2009 penny value ranges from $0.01 face value to $4,800. That record was set by a Grade 68 Childhood design example sold through Stack’s Bowers in April 2025. Upload a photo of yours below and we’ll give you a quick value range based on condition and mint mark. Then scroll down to see recent eBay sales and what collectors are paying today.

 

2009 Penny Value By Variety and Mint Mark

Your 2009 penny’s value depends on the mint mark, which of the four designs you have, the strike type, and condition. If you already know the grade, jump straight to the Value Guides section for exact pricing.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 2009 Penny Worth Money

The top of this list is all about MS68 coins — near-perfect pieces with zero wear. The Early Childhood design holds the crown at $4,800 (April 2025), with the Denver Presidency right behind at $4,700. Both carry the RD (Red) designation, meaning they kept 95% or more of their original bright copper color.

Here’s the interesting part: third place goes to a 2009 Formative Years DDR FS-802 graded MS67 at $2,750. That’s an error coin beating out higher-graded regular strikes. If you needed a reason to check your pennies for doubled dies, there it is.

Only two PCGS-certified examples of the Denver Presidency exist at MS68. That kind of top-pop rarity is what drives a penny past $4,000. Across the whole top ten, two things matter most: which design you have (Early Childhood and Presidency lead the pack) and whether it’s graded RD. That color call is the difference between a $4,800 coin and a $5 one.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

History Of The 2009 Penny

The 2009 Lincoln penny came out of the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005. Congress called for a one-time redesign of the cent’s reverse to mark two milestones at once: Lincoln’s 200th birthday and 100 years of the Lincoln cent. The four new reverse designs were unveiled on September 22, 2008, at a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Each design got its own release event during 2009. The Early Childhood (“Log Cabin”) penny launched on February 12, 2009 — Lincoln’s exact 200th birthday — at LaRue County High School in Hodgenville, Kentucky. The Formative Years (“Indiana”) penny followed on May 14, 2009. The Professional Life (“Illinois”) penny debuted August 13, 2009. The Presidency penny wrapped up the series on November 12, 2009.

Three mint facilities handled production. Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (“D”) struck business coins for circulation. San Francisco (“S”) made collector-only proofs. Both Philadelphia and Denver also produced Satin Finish Special Strikes for the 2009 Uncirculated Coin Sets — until the Mint unexpectedly discontinued sales in June 2010.

The obverse kept Victor David Brenner’s original 1909 Lincoln portrait, complete with his “V.D.B.” initials on the shoulder truncation. That’s a direct link back to the very first Lincoln cent. After 2009, the cent switched to the Union Shield reverse in 2010, making this the last multi-design year in Lincoln cent history.

Fun fact: the Mint also released a 2009 Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Silver Dollar as a companion piece. Those run about $30 to $40 today in proof or uncirculated condition.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 2009 Penny Rare? Rarity Ratings by Variety

The chart above might surprise you. The business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver have huge mintages, so they’re common in circulated grades. But the Satin Finish Special Strikes? Under 785,000 sets total. That’s fewer than the famous 1931-S cent. Yet they trade for a fraction of what you’d expect given that scarcity. The proofs fall in between — nearly 3 million made per design, so they’re not rare, just pretty. If you’re cherrypicking for real scarcity in this series, the Special Strikes are where to look.

Use our Coin Identifier and Value App to verify current market values and detailed information for your 2009 Lincoln cents.

 

Key Features Of The 2009 Penny 

The 2009 Lincoln penny is the most complicated single-year cent ever made. Four reverse designs, three strike types (circulation, proof, satin finish), two metal compositions, and three mints. There’s a lot to sort through when you’re figuring out what you have.

One thing that trips up newer collectors is the color designation system. PCGS and NGC assign a two-letter color code after the numeric grade on all copper coins: RD (Red) means 95%+ original bright copper luster remains; RB (Red-Brown) means 5–95% original red; and BN (Brown) means less than 5% original red is visible.

The price gap is huge. An MS67 RD coin in this series can bring $150–$300. That same coin graded MS67 RB or BN? Typically $5–$10.

The Obverse Of The 2009 Penny

The front of every 2009 penny looks the same regardless of variety. It’s Victor David Brenner’s classic 1909 Lincoln portrait. Lincoln faces right, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcing above and “LIBERTY” to the left. The date “2009” sits lower right, and the mint mark — “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco proofs, or nothing for Philadelphia — appears directly beneath the date.

Look at Lincoln’s shoulder. You’ll see Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” in tiny letters on the truncation. That same attribution has appeared on every Lincoln cent for over a century.

The Reverse Of The 2009 Penny

Flip it over and this is where things get interesting. For the first time since 1909, the cent got brand-new reverse artwork — four different designs, released one at a time through the year. All four share the same inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at top, “ONE CENT” at bottom, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” within the design. The central imagery is completely different on each.

The Early Childhood reverse shows the Kentucky log cabin where Lincoln was born. Richard Masters designed it, Jim Licaretz sculpted it. Collectors call this one the “Log Cabin Penny.”

The Formative Years reverse depicts young Lincoln sitting on a split log, reading a book during a break from rail-splitting in Indiana. Charles Vickers both designed and sculpted it. This is the design where you’ll find the most valuable doubled die errors.

The Professional Life reverse features Lincoln standing in front of the Illinois State Capitol, holding documents that represent his law career. Joel Iskowitz designed it, Don Everhart sculpted it.

The Presidency reverse shows the half-finished U.S. Capitol dome as it looked during Lincoln’s wartime administration. Susan Gamble designed it, Joseph Menna sculpted it. That incomplete dome symbolizes a nation still being rebuilt — and this design has the lowest mintage of all four.

Other Features Of The 2009 Penny — Composition and Specifications

Two different compositions exist for 2009 pennies, and you need to know which one you have. Circulation business strikes use the standard copper-plated zinc — 97.5% zinc core with 2.5% copper cladding — weighing 2.50 grams, 19mm diameter, plain edge.

The collector versions are a completely different kind of coin. Both the San Francisco proofs and the Satin Finish Special Strikes from Philadelphia and Denver were struck on 95% copper planchets (5% tin and zinc), weighing 3.11 grams. These were the first copper-content cents the U.S. had made since 1982. That alone makes them collectible.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

2009 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Over 2.35 billion business strikes came out of Philadelphia and Denver combined. That’s why your average circulated 2009 penny is worth one cent. Philadelphia made about 1.1 billion across the four designs, with individual runs from 129.6 million (Presidency) up to 376 million (Formative Years). Denver added over 1.24 billion more.

The real scarcity is in the specialty formats. San Francisco proofs (DCAM — Deep Cameo, meaning mirror fields with frosted devices) were limited to 2,995,615 per design. But the Satin Finish Special Strikes? Just 784,614 combined sets from Philadelphia and Denver. To put that in perspective, that’s fewer than the 1931-S Lincoln cent’s mintage and less than a third of the proof run.

People hoarded these pennies like crazy during the commemorative release, so survival rates for circulation strikes are probably high. Formal survival data hasn’t been established yet. I think that data gap actually helps the Special Strike coins — their true scarcity may not be priced in yet.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2009 Penny Value

This is one of the trickiest modern coins to evaluate on your own. Four designs, three mints, two compositions, three strike formats, over 120 documented doubled die varieties, and a color grading system that can swing value from $5 to $4,800. You need to nail down your exact design, check for RD color, and look for errors like the FS-801 through FS-808 doubled die reverses.

Coin Value Checker APP does the heavy lifting. One photo identifies your specific 2009 design variety, flags errors, and gives you a valuation based on current market data.

 

2009 Penny Value Guides

Five collecting categories cover the full 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial series:

• 2009 No Mint Mark Penny — Philadelphia Mint circulation strikes
• 2009-D Penny — Denver Mint circulation strikes
• 2009-S DCAM Penny — San Francisco Mint proof coins (Deep Cameo)
• 2009 Special Strike Penny — Philadelphia Mint satin finish coins
• 2009-D Special Strike Penny — Denver Mint satin finish coins

Philadelphia and Denver churned out billions of copper-plated zinc business strikes for circulation. San Francisco made nearly 3 million proofs per design on 95% copper planchets. Both Philadelphia and Denver also struck Satin Finish Special Strikes on those same copper planchets — available only in the limited 36-coin Uncirculated Coin Sets until the Mint pulled the plug in June 2010.

You can get into this series for face value with a circulated example, or chase top-grade RD specimens and authenticated errors worth thousands. It’s a great series for beginners and advanced collectors alike.

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

2009 No Mint Mark Penny Value

No letter under the date? That’s Philadelphia. The Philly mint struck just over 1.1 billion 2009 business strikes across all four designs, with individual mintages from 129.6 million (Presidency) up to 376 million (Formative Years).

Circulated examples are worth face value. Uncirculated coins with full Red (RD) color are where the money is, especially at MS67 and above. Keep that color designation in mind — an MS67 RD coin brings $150–$300, while the same grade in RB or BN typically sells for $5–$10.

2009 Lincoln-Early Childhood (No Mint Mark)

This is the design that launched the whole series on Lincoln’s 200th birthday (February 12, 2009). Mintage: 284,400,000 pieces — second lowest among the four Philadelphia designs. The big number: an MS68 RD sold for $4,800 in April 2025, making it the top-priced Philly business strike in the series.

RD examples pull way ahead of RB and BN at every grade level. As the first and most recognizable design in the set, MS67 and MS68 RD coins are must-haves for Lincoln cent registry sets.

2009 Lincoln-Formative Years (No Mint Mark)

Got a loupe handy? This is the design you want to examine closely. With 376,000,000 struck, it has the highest Philadelphia mintage — but it’s also ground zero for doubled die errors. PCGS attributes eight DDR varieties (FS-801 through FS-808), and variety specialists have cataloged more than 60 total separate doubled-die reverses on this design alone.

An MS67 RD hit $1,995 at auction in 2010. On the error side, a Formative Years DDR MS64 brought $500 at Heritage Auctions in 2022, and the FS-802 in MS67 commanded $2,750. Errors can multiply value fast on this one.

2009 Lincoln-Professional Life (No Mint Mark)

How much does a mid-range mintage matter at the top of the grading scale? Not much. At 316,000,000 pieces, this design sits in the middle of the Philadelphia pack, yet an MS68 RD still brought $1,939 at auction. Condition rarity trumps mintage at these levels.

Pricing stays relatively stable compared to the other varieties. If you think you have one at MS67 or above, get it slabbed by PCGS or NGC before selling.

2009 Lincoln-Presidency (No Mint Mark)

Lowest Philadelphia mintage at just 129,600,000 pieces. That built-in scarcity shows up in the prices. An MS68 RD sold on eBay on June 21, 2018, for $2,650.

At MS67 RD, expect around $165. The Presidency and Early Childhood designs consistently lead the Philadelphia series in value. That half-finished Capitol dome design resonates with collectors, and the low mintage backs it up.

Historical auction data reveals the price performance patterns that define today’s 2009 penny market values.

Collector interest patterns over the past decade illustrate the evolving market dynamics surrounding 2009 Lincoln pennies.

Market activity score: 56/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 3 points from Jul 2026. 12-month peak: 67 (Dec 2025).

 

2009-D Penny Value

Look for the “D” under the date — that’s Denver. Over 1.24 billion 2009-D business strikes were produced across all four designs, with mintages from 198,000,000 (Presidency) to 363,600,000 (Formative Years).

In lower grades, Denver and Philadelphia coins trade at similar prices. But at the very top — MS68 — certain Denver designs explode in value. The Presidency in MS68 RD has hit $4,700–$6,000, thanks to tiny certified populations.

2009-D Lincoln-Early Childhood

At 350,400,000 pieces, this is one of the higher-production Denver varieties. An MS67 RD sold at Heritage Auctions for $646. Not a huge number, but it shows there’s a market for nice examples.

You need this coin for a complete date-and-mint set. Demand is steady. RD examples at MS67 and above are still condition rarities despite the big mintage.

2009-D Lincoln-Formative Years

Biggest Denver mintage at 363,600,000 pieces — yet an MS66 RD brought $2,040 at auction. That’s a strong result for a coin with that kind of production run. A Heritage Auctions 2022 sale also recorded $480 for an MS67 RD FS-801 doubled die variety.

Denver Formative Years doubled dies are less commonly documented than the Philadelphia versions. But when they show up certified, they still pull solid premiums. A good entry-level coin for the series.

2009-D Lincoln-Professional Life

Here’s a coin where population rarity tells the whole story. Mintage: 336,000,000 pieces. But an NGC-certified MS68 RD — labeled “ONLY 2 KNOWN TOP POPULATION” — sold on eBay in June 2018 for $1,490. Only two exist at that grade.

At MS67 RD, values reach up to $725. That’s the highest single-grade retail for any Denver circulation strike in this series outside the Presidency. If you have a blazing red example, it’s worth getting graded.

2009-D Lincoln-Presidency

This is the coin to know. Lowest Denver mintage at 198,000,000 pieces. An MS68 RD sold for $4,700 in October 2016, and PCGS has certified only two at that grade. A genuine top-pop rarity.

There’s even a lone MS69 RD out there — it sold for $2,040 in 2018. The only MS69 ever certified for this design. Lowest mintage, strongest symbolism, tiniest certified population at the top. We think the 2009-D Presidency is the most important investment-grade coin in the entire 2009 circulation series.

Documented sales records from certified auction houses provide concrete evidence of collector demand across different grades.

Market activity provides insight into how public awareness and collecting enthusiasm have fluctuated since the series’ release.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 6 points from Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

2009-S DCAM Penny Value

Don’t confuse beautiful with rare. The 2009-S proofs are gorgeous — mirror fields, frosted devices, struck on 95% copper planchets just like the original 1909 cent. The “S” mint mark and DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation confirm San Francisco origin. Each design shares a mintage of 2,995,615 pieces, sold exclusively in the 2009 Proof Set.

That nearly 3 million mintage keeps prices in check. Even perfect PR70 DCAM specimens only bring $300–$500 at auction. These are affordable collectibles with real historical significance, not investment coins.

2009-S Lincoln-Early Childhood DCAM

A PR70 DCAM hit $440 at GreatCollections in August 2011. That result still stands as a benchmark. With nearly 3 million made, nice examples are easy to find.

Great starting point if you’re building a proof set of the series. The price is right.

2009-S Lincoln-Formative Years DCAM

A PR70 DCAM brought $489 at Heritage Auctions in December 2011. That was an early-market high that hasn’t been consistently matched since. The educational theme appeals to a wide audience, but nearly 3 million coins in the marketplace keeps a lid on values.

For type collectors, this is a high-quality example of Lincoln’s formative years at a low cost. That’s the appeal.

2009-S Lincoln-Professional Life DCAM

A PR68 DCAM sold for $347 in March 2010, riding the wave of initial collector excitement. Like the rest of the San Francisco proof series, the big mintage limits upside.

Perfect PR70 examples are attainable and look fantastic in a registry set or display holder. You won’t break the bank adding this one.

2009-S Lincoln-Presidency DCAM

Most recent notable sale: a PR68 DCAM on eBay in December 2022 for $300. The Presidency theme carries weight symbolically, but nearly 3 million coins means no real scarcity premium.

If you want all four Lincoln Bicentennial designs in premium copper proof format, the 2009-S series is the affordable way to do it. Just keep your appreciation expectations modest compared to the Special Strikes.

Professional auction platforms have generated the price discovery data that shapes current 2009-S DCAM Penny valuations.

Tracking market interest over time exposes the underlying demand cycles that influence 2009-S DCAM Penny collecting patterns.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 10 points from Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

2009 Special Strike Penny Value

Why are these coins so cheap? That’s the question I keep asking. The 2009 Special Strike pennies — graded SP (Specimen) by the services — were struck in 95% copper with a satin finish that sits between a matte business strike and a mirror proof. They were only available in the 2009 Uncirculated Coin Sets at $27.95 per set.

Combined Philadelphia and Denver mintage: just 784,614 sets. That’s below the 1931-S Lincoln cent. It’s less than a third of the proof run. And the Mint killed the sets in June 2010, so no more can ever be made. Yet SP69 RD examples sell for just $112–$350. Something doesn’t add up.

2009 Lincoln-Early Childhood Satin Finish

A PCGS-certified SP69 RD sold for $112 in January 2022. For a coin with under 785,000 possible examples in the iconic log cabin design on a 95% copper planchet, that feels low.

The copper composition ties directly back to the 1909 originals. Once more collectors catch on to how scarce these really are, prices should follow.

2009 Lincoln-Formative Years Satin Finish

Heritage Auctions recorded $299 for an SP69 in 2011. By 2019, an eBay sale of $239 for SP69 RD showed a slight dip. That softening reflects the broader modern coin market, not any change in supply.

Under 785,000 sets exist. Period. That ceiling can’t move. The long-term math favors holders.

2009 Lincoln-Professional Life Satin Finish

An SP69 sold for $130 on July 7, 2018. That’s modest for a coin this scarce. Current prices are held back by limited awareness — most collectors don’t even know the Special Strike category exists.

If you’re looking for value per unit of rarity, this variety is hard to beat right now.

2009 Lincoln-Presidency Satin Finish

Top sale in the Philadelphia Special Strike group: $350 for an SP69 RD on eBay in July 2018. Even at $350, the math seems off when you consider fewer than 785,000 total sets were ever produced.

Lowest design mintage, premium copper, satin finish, and the highest price in the Philly Special Strike lineup. This is the standout long-term hold among the Philadelphia satin varieties.

The following auction results demonstrate how condition rarity translates into real-world pricing for Special Strike pennies.

Market activity demonstrates the relationship between initial commemorative excitement and long-term collecting sustainability.

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2009-D Special Strike Penny Value

Here’s a potential cherrypicking opportunity. The Denver Satin Finish coins share the exact same 784,614-set mintage as Philadelphia — identical scarcity. Yet they typically trade at a 10–30% discount to equivalent Philly examples. Denver SP69 RD grades have brought $105–$270 in recent sales.

The “D” mint mark adds appeal for collectors building complete date-and-mint sets. That 784,614-set hard ceiling applies equally here — it can’t grow no matter how much demand increases.

2009-D Lincoln-Early Childhood Satin Finish

Most affordable coin in the Denver Satin Finish lineup. An SP69 RD brought $105 in October 2021. That’s your cheapest entry point into authentic modern rarity.

If you’re building the complete 8-coin Satin Finish set (four designs × two mints), start here. The discontinued mintage supports appreciation from this price level.

2009-D Lincoln-Formative Years Satin Finish

Strongest Denver auction result in the series: $239 for an SP69 RD in August 2019. That makes it the value leader among Denver Satin Finish coins, while still trailing comparable Philadelphia prices.

That gap between Denver and Philly pricing suggests Denver examples may offer better bang for the buck if you’re working with a budget.

2009-D Lincoln-Professional Life Satin Finish

Surprise price leader. An SP69 RD sold on eBay in September 2018 for $270 — the highest single sale in the entire Denver Satin Finish series. That’s more than the Formative Years Denver price, which usually gets more collector attention.

The Professional Life theme apparently has a dedicated following among collectors focused on Lincoln’s legal career. Specialized demand can do unexpected things to pricing.

2009-D Lincoln-Presidency Satin Finish

An SP69 RD sold on eBay in July 2018 for $245. That puts it mid-pack among Denver Satin Finish prices — below Professional Life ($270) and roughly even with Formative Years ($239). You’d expect the Presidency design to lead, but it doesn’t here.

Still, this is the final coin in the entire 2009 commemorative program. Anyone assembling a complete 8-coin Satin Finish set needs it. Long-term prospects look solid given the discontinued mintage.

Market validation comes through authenticated transactions, with these recorded sales establishing benchmark values for collectors.

Market activity reveals distinct phases in the 2009-D Special Strike Penny market’s development from launch to maturity.

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Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 2009 Penny Error List

Cranking out over 2.35 billion cents across four brand-new designs in under 11 months? Everything that could go wrong did go wrong — in the best possible way for error collectors. Variety specialists have cataloged well over 120 distinct doubled die listings for the 2009 series alone. It’s one of the richest error hunting grounds in modern Lincoln cent history.

Here are the major error types to watch for:

1. 2009 Lincoln-Formative Years Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) — FS-801 Through FS-808

A Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) happens when the hub strikes a working die multiple times with slight misalignment. That doubling transfers to every coin struck from that die. PCGS recognizes eight DDR varieties for the 2009 Formative Years design — FS-801 through FS-808. These are the only PCGS-attributed doubled dies in the entire 2009 series.

Where to look: Lincoln’s right hand holding the book. You’ll see doubled or extra fingers and thumbs — a ghosting or shadow effect. Grab at least a 10× loupe. Some varieties show extra-thumb doubling visible to the naked eye; others need 20–60× magnification. Key sales: FS-802 MS67 at $2,750; Formative Years DDR MS64 at $500 (Heritage Auctions, 2022); FS-801 MS66 RD at $112 (2021). In early 2025, a double die showing two thumbs on Lincoln’s hand brought $750.

2. 2009 Penny Broad Strike Error

A broad strike happens when the retaining collar fails during striking. The planchet spreads outward past its normal 19mm diameter, producing a thinner, wider coin with full design detail but an irregular edge and no proper rim.

In 2020, Heritage Auctions sold a 2009-D Lincoln penny graded MS65 with a broad-struck error for $650. If your coin looks noticeably wider than normal and the rim seems off, you might have one.

3. 2009 Penny Off-Center Strike Error

When the planchet isn’t centered between the dies, part of the design gets cut off and you see a crescent-shaped blank area. The sweet spot for collectors is 40–60% off-center — enough design missing to look dramatic, but enough remaining to identify the coin.

In 2021, an eBay sale hit $812 for a 2009-P Lincoln penny graded MS63 with a 30% off-center strike. Always make sure the date is readable. No visible date means significantly less value.

4. 2009 Penny Die Crack and Die Gouge Errors

Die cracks show up as raised lines running across the coin’s surface — fractures in the die that transfer raised metal threads to every coin struck afterward. Die gouges appear as raised, irregular blobs caused by physical damage to the die face. In 2021, Heritage Auctions sold a 2009-D Lincoln penny graded MS60 with a die gouge on the obverse for $520. A 2009-P with die cracks on both sides brought $630 at GreatCollections in 2020.

5. 2009 Penny Die Clash Error

When the obverse and reverse dies smack together with no planchet between them, each die picks up a ghost image of the other. Coins struck afterward show faint traces of Lincoln’s profile on the reverse, or hints of the cabin, log, or Capitol on the obverse. Mild clashes on 2009 pennies run $15 to $50. Strong, clearly visible clash marks can reach $100–$200.

6. 2009 Penny Lamination Crack Error

Lamination cracks form during planchet production when impurities weaken the metal layers. The surface flakes or separates. Unlike die cracks (which are raised), lamination cracks are depressions or separations in the metal itself. In 2020, GreatCollections auctioned a 2009-D Lincoln penny graded MS60 with an obverse lamination crack for $410.

7. 2009 Penny Wrong Planchet Error

This is the holy grail of 2009 errors. A wrong planchet error means a cent die struck a blank meant for a different denomination — maybe a dime planchet (2.27 grams, silver-colored) or a nickel planchet (about 5 grams). Quick test: a normal 2009 penny weighs exactly 2.50 grams. If yours is way off, grab a precise digital scale and investigate. Authenticated wrong planchet errors for modern cents have sold from $5,875 to $180,000 depending on the host planchet. PCGS or NGC certification is absolutely essential before you assign any value to a suspected wrong planchet coin.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where To Sell Your 2009 Penny?

Now that you understand the value of your 2009 pennies, are you wondering where to sell these coins online efficiently? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of these platforms, including their detailed introductions, advantages, and disadvantages specifically for selling 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial cents.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

2009 Penny Market Trend

Market interest: 76,030 collectors tracking this coin as of Oct 2026 — up 1,000 from Mar 2026. 12-month peak: 82,310 (Jan 2026).

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 2009 Penny Value — 10 Common Questions Answered

1. How much is a 2009 penny worth?

A worn, circulated 2009 penny is worth one cent. Uncirculated MS65 examples sell for around $15. MS67 RD coins range from $160 to $725 depending on the design. At the top, MS68 RD specimens have reached $4,800 (Early Childhood, April 2025) and $4,700 (Denver Presidency, 2016).

2. Is there anything special about a 2009 penny?

Very much so. It was the first year since 1958 without the Lincoln Memorial reverse. The Mint released four completely different reverse designs in one year to celebrate Lincoln’s 200th birthday. And both the San Francisco proofs and Satin Finish Special Strikes were struck in 95% copper — the first copper cents made since 1982.

3. What does RD, RB, or BN mean on my 2009 penny?

These are color designations from PCGS and NGC for copper coins. RD (Red) means 95%+ original bright copper luster — the most valuable. RB (Red-Brown) means 5–95% original red remains. BN (Brown) means less than 5% original red. The price difference is dramatic: an MS67 RD can bring $150–$300, while the same grade in RB or BN typically sells for $5–$10.

4. What is the rarest 2009 penny?

Among business strikes, the 2009-D Presidency has the lowest mintage at 198,000,000, with only two PCGS-certified examples at MS68 RD — valued up to $4,700. Among Special Strikes, both Philadelphia and Denver share the 784,614-set mintage cap, making every Satin Finish penny genuinely scarce. For errors, wrong planchet strikes are the rarest, with auction records from $5,875 to $180,000.

5. How do I spot a 2009 doubled die reverse error?

Focus on the Formative Years design. Look at Lincoln’s right hand holding the book while he sits on the log. PCGS attributes eight varieties (FS-801 through FS-808) showing doubled or extra-thumb images on the fingers. Use at least a 10× loupe; subtle varieties need 20–60× magnification. Compare to authenticated photos at VarietyVista.com or Wexler’s Doubled Die Files. Real doubled dies show crisp, separated secondary images. Don’t confuse this with machine doubling, which looks flat and shelf-like. Machine doubling is worth nothing.

6. Are 2009 Special Strike pennies worth more than regular proof versions?

In terms of scarcity, absolutely. Special Strikes total just 784,614 sets — less than a third of the 2,995,615 proofs per design. But the market hasn’t caught up yet. SP69 RD examples sell for $112–$350, while PR70 DCAM proofs bring $300–$500. That disconnect between scarcity and pricing makes the Special Strikes a potentially undervalued opportunity.

7. What other errors exist on 2009 pennies besides doubled dies?

Plenty. Broad strikes (wider than normal, missing rim) have sold for $650. Off-center strikes reached $812 for a 30% off-center example. Die gouges brought $520. Lamination cracks hit $410. Die crack errors reached $630. Die clashes (ghost images) sell for $15–$200. The big prize is the wrong planchet error — $5,875 to $180,000 when authenticated.

8. Does the “D” mint mark make a 2009 penny more valuable?

Not automatically. But for specific high-grade coins, Denver produces some of the series’ most valuable pieces. The 2009-D Presidency MS68 RD — only two certified by PCGS — sold for $4,700. The Denver Professional Life MS68 (also only 2 known per NGC) brought $1,490. In lower grades, Philadelphia and Denver coins of the same design trade at similar prices.

9. Should I get my 2009 penny professionally graded?

Only when the potential value clearly beats the grading cost, which runs $100–$150 per coin after membership, handling, and shipping. Consider submitting coins that look MS65 or higher in full Red condition, confirmed Formative Years DDR varieties, any suspected wrong planchet error, or coins headed to major auction houses. Screen your coins first with the free Coin Identifier and Value App — only pay for grading when the likely certified value exceeds costs by at least three to five times.

10. What release dates were used for each 2009 penny design?

Each design got its own public ceremony. The Early Childhood (“Log Cabin”) penny debuted on February 12, 2009 — Lincoln’s exact 200th birthday — at LaRue County High School in Hodgenville, Kentucky. The Formative Years (“Indiana”) penny was released on May 14, 2009. The Professional Life (“Illinois”) penny debuted on August 13, 2009. The Presidency penny concluded the series on November 12, 2009. All four designs were previewed at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on September 22, 2008.