Lincoln Bicentennial Cent (Presidency in Washington, D.C. reverse)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 2009
Denomination: One Cent (1¢)
Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (Core: 99.2% Zinc, 0.8% Copper; Plating: Pure Copper)
Brief Description
A copper-colored coin featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the half-finished U.S. Capitol Dome on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent. This specific design is the fourth and final of the 2009 series, representing his presidency in Washington, D.C. (1861-1865).
Estimated Value
$0.01 in circulated condition; $0.50-$2.00 in high uncirculated grades (MS-65+); values can exceed $50 for top-tier specimens in MS-67 or higher.
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning as it strips the copper plating and ruins numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent 'zinc rot' or bubbling of the plating, which is visible on the obverse of this specimen.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; Approximately 129,600,000 minted in Denver. While lower than some years, it remains extremely common in circulation.
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams; 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (XF-AU) based on wear, but significantly damaged by plating bubbles/corrosion (zinc rot) near the upper right rim and 'TRUST'.
Obverse (Front)
A portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Includes legends 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', the year '2009', and the 'D' mint mark.
Reverse (Back)
Features the half-finished U.S. Capitol Dome as it appeared during Lincoln's presidency to symbolize the endurance of the Union. Designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Joseph Menna. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), presence of 'zinc rot' or corrosion, and the presence of errors such as doubled dies.
Similar Coins
The other three 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial designs: Birthplace (Log Cabin), Formative Years (Rail Splitter), and Professional Life (State Capitol).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authentic 2009 cents often show plating bubbles (like this one) due to the zinc core reacting with moisture. Counterfeits are rare for this denomination but would lack the sharp detail found in the Capitol Dome design.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Double Die Obverse (DDO) and Double Die Reverse (DDR) varieties exist for the 2009 series and are highly sought after by collectors. This specific specimen shows no major variety but exhibits common plating blisters/bubbles.
Created At: 2026-05-20T10:48:02.125728