Lincoln Bicentennial Cent (Formative Years variety)
Country of Origin: United States of America (US Mint)
Year of Issue: 2009
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
Brief Description
A copper-colored US penny featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and a commemorative scene of him as a young man on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Issued in 2009 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent's first issue. This is the second of four specialized reverse designs released that year, representing his life in Indiana.
Estimated Value
$0.01 - $0.10 in circulated condition; $1.00 - $15.00 in high-grade uncirculated (MS-65+).
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges to avoid transferring finger oils to the copper plating. Store in a dry environment using PVC-free coin flips or folders to prevent corrosion and 'zinc rot'.
Mint Mark
D (Denver) or P (Philadelphia - no mark); the image appears to have no mark or a D, consistent with standard production.
Mintage & Rarity
Common; approximately 739.6 million were minted at Denver and 636 million at Philadelphia for the 'Formative Years' design.
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams; 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated; shows slightly blurry details and minor surface marks from circulation but retains much of its original color.
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner; includes legends 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '2009'.
Reverse (Back)
Designed by Charles Vickers, it depicts a young Abraham Lincoln reading while sitting on a log during a break from rail-splitting in Indiana. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'ONE CENT'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint state condition (MS), original luster, and the presence of specific doubling errors (DDR) primarily drive the value.
Similar Coins
The other three 2009 Bicentennial designs: Birthplace (Log Cabin), Professional Life (State Capitol), and Presidency (White House).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for crispness of the logs and the book on the reverse. Weight should be exactly 2.5 grams. These are widely produced and rarely counterfeited except for high-grade 'S' mint proofs.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 'Doubled Die Reverse' (DDR) is highly sought after for this variety, typically showing an extra thumb or extra fingers on Lincoln's hand holding the book.
Created At: 2026-06-26T18:04:27.199804