Some 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial pennies are worth up to $725 — Here’s how to identify them
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial penny series includes rare variants that collectors highly value. Some have been sold for up to $725 due to minting errors and pristine conditions. Here’s how to check if you have one.
In 2009, the U.S. Mint released a special series of one-cent coins to commemorate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. These coins, known as the Lincoln Bicentennial Cents, feature four different reverse designs, each depicting a key stage in Lincoln’s life.
While most of these pennies hold their nominal value, certain rare variants and well-preserved specimens can fetch significant amounts in the collector’s market. Some have even been sold for up to $725 at auctions, making them highly sought after among numismatists.
2009 Lincoln Penny Value and Designs ($850 Penny?). Photo: SD Bullion.
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The four 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial penny designs
- Birth and Early Childhood (Kentucky): Features a log cabin, symbolizing Lincoln’s humble beginnings.
- Formative Years (Indiana): Depicts young Lincoln reading a book while taking a break from splitting logs, highlighting his self-education.
- Professional Life (Illinois): Shows Lincoln standing before the Illinois State Capitol, representing his political career.
- Presidency (Washington, D.C.): Displays the U.S. Capitol is under construction, symbolizing the nation's development during his leadership.
The value of these coins depends on factors such as rarity, condition and demand among collectors. Uncirculated coins or those with minting errors are particularly valuable. For instance, some 2009 pennies with doubled dies or other striking anomalies have reached high auction prices. This flaw occurs when the coin is struck repeatedly during minting, causing slight duplication in certain areas of the design. Depending on the degree of error and the state of preservation, these coins can be priced between US$300 and US$750.
How to identify a valuable 2009 penny?
To determine if your 2009 Lincoln penny is worth more than one cent, examine its condition. Coins with sharp details, no signs of wear and potential minting errors stand a better chance of being valuable. Consulting coin appraisal guides or professional numismatists can help assess their true worth.
While most 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial pennies remain common, rare specimens in exceptional condition can be worth hundreds of dollars. If you happen to own one, getting it evaluated might reveal its hidden value in today’s market. Some coins in this series have manufacturing errors that make them even more coveted among collectors. One of the best known is on the ‘formative years in Indiana’ version, where a double die error creates the appearance of a second thumb on Lincoln's hand while holding a book, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).