2009 Log Cabin Penny Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial penny series holds a special place in American numismatic history. It was issued to mark both the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent itself. The Log Cabin design kicks off this four-coin series, depicting the humble Kentucky birthplace where Lincoln’s story began.

As the opening coin of the series, it naturally draws collectors who want to build a complete set. For most circulated examples, the 2009 Log Cabin Penny value starts modestly, around $0.28 in Good condition and $0.96 in Fine. But in uncirculated Mint State grades, the same coin can reach $8.57 or higher.

Understanding 2009 Log Cabin Penny value goes deeper than face value alone. Condition, mint mark, and where this coin fits within the broader series all shape what collectors are willing to pay.

 

2009 Log Cabin Penny Value By Variety

Here is a quick overview of 2009 Log Cabin Penny value across the main types and condition grades. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 2009 Log Cabin Penny Worth Money

Grade and variety make all the difference in what collectors are willing to pay for a 2009 Log Cabin Penny.

The chart tracks the most valuable sales from 2011 to present. The standout is the 2009 Childhood MS68RD, which reached $4,800 at auction, showing just how much condition alone can push value higher.

Special designations also matter. The “First Day of Issue” label adds collector appeal, with a 2009 Lincoln-Early Childhood First Day of Issue MS67 fetching $750. The 2009-D Childhood MS67RD followed closely at $646, showing that Denver Mint examples in high grades are equally competitive.

Even the lower entries on this list, ranging from $27 to $176, represent coins that well outperform their face value. If you are aiming for a high-grade example, these results give you a solid sense of what the market looks like.

 

History of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

The Lincoln cent has a long history in American coinage. It was first introduced in 1909 to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, making it one of the earliest U.S. coins to feature a real historical figure on its obverse. Over the following century, the design evolved, but Lincoln’s portrait remained a constant presence in everyday American life.

By 2009, two significant milestones arrived at once. The nation was marking the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent itself. To honor both occasions, the U.S. Mint released a four-coin series, each design representing a different chapter of Lincoln’s life.

The Log Cabin design was the first in that series, and its historical roots run deep. It references Lincoln’s early childhood in Kentucky, where he was born in 1809 into modest frontier conditions. That humble beginning became central to his public identity and legacy as a leader who rose from very little to shape the nation.

Releasing this design in 2009 was a deliberate choice. It grounded the commemorative series in Lincoln’s origins, inviting collectors to see these coins not just as currency, but as a retelling of one of America’s most enduring stories.

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

 

Is Your 2009 Log Cabin Penny Rare?

Scan your 2009 Log Cabin Penny with the CoinValueChecker App to see exactly where it ranks in rarity.

 

Key Features of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

The 2009 Log Cabin Penny is the first in a four-coin series, and its design choices reflect a clear intention to connect collectors with a specific moment in American history. Knowing what to look for on both sides of the coin helps you identify the variety you have and assess its condition more accurately.

The Obverse of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

The obverse features Lincoln’s portrait in right-facing profile, based on the original design by Victor D. Brenner that has appeared on the cent since 1909. “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs along the upper rim, while “LIBERTY” is inscribed to the left of the portrait.

The date “2009” appears to the right, with the mint mark directly below it on coins from Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). Philadelphia issues carry no mint mark.

The Reverse of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

The reverse depicts a modest log cabin representing Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears below the cabin.

The date “1809,” referencing Lincoln’s birth year, is centered beneath that inscription. Designer initials RM and JL are positioned at the lower left and lower right edges of the design field. “ONE CENT” runs along the bottom rim.

Other Features of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

The coin measures 19.00 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.5 grams. Business strike versions are composed of copper-plated zinc, while proof versions were struck in 95% copper to match the original 1909 composition. All versions feature a plain, smooth edge with no reeding.

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

 

2009 Log Cabin Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The mintage numbers for the 2009 Log Cabin Penny vary significantly depending on the type. The Denver Mint produced the most at 350,400,000, followed by Philadelphia at 284,400,000. Both are high-volume business strikes that entered general circulation.

The 2009-S DCAM proof version is a different story altogether, with only 2,995,615 struck. These were made exclusively for collector sets, not for everyday use, which explains the much smaller number and the premium they tend to carry in the market.

As for survival data, exact figures remain unknown across all three types. This is fairly common for modern coins, since comprehensive tracking of surviving examples is still ongoing in the numismatic community.

What is clear is that the proof version is considerably scarcer than its circulating counterparts, and condition plays an especially important role when evaluating any of these coins.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2009 Log Cabin Penny Value

Three key factors shape the 2009 Log Cabin Penny value: the mint mark, the coin’s condition, and whether any errors are present. A coin from Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco can look nearly identical at first glance, but the type and grade can push the value in different directions.

Condition carries the most weight. Collectors rely on the Sheldon Grading Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70, to measure a coin’s overall condition. Circulated examples in lower grades rarely exceed face value, while well-preserved coins in MS65 and above are where meaningful premiums begin.

A quick scan with the CoinValueChecker App gives you an instant grade and value for your coin.

 

2009 Log Cabin Penny Value Guides

The 2009 Log Cabin Penny was issued in three distinct types, each serving a different purpose and appealing to a different kind of collector.

• 2009 No Mint Mark Log Cabin Penny: a business strike made for general circulation, commonly found in pocket change and accessible for collectors at most grade levels.
• 2009-D Log Cabin Penny: also a circulation strike, sharing the same design and value range as the No Mint Mark version across most grades.
• 2009-S DCAM Log Cabin Penny: a proof coin produced exclusively for collector sets, featuring a deep cameo finish with frosted design elements against mirror-like fields.

Knowing which type you have is a useful first step, as each one has its own grading range and market behavior.

 

2009 No Mint Mark Log Cabin Penny Value

The 2009 No Mint Mark Log Cabin Penny is a copper-plated zinc coin struck at the Philadelphia Mint for general circulation. As the first design in the Lincoln Bicentennial series, it holds a natural appeal for collectors who want to build a complete set, and its value can range quite a bit depending on one key factor: color.

Like all copper cents, this coin receives a color designation alongside its numerical grade. RD (Red) means the coin retains 95% or more of its original bright copper luster and represents the most desirable examples.

RB (Red-Brown) indicates a mix of original red and natural toning, while BN (Brown) describes coins where little of the original red color remains. In lower grades, the color difference matters less, but in higher Mint State grades, it can mean a significant gap in price.

The highest recorded sale for this coin was an MS68RD example that fetched $4,800 at auction in 2025. That said, most examples in circulated condition are worth close to face value, and meaningful premiums really only begin at MS65 and above.

The auction records below give a clearer picture of how prices have moved across different grades over time.

The chart below shows how market activity for the 2009 No Mint Mark Log Cabin Penny has moved month by month over the past year.

 

2009-D Log Cabin Penny Value

The 2009-D Log Cabin Penny is the Denver Mint version of the Early Childhood design, identifiable by the “D” mint mark beneath the date on the obverse. For collectors who want one example from each mint facility, it serves as a natural companion to the Philadelphia issue.

Color designation makes a meaningful difference in what this coin is worth. RD (Red) examples, which retain nearly all of their original copper luster, command the strongest prices in Mint State grades.

RB (Red-Brown) coins, where toning has partially set in, tend to trade at a noticeable discount to RD, while BN (Brown) examples generally hold little premium above face value regardless of their numerical grade.

One of the highest recorded sales for the 2009-D Log Cabin Penny was an MS67RD example that brought $646 in 2015. For most collectors, targeting MS65RD and above is where the value proposition becomes more meaningful.

Past auction results for this coin offer a useful reference point for understanding how prices have shifted across different grade levels over the years.

Collector interest in the 2009-D Log Cabin Penny has seen noticeable peaks and quieter stretches — the chart below reflects how activity has played out month by month.

 

2009-S DCAM Log Cabin Penny Value

The 2009-S DCAM Log Cabin Penny is a proof coin produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for collector sets. It was never released into circulation, which means most surviving examples are in excellent condition.

What sets it apart visually is the Deep Cameo finish: frosted, sharply struck design elements against mirror-like fields that give the coin a two-tone appearance quite unlike any business strike.

In terms of value, PR70 DCAM examples are the most sought-after, generally valued at $160, while PR69 examples tend to exceed $65, and PR65 through PR68 coins typically fall in the $5 to $14 range. The highest recorded auction price for a PR70DCAM specimen reached $440 at a Great Collections auction in August 2011.

The auction records below trace how prices for this coin have played out across different grade levels over time.

The monthly breakdown that follows reflects how collector demand for this coin has shifted from one period to the next.

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

 

Rare 2009 Log Cabin Penny Error List

Error coins from the 2009 Log Cabin Penny are not the easiest to find, but they do exist and they do add value for the right collector. Most errors on this design are subtle and require magnification to spot. Knowing what to look for, and where to look, is the practical starting point for anyone evaluating one of these coins.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

A Doubled Die Obverse occurs during the die-making process, when the working die receives more than one impression from the hub at a slightly different angle each time. On the 2009 Log Cabin Penny, doubling has been reported on obverse elements including “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and Lincoln’s portrait details.

To confirm a true DDO, look for rounded, raised doubling that runs consistently across the affected areas. Flat, shelf-like doubling is typically mechanical doubling, which carries little to no premium. Grade and the strength of the doubling are the two factors that most directly affect what a DDO example is worth.

2. Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)

On the Log Cabin reverse, doubling tends to show up on the circular ends of the cabin logs at the front corner of the structure. A 10x loupe or stronger magnification is generally needed to distinguish genuine doubled die doubling from ordinary die wear.

Examples with this error in medium-high quality can fetch around $30 to $50. The visibility of the doubling matters as much as the grade — a well-defined, clearly doubled example will always attract more collector attention than a subtle or ambiguous one.

3. Die Cracks

Die cracks form when a working die develops stress fractures from repeated use under high pressure. On the 2009 Log Cabin Penny, cracks have been documented running through areas of the design on both the obverse and reverse. Minor cracks typically add $5 to $15 to a coin’s value.

Larger cracks that connect multiple design elements, or those that result in a die cud — a raised blank area where a piece of the die broke away from the edge — command stronger premiums. Size, location, and how clearly the crack reads on the coin all factor into the final value.

 

Where to Sell Your 2009 Log Cabin Penny?

Whether you have a circulated example worth a few cents or a high-grade RD coin with real auction potential, knowing your coin’s value is just the beginning. The next step is finding the right place to sell. We’ve put together a guide on the best platforms for buying and selling coins online, complete with honest pros and cons for each.

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

 

2009 Log Cabin Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

1. How much is a 2009 Log Cabin Penny worth?

It depends on the type and condition. Most circulated examples are worth close to face value, around $0.28 in Good and $0.96 in Fine. In uncirculated Mint State grades, the same coin can reach $8.57 or higher. The 2009-S DCAM proof version starts at a separate price point, with PR70 DCAM examples generally valued at $160.

2. What grade does a 2009 Log Cabin Penny need to be worth more than face value?

For circulation strikes, meaningful premiums generally begin at MS65 and above. Coins grading below MS65 are rarely worth more than face value, as the high production numbers mean lower-grade survivors are plentiful. Color designation also matters — RD examples at the same numerical grade will always command more than RB or BN coins.

3. Is the 2009 Log Cabin Penny part of a larger set?

Yes. It is the first of four designs released in 2009 as part of the Lincoln cent series marking Lincoln’s 200th birthday. The other three designs depict his Formative Years, Professional Life, and Presidency. Collectors who assemble all four designs from both the Philadelphia and Denver mints, plus the San Francisco proof, often find the complete set more appealing to buyers than individual coins.