Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Bicentennial Cent (Formative Years)

United States of America · 2009

A copper-colored United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and a young Lincoln reading on a log on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 2009
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: Copper-Plated Zinc (Core: 99.2% Zinc, Plating: 0.8% Copper)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 20, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

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.

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'.

Estimated value

$0.01 circulated; $0.50-$5.00 in high Mint State (MS-65); significantly more for specific errors like 'extra thumb' varieties.

What drives this coin's value

Mint state condition, red (RD) color designation, and the presence of doubling varieties (especially in the hand area).

Grade assessment

Uncirculated / Mint State (appears to have original luster with minor contact marks and spotting).

Mintage & rarity

363,600,000 (Commonly circulated, though less common than other Lincoln years)

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.

Similar coins

Other 2009 Bicentennial Cents: Birthplace (Log Cabin), Professional Life (State Capitol), and Presidency (Union Shield - released 2010).

Care & preservation

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.

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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 (Formative Years) in the encyclopedia