Lincoln Bicentennial Cent: Birth in Kentucky
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 2009
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zn, 2.5% Cu)
Brief Description
A copper-colored United States penny featuring a log cabin on the reverse to celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth.
Historical Significance
Issued in 2009 to mark the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent. This 'Birth in Kentucky' design is the first of four special reverse designs released that year.
Estimated Value
$0.01 circulated, $0.50-$2.00 in high-grade uncirculated (MS-65), significantly more for rare high-grade specimens or errors.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges to avoid oils from skin reacting with the copper plating. Store in a cool, dry place inside an PVC-free holder or flip.
Mint Mark
None visible (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; approximately 284,400,000 minted at Philadelphia.
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams / 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Circulated / About Uncirculated. Shows light surface wear and some discoloration/spotting typical of zinc cents.
Obverse (Front)
Victorian portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, originally designed by Victor David Brenner. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', '2009'.
Reverse (Back)
A log cabin representing Lincoln's birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz. Inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'ONE CENT', '1809'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/Grade is the primary factor. Uncirculated 'Red' specimens command the highest premiums. Mint errors (doubled dies) also add value.
Similar Coins
The three other 2009 designs: Formative Years (Indiana), Professional Life (Illinois), and Presidency (D.C. Capitol).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be exactly 2.5g. Check for consistent strike quality. These are rarely counterfeited due to low value, but altered surfaces are possible.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Several Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) varieties exist for the 2009 series, typically showing doubling in the logs of the cabin or the designer's initials (RM/JL). Marketing sets were also released in 95% copper alloy (satin finish).
Created At: 2026-05-20T09:58:04.971540