Mark Sterling
About The Author
Mark Sterling is 43 years old, and he has a really interesting job: he runs coin shows and exhibitions. He started collecting ancient items and studying history in college. This hobby slowly became his whole life’s work.
Nowadays, Mark works to put together big events where people can buy and sell their coins. He organizes nice places for the exhibitions, and helps coin collectors to learn more about numismatic pieces.
Mark is a true expert, he’s always ready to help new collectors. He makes sure everyone feels welcome.You can often find 2009 pennies for sale online or at his coin shows.
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Discovering the Lincoln Penny
Starting a new hobby is always difficult. You might feel you don’t know enough, and it’s often unclear where to begin or find new information. But thanks to the internet, you don’t need to spend time looking for useful things in libraries anymore. All you need is the internet! This guide is for everyone who wants to learn more about the 2009 Lincoln Penny.
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny Series
To celebrate Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the U.S. Mint decided to do something awesome with our everyday pennies. Instead of the usual design on the back, four totally new ones were released. The 2009 Lincoln pennies are symbols of different parts of his life.
If you check out these pennies, you notice some little letters on them, or maybe no letter at all. Here’s what that mean:
- No Mint Mark for Philadelphia.
- “D” for Denver.
- “S” for San Francisco. “S” pennies are usually “proof” coins, which means they’re extra shiny and made for collectors.
Valuable 2009 Penny Varieties & Errors
The year 2009 was a bit special for the penny. To celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the U.S. Mint released four different reverse (tails side) designs. People often ask why are 2009 pennies different, and it’s because they celebrated Lincoln’s 200th birthday with special designs.
2009 No Mint Mark Penny (Philadelphia)
For a long time in US coinage history, the Philadelphia Mint didn’t put a mark on most of its coins. It was the “default” mint. This tradition continued for pennies even after other mints started adding their marks. Most 2009 pennies without a mint mark were made in Philadelphia. They’re usually not very valuable unless they have one of the errors we will talk about later.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
| Good (G-4) | $0.01 – $0.05 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.05 – $0.10 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $0.15 – $0.50 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $1 – $5 |
Are 2009 pennies rare valuable may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
2009-D Penny (Denver)
The 2009 D pennies were produced at the Denver Mint and have a “D” mint mark. This facility opened in 1906, and its coins typically carry the “D” to show their origin. Mint marks were originally used to identify where a coin was made, which was helpful in case there were issues with the coin’s quality or metal content.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
| Good (G-4) | $0.01 – $0.05 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.05 – $0.10 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $0.15 – $0.50 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $1 – $5 |
Are 2009 pennies worth anything may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
2009-S Penny (San Francisco – Proof)
The “S” mint mark means the penny was made in San Francisco. The San Francisco Mint which began operations in 1854 during the California Gold Rush is known today for producing proof coins. They’re made for collectors using polished dies, resulting in a much shinier and more detailed finish. Only certain valuable 2009 pennies often with errors are highly rated.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
| Proof (PR-65) | $2 – $5 |
| Proof (PR-68) | $5 – $10 |
| Deep Cameo Proof (PR-69 DCAM) | $15 – $30 |
| Perfect Proof (PR-70 DCAM) | $50 – $100+ |
The 2009 Bicentennial pennies prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
2009 Penny Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
Not all 2009 pennies worth money, but specific error coins can be valuable. Look for doubling on the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” or even on Lincoln’s beard or eye.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
| Good (G-4) | $50 – $200 |
| Fine (F-12) | $200 – $500 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $500 – $2,000 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $2,000 – $5,000+ |
Some rare pennies 2009 prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
2009 Penny Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)
For rare 2009 pennies, look for doubling on the details of the log cabin (early design), the book (Presidency design), or the Capitol building (Professional Life design). Some 2009 valuable pennies include error coins that can be worth a lot.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
| Good (G-4) | $50 – $200 |
| Fine (F-12) | $200 – $500 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $500 – $2,000 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $2,000 – $5,000+ |
How much are 2009 pennies worth may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
2009 Penny Off-Center Strikes – $10 to $200+
An off-center strike happens when the coin blank isn’t perfectly centered when it’s struck by the dies. This results in part of the design being missing on one side of the coin. The more off-center the strike, the more valuable the coin is.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
| Slightly Off-Center (5-10%) | $10 – $25 |
| Moderately Off-Center (15-25%) | $25 – $75 |
| Significantly Off-Center (30-50%) | $75 – $200+ |
The 2009 pennies value is approximate and may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
2009 Penny Missing Mint Mark (Philadelphia Errors) – $20 to $100+
Normally, Philadelphia-minted pennies don’t have a mint mark. However, in rare cases, some pennies from other mints might have accidentally been struck without their proper “D” or “S” mint mark.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $20 – $50 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $50 – $100+ |
The Lincoln pennies 2009 prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
2009 Penny High-Grade & Red (RD) Pennies – $5 to $100+
Even without errors, some 2009 pennies are valuable just because they’re in amazing condition. Collectors love coins that have kept their original “red” copper color. The highest grades, like MS-67 and above, especially for the proof pennies from San Francisco, can sell for a premium. These coins look like they just came out of the mint, with no scratches, dents, or discoloration.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
| Mint State (MS-65 RD) | $5 – $15 |
| Mint State (MS-66 RD) | $15 – $40 |
| Mint State (MS-67 RD) | $40 – $100 |
| Mint State (MS-67+ RD) | $100+ |
The info on how many 2009 pennies were made may vary depending on the condition, market demand, and other factors
2009 Penny Value Chart (2024 Prices)
| Name | Price (Estimated, Uncirculated) |
| 2009-P Birth and Early Childhood | $0.25 – $2.00 |
| 2009-D Birth and Early Childhood | $0.25 – $2.00 |
| 2009-P Formative Years | $0.25 – $2.00 |
| 2009-D Formative Years | $0.25 – $2.00 |
| 2009-P Professional Life | $0.25 – $2.00 |
| 2009-D Professional Life | $0.25 – $2.00 |
| 2009-P Presidency | $0.50 – $5.00+ |
| 2009-D Presidency | $0.50 – $5.00+ |
| 2009-S Proof Birth and Early Childhood | $5.00 – $15.00+ |
| 2009-S Proof Formative Years | $5.00 – $15.00+ |
| 2009-S Proof Professional Life | $5.00 – $15.00+ |
| 2009-S Proof Presidency | $5.00 – $20.00+ |
The 2009 rare pennies prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
2009-P Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (Log Cabin 1С)
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
- Mintage: 284,400,000
- Special Features: You can easily spot 2009 pennies with different backs, as each design tells a part of Lincoln’s story.The reverse design depicts a log cabin, symbolizing Lincoln’s humble beginnings in Kentucky. This coin was released on February 12, 2009, Lincoln’s 200th birthday, and is often nicknamed the “Log Cabin 1С”.
2009-D Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (Log Cabin 1С)
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
- Mintage: 350,400,000
- Special Features: The reverse design depicts a log cabin, symbolizing Lincoln’s humble beginnings in Kentucky. This coin was released on February 12, 2009, Lincoln’s 200th birthday, and is often nicknamed the “Log Cabin 1С”.
2009-S Proof Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (Log Cabin 1С)
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (collector versions).
- Mintage: 2,995,615 (total for all four proof designs).
- Special Features: This coin has a proof finish, meaning it was struck with specially prepared dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like field and frosted devices. Anyway, people often want to know what 2009 pennies are worth money, usually referring to error coins.
2009-P Formative Years in Indiana (Rail-Splitter 1С)
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
- Mintage: 376,000,000 (highest mintage of the 2009 series).
- Special Features: The reverse design features a young Lincoln sitting on a log, reading a book, with a rail-splitter by his side, representing his time in Indiana. This coin was released on May 14, 2009, and is often nicknamed the “Indiana Penny” or “Rail-Splitter 1С.”
2009-D Formative Years in Indiana (Rail-Splitter 1С)
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
- Mintage: 363,600,000
- Special Features: The reverse design features a young Lincoln sitting on a log, reading a book, with a rail-splitter by his side, representing his time in Indiana. This coin was released on May 14, 2009, and is often nicknamed the “Indiana Penny” or “Rail-Splitter 1С.”
2009-S Proof Formative Years in Indiana (Rail-Splitter 1С)
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Mintage: 2,995,615 (total for all four proof designs).
- Special Features: The reverse design features a young Lincoln sitting on a log, reading a book, with a rail-splitter by his side, representing his time in Indiana. This coin has a proof finish, meaning it was struck with specially prepared dies and planchets.
2009-P Professional Life in Illinois (Lawyer 1С)
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
- Mintage: 316,000,000
- Special Features: The reverse design depicts Lincoln as a young lawyer, standing in front of the Old Illinois State Capitol building, symbolizing his legal and political career in Illinois. This coin was released on August 13, 2009, and is often nicknamed the “Illinois Penny” or “Lawyer 1С.”
2009-D Professional Life in Illinois (Lawyer 1С)
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
- Mintage: 336,000,000
- Special Features: The reverse design depicts Lincoln as a young lawyer, standing in front of the Old Illinois State Capitol building, symbolizing his legal and political career in Illinois. This coin was released on August 13, 2009, and is often nicknamed the “Illinois Penny” or “Lawyer 1С.”
2009-S Proof Professional Life in Illinois (Lawyer 1С)
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (collector versions).
- Mintage: 2,995,615 (total for all four proof designs).
- Special Features: The reverse design depicts Lincoln as a young lawyer, standing in front of the Old Illinois State Capitol building. This coin has a proof finish, meaning it was struck with specially prepared dies and planchets.
2009-P Presidency in Washington, D.C. (Unfinished Dome 1С)
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
- Mintage: 129,600,000 (lowest mintage of the 2009 series for Philadelphia).
- Special Features: The reverse design features a partially constructed U.S. Capitol dome, as it appeared during Lincoln’s presidency, symbolizing his leadership during the Civil War. This coin was released on November 12, 2009, and is often nicknamed the “Presidency Penny” or “Unfinished Dome 1С.”
2009-D Presidency in Washington, D.C. (Unfinished Dome 1С)
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
- Mintage: 198,000,000 (lowest mintage of the 2009 series for Denver).
- Special Features: The reverse design features a partially constructed U.S. Capitol dome, as it appeared during Lincoln’s presidency, symbolizing his leadership during the Civil War. This coin was released on November 12, 2009, and is often nicknamed the “Presidency Penny” or “Unfinished Dome 1С.” Due to its significantly lower mintage numbers compared to the other three designs, the Presidency cents generally hold a higher value, especially in higher grades.
2009-S Proof Presidency in Washington, D.C. (Unfinished Dome 1С)
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (collector versions).
- Mintage: 2,995,615 (total for all four proof designs).
- Special Features: The reverse design features a partially constructed U.S. Capitol dome, as it appeared during Lincoln’s presidency. This coin has a proof finish, meaning it was struck with specially prepared dies and planchets.
How to Identify a 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny
The front side of the piece is pictured with Abraham Lincoln’s face
- Lincoln’s Face: You’ll see his portrait, just like on other pennies.
- The Date: Look for the year “2009.”
- The Mint Mark: This is a small letter that tells you where the penny was made. Look closely right under the “2009” date (No mint, D, S)
The backs of the piece are special, as they have four different designs:
- Unfinished Capitol Dome: The last design shows the U.S. Capitol Dome, but it looks unfinished, just as it did during Lincoln’s presidency in Washington, D.C.
- Log Cabin: This picture shows a log cabin, representing Lincoln’s birth and early childhood.
- Young Lincoln Reading: You’ll see a young Abraham Lincoln sitting and reading a book on a log. This shows his time learning in Indiana.
- Lincoln by a Building: This design features Lincoln standing in front of the Old State Capitol building in Illinois, showing his career as a lawyer and politician.
FAQ
Which 2009 penny design is the rarest?
None of the four different pictures on the back of the 2009 penny are truly rare. The Mint made a lot of each one. If a penny is special, it’s usually because it has a rare mistake or it’s in perfect condition, not because of its picture.
How can I tell if my 2009 penny is a “doubled die”?
A “doubled die” is when parts of the picture or words look like they are printed twice. Look closely at words like “LIBERTY” or “TRUST,” or the year “2009.” These letters or numbers look like they have a shadow or are a little bit double. You can also look at pictures of these errors online to compare.
Are 2009-S proof pennies valuable?
Yes, usually they are worth more than common pennies from 2009 you find in your pocket. “Proof” pennies have an “S” mark (from San Francisco). They were made for people who collect coins. They are very shiny and look perfect. Fewer of these were made than regular pennies, so they can be worth more, especially if they are in great condition.
Where is the mint mark on a 2009 penny?
The mint mark is on the front side of the penny. Look right under the year “2009.” Information about how many 2009 pennies were minted is available from the U.S. Mint.
In conclusion, collecting coins is not as difficult as it might seem. Yes, it needs you to pay close attention to small details and be very careful. But over time, it becomes really exciting. Use special online services to find out how much your coin pieces are worth, and keep on making your collection bigger.