The Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009 was created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, honoring one of the most influential figures in American history.
This special coin series replaced the long-running Lincoln Memorial Cent and featured four unique designs representing key moments in Lincoln’s life.
With historical significance, collectible appeal, and unique minting details, these coins have become a favorite among collectors.
Key Highlights of the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birth anniversary |
| Mint Locations | Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco |
| Coin Designs | Birthplace, Formative Years, Professional Life, Presidency |
| Metal Composition | Zinc-plated copper (circulation); 95% copper (collector sets) |
| Weight | 2.50 g (zinc), 3.11 g (copper) |
| Mintage | High: 376 million (Formative Years); Low: 129.6 million (Presidency) |
| Proof Editions | 2.99 million in copper alloy |
| Edge | Smooth, plain |
The Four Designs of the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent
Each of the four reverse designs tells the story of a significant chapter in Lincoln’s life:
1. Birth and Early Childhood (1809-1816)
The first design features a log cabin, symbolizing Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky and his humble beginnings. Created by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz, this design highlights Lincoln’s simple yet formative early years.
2. Formative Years in Indiana (1816-1830)
This design shows a young Lincoln reading while holding a tool, representing his love for learning and his hardworking nature. Designed by Charles Vickers, it reflects Lincoln’s determination to educate himself while growing up in Indiana.
3. Professional Life in Illinois (1830-1861)
This coin portrays Lincoln standing before the Illinois State Capitol, marking his rise as a lawyer and politician. Designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart, it captures the beginning of Lincoln’s political career and leadership.
4. Presidency in Washington, D.C. (1861-1865)
The final design by Susan Gamble depicts the unfinished U.S. Capitol, symbolizing the challenges Lincoln faced as president during the Civil War. It represents his efforts to keep the Union together, which ultimately cost him his life.
What Makes the 2009 Lincoln Cents Unique?
Obverse Design
All four coins feature Lincoln’s profile, designed by Victor D. Brenner, which has been on U.S. pennies since 1909.
Special Collector’s Editions
In addition to regular circulation coins, the U.S. Mint also released Proof and Uncirculated copper versions, similar to the pre-1982 cents that were made primarily of copper.
Lower Mintage & Scarcity
The Great Recession significantly affected the production and distribution of the 2009 Lincoln cents. The Presidency design had the lowest mintage, making it harder to find and more valuable to collectors.
Challenges in Distribution
Although these coins were meant to circulate widely, many were distributed to U.S. territories, making them difficult for collectors to find in the mainland United States. This scarcity caused a temporary price spike in the secondary market as collectors scrambled to obtain them.
Why Should You Collect the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Cent?
Collectors love this coin series for several reasons:
- Historical Significance – Each design tells a different part of Lincoln’s story.
- Low Mintage – Some designs, especially the Presidency cent, are harder to find in circulation.
- Unique Design Variety – Unlike most coin series, this one features four distinct reverses.
- Collector Editions – The Proof and Uncirculated copper versions make excellent keepsakes.
How to Build a Complete Collection
If you want to collect the full set, follow these tips:
- Find All Four Designs – Get each design from Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
- Look for High-Grade Coins – Coins graded MS65 or higher by PCGS or NGC have greater value.
- Use Proper Storage – Keep your coins in airtight holders to prevent tarnishing.
- Explore Secondary Markets – Check online auctions, coin shows, and numismatic forums to find missing pieces.
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Cent is much more than just a penny—it’s a historical tribute to one of America’s greatest leaders. With unique designs, low mintage, and collector versions, these coins have become an important part of numismatic history.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, adding these cents to your collection is a great way to celebrate Lincoln’s legacy.
Do you own any Lincoln Bicentennial Cents? Let us know in the comments and share your collecting journey!
