Lincoln Bicentennial Cent (Formative Years)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 2009
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (Core: 99.2% Zinc, Plating: 0.8% Copper)
Brief Description
A copper-colored United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and a young Lincoln reading on a log on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Released in 2009 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent. This 'Formative Years' reverse is the second of four special designs released that year.
Estimated Value
$0.01 circulated; $0.50-$5.00 in high Mint State (MS-65); significantly more for specific errors like 'extra thumb' varieties.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges only. Do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place ideally in a non-PVC coin flip or archival-safe holder.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
363,600,000 (Commonly circulated, though less common than other Lincoln years)
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams; 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Uncirculated / Mint State (appears to have original luster with minor contact marks and spotting).
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, originally designed by Victor David Brenner. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and '2009 D'.
Reverse (Back)
Designed by Charles Vickers, depicting a young Abraham Lincoln sitting on a log, reading a book while taking a break from rail splitting. Inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'ONE CENT', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint state condition, red (RD) color designation, and the presence of doubling varieties (especially in the hand area).
Similar Coins
Other 2009 Bicentennial Cents: Birthplace (Log Cabin), Professional Life (State Capitol), and Presidency (Union Shield - released 2010).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for correct weight (2.5g) and crispness of 'ONE CENT' lettering. Authentic 2009 cents often show small plating bubbles or 'zits' which are normal for this era.
Notable Varieties & Errors
DDR (Doubled Die Reverse) varieties involving an 'extra thumb' or extra fingers on Lincoln's hand holding the book.
Created At: 2026-05-20T10:06:54.961247