Die cracks or other unexplainable marks
✅ Step 4: Measure the Weight of the Coin
A zinc coin should weigh around 2.5 grams.
- A copper coin should weigh around 3.1 grams.
- This can help determine if it’s the collector’s edition.
✅ Step 5: Obtain Professional Grading
For scarce or mint state coins, get to a grading company such as PCGS or NGC to obtain a certified grade and verification.
Collecting Tips for Lincoln Bicentennial Cents
- Want to begin or add to a penny collection? Consider the following few tips:
- Collect all four models to finish the Bicentennial set.
- Store coins in slabs or protective holders to avoid wear.
- Concentrate on high-grade coins—they hold and appreciate better.
- Search for error varieties and special mintages.
- Think of investing in proof or uncirculated collections from the U.S. Mint.
Where to Buy or Sell 2009 Lincoln Pennies
Buy:
- eBay and online coin stores
- Local coin shops or coin shows
- U.S. Mint’s official records or resellers
Sell:
- Online auction platforms (with photos and grading)
- Coin dealers and appraisal facilities
- Coin conventions or collector’s clubs
- Always authenticate the buyer’s credentials and shop around for the best offer.
Fun Facts About the 2009 Bicentennial Pennies
The Lincoln Bicentennial Penny series was discontinued in 2010 by the Lincoln Shield reverse, which has been the design to use ever since.
The U.S. Mint made more than 2 billion of these pennies—but mint- or error-quality versions are still hard to come by.
Some 2009 penny errors have commanded hundreds of dollars at auction!
Final Thoughts
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Coins are both a tribute to America’s 16th president and a coin collector’s treasure hunt. Though they can appear to be run-of-the-mill pocket change at first glance, their historical value, distinctive designs, and secret rarities have made them surprisingly worth a lot in the current market.
So the next time you find yourself with a 2009 penny, take a closer look—you may be in possession of more than just a cent. It might be a bit of history—and a lucrative one at that.