2009 Log Cabin Penny Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 2009 Log Cabin Penny holds a unique place in American coin history. It was the first redesigned Lincoln cent in 50 years, released on February 12, 2009 — Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday — at a ceremony at LaRue County High School in Hodgenville, Kentucky.

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 top Mint State grades, the same coin can reach $4,800 or higher.

Understanding what your 2009 Log Cabin Penny is worth goes deeper than face value. Condition, mint mark, color designation, and whether any errors are present 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 Log Cabin MS68RD, which reached $4,800 at auction in April 2025 — showing just how much pristine condition alone can drive value to extraordinary heights.

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 Log Cabin 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. These results give you a solid picture of where the market stands right now.

 

History of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

The Lincoln cent has a long history in American coinage. It was first introduced in 1909 to mark 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.

The series was formally authorized by the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-145), which directed the U.S. Mint to redesign the cent’s reverse for 2009. The four new designs were unveiled on September 22, 2008, at a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The Log Cabin design was released on February 12, 2009 — Lincoln’s exact 200th birthday — at a ceremony at LaRue County High School in Hodgenville, Kentucky. U.S. Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart and Kentucky Governor Steven L. Beshear handed thousands of shiny new pennies directly to children in attendance.

The reverse was designed by Richard Masters, a master designer in the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, and sculpted by Jim Licaretz, a U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver. It depicts the humble log cabin near Nolin Creek in LaRue County where Lincoln was born, representing the first seven years of his life.

Two-roll sets of circulating Log Cabin cents went on sale through the Mint on March 24, 2009. The 100,000-set limited supply sold out in less than two weeks, reflecting enormous collector demand right from the start.

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 helps you identify the variety you have and assess its condition 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 near Hodgenville, 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 (Richard Masters) and JL (Jim Licaretz) are positioned at the lower left and lower right of the design field. “ONE CENT” runs along the bottom rim.

Other Features of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

The coin measures 19.05 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.5 grams. Business strike versions are composed of copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper). Proof and satin finish versions were struck in 95% copper, 3% zinc, and 2% tin — the same alloy used on Lincoln cents from 1909 to 1942. 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 and were never released into circulation.

There is also a fourth type that many collectors overlook: the Satin Finish (Special Strike / SP) version, included in the 2009 Uncirculated Mint Sets. The U.S. Mint sold approximately 771,204 sets, meaning the satin finish Log Cabin cent has roughly that same mintage — making it the second-lowest mintage of any Lincoln cent for non-proof issues, lower even than the famous 1931-S wheat penny.

The satin finish version is struck in the same 95% copper alloy as the proof, and receives an “SP” prefix when graded by PCGS or an “SMS” label from NGC. A recent PCGS auction result showed an SP69RD specimen selling for $112 in January 2022.

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 value in very 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 state of preservation. Circulated examples in lower grades rarely exceed face value, while well-preserved coins in MS65 and above are where meaningful premiums begin.

Color designation is another factor that directly affects price. RD (Red) means the coin retains 95% or more of its original copper luster — the most valuable designation. RB (Red-Brown) indicates partial toning, and BN (Brown) describes coins that have lost most of their original color. At the same numerical grade, an RD coin can be worth multiples of a BN example.

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 main types — plus the satin finish variety — each serving a different purpose and appealing to a different kind of collector.

• 2009 No Mint Mark Log Cabin Penny: a business strike from Philadelphia 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 from Denver, 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 at San Francisco for collector sets, featuring a Deep Cameo (DCAM) finish — frosted design elements against mirror-like fields.
• 2009 Satin Finish (SP) Log Cabin Penny: included in the 2009 Uncirculated Mint Set from both Philadelphia and Denver, struck in 95% copper with a distinctive satin surface unlike either a business strike or a proof.

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 building a complete set.

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 — 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.

The highest recorded sale for this coin was an MS68RD example that fetched $4,800 in April 2025. That said, most examples in circulated condition are worth close to face value, and meaningful premiums really only begin at MS65 and above. In MS67 condition, Philadelphia examples have reached around $300.

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 command the strongest prices in Mint State grades, while RB (Red-Brown) coins trade at a noticeable discount. BN (Brown) examples generally hold little premium above face value regardless of numerical grade.

One of the highest recorded sales for the 2009-D Log Cabin Penny was an MS67RD example that brought $646 at auction in 2015. A PCGS MS-68 D mint mark example also sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2024 for $210. For most collectors, targeting MS65RD and above is where the value proposition becomes most 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 (DCAM) finish: frosted, sharply struck design elements contrasting against mirror-like fields, giving the coin a striking two-tone appearance. When grading services see this contrast on a proof cent, they add the “DCAM” designation to the coin’s label — and that designation adds real value.

PR70 DCAM examples are the most sought-after, generally valued at around $160. PR69 DCAM examples tend to exceed $65. 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 can add real value for the right collector. The frantic pace of striking over 2.35 billion cents across all four designs in just 11 months created ideal conditions for a variety of minting mistakes. Here is what to look for.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

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

One documented Philadelphia mint DDO shows strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and sold through eBay’s certified coins section for $165 in November 2023, graded MS-65 by PCGS. To confirm a genuine DDO, look for raised, rounded doubling that runs consistently across the affected area. Flat or shelf-like doubling is usually mechanical doubling (MD), which carries little to no premium.

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 left corner of the structure — typically affecting two or three logs. A 10x loupe or stronger magnification is generally needed to distinguish genuine doubled die doubling from ordinary die wear.

It is important to note that PCGS officially recognizes only one doubled die series for the entire 2009 cent program — the Formative Years DDR varieties catalogued as FS-801 through FS-808. The Log Cabin DDR errors are documented by variety specialists but are not in PCGS’s main variety registry. Confirmed examples with well-defined doubling in medium-high quality fetch around $30 to $50.

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 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 chunk 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 price.

4. Clipped Planchet

A clipped planchet occurs when the dies that punch circular blanks from metal sheets overlap with a previously punched hole, cutting a curved bite out of the coin’s edge. These errors have a dedicated collector following. Getting one authenticated and certified by PCGS or NGC before selling can turn a $20 raw example into a $75–$150 certified piece, as certification stabilizes thin copper surfaces and provides authentication confidence.

5. Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike happens when a planchet is not correctly positioned between the dies at the moment of striking. The result is a coin where part of the design is missing and a crescent of blank metal shows on one side. The value depends on how far off-center the strike is and whether the date is still visible. Off-center Log Cabin cents with 10–20% misalignment and a readable date can attract collector premiums well above face 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, values can reach $8.57 or higher. The 2009-S DCAM proof starts at a separate price point, with PR70 DCAM examples generally valued at $160. The all-time auction record for the Log Cabin design is $4,800, set by an MS68RD example in April 2025.

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 (Red) examples at the same numerical grade will always command more than RB (Red-Brown) or BN (Brown) 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 Bicentennial cent program. The other three designs depict his Formative Years in Indiana, Professional Life in Illinois, and Presidency in Washington, D.C. Collectors who assemble all four designs from both Philadelphia and Denver, plus the San Francisco proof, often find the complete set more appealing to buyers than individual coins.

4. What is the Satin Finish version of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny, and is it valuable?

The Satin Finish (Special Strike) version was included in the 2009 U.S. Mint Uncirculated Set, which sold for $27.95. It was struck from 95% copper — the same alloy as the original 1909 cent — and has a unique appearance between a regular business strike and a proof. PCGS labels these “SP” and NGC calls them “SMS.” With roughly 771,204 sets sold, this version has the second-lowest mintage of any non-proof Lincoln cent in history, lower than the 1931-S wheat penny. A PCGS SP69RD sold for $112 in January 2022.

5. Who designed the Log Cabin reverse?

The reverse was designed by Richard Masters, a master designer in the U.S. Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, and sculpted by Jim Licaretz, a Mint sculptor-engraver. Their initials, RM and JL, appear at the lower edges of the reverse design. The design was inspired by photographs of a 19th-century reconstruction of the Lincoln family’s original Kentucky cabin.

6. What errors exist on the 2009 Log Cabin Penny?

Documented errors include Doubled Die Obverse (doubling on “LIBERTY” and the date), Doubled Die Reverse (doubling on cabin logs), die cracks, clipped planchets, and off-center strikes. The Log Cabin DDR is not in PCGS’s official variety registry, but confirmed examples still sell for $30–$50 in medium grades. DDO examples graded MS-65 by PCGS have sold for around $165. PCGS or NGC certification is recommended for any suspected error before selling.

7. When was the 2009 Log Cabin Penny officially released?

It was released on February 12, 2009 — Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday — at a ceremony at LaRue County High School in Hodgenville, Kentucky. U.S. Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart and Kentucky Governor Steven L. Beshear distributed thousands of the new coins to children in attendance. The Mint later made two-roll sets available for sale on March 24, 2009; those 100,000 sets sold out in less than two weeks.

8. How do I tell a genuine Doubled Die from mechanical doubling on my 2009 Log Cabin Penny?

A genuine Doubled Die (DDO or DDR) shows raised, rounded doubling that runs consistently across the affected design elements — like two separate letters or log ends slightly offset from each other. Mechanical doubling (MD), which has no collector value, appears as flat, shelf-like extensions of the design that look smeared rather than doubled. If you are unsure, variety specialist John Wexler (doubleddie.com) attributes doubled dies for a fee, or you can submit to PCGS or NGC for professional authentication.

9. Is the 2009-D Log Cabin Penny worth more than the Philadelphia version?

At most grade levels, the two are worth roughly the same. The Denver Mint produced slightly more (350,400,000 vs. 284,400,000 for Philadelphia), but auction records show both mints producing high-value examples at MS67 and MS68. The condition and color designation (RD vs. RB vs. BN) matter far more than which mint produced the coin. One notable exception: the 2009-D satin finish version carries the same scarcity as its Philadelphia counterpart due to matching mintage figures tied to the Uncirculated Mint Set.

10. Should I get my 2009 Log Cabin Penny professionally graded?

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is worth it if your coin appears to be MS66 or higher, shows a documented error, or has a satin finish (SP). Grading fees typically run $20–$50 depending on service level, and a $20 raw error coin can easily become a $75–$150 certified piece once authenticated. For common circulated examples or lower Mint State grades, the cost of grading usually exceeds the potential value gain, so certification makes the most sense for coins showing strong condition or a confirmed variety.