Lincoln Bicentennial Cent (Presidency in Washington, D.C. reverse)

United States of America · 2009

A copper-colored coin featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the half-finished U.S. Capitol Dome on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 2009
Denomination: One Cent (1¢)
Metal: Copper-Plated Zinc (Core: 99.2% Zinc, 0.8% Copper; Plating: Pure 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 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).

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'.

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.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), presence of 'zinc rot' or corrosion, and the presence of errors such as doubled dies.

Grade assessment

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'.

Mintage & rarity

Common; Approximately 129,600,000 minted in Denver. While lower than some years, it remains extremely common in circulation.

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.

Similar coins

The other three 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial designs: Birthplace (Log Cabin), Formative Years (Rail Splitter), and Professional Life (State Capitol).

Care & preservation

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.