Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Bicentennial Cent: Birth in Kentucky

United States of America · 2009

A copper-colored United States penny featuring a log cabin on the reverse to celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth.

Country: United States of America
Year: 2009
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zn, 2.5% Cu)

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Overview

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.

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'.

Estimated value

$0.01 circulated, $0.50-$2.00 in high-grade uncirculated (MS-65), significantly more for rare high-grade specimens or errors.

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.

Grade assessment

Circulated / About Uncirculated. Shows light surface wear and some discoloration/spotting typical of zinc cents.

Mintage & rarity

Common; approximately 284,400,000 minted at Philadelphia.

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).

Similar coins

The three other 2009 designs: Formative Years (Indiana), Professional Life (Illinois), and Presidency (D.C. Capitol).

Care & preservation

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.

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Overview

Historical significance

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Estimated value

What drives this coin's value

Grade assessment

Mintage & rarity

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Notable varieties & errors

Similar coins

Care & preservation

Other united states of america coins

Learn about Lincoln Bicentennial Cent: Birth In Kentucky in the encyclopedia