2009 Log Cabin Penny Coin Value: 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’s a quick look at 2009 Log Cabin Penny value across the main types and grades. If you already know your coin’s grade, jump 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 Log Cabin Penny Worth Money

The coin sitting at the top of this list tells you everything about what condition can do. A 2009 Log Cabin MS68RD — same design you might find in a junk jar — brought $4,800 at auction in April 2025. That’s nearly five grand for a penny, and the only reason is grade. No errors, no special variety. Just a flawless strike with full red luster.

Special labels push prices too. A “First Day of Issue” MS67 sold for $750. The 2009-D Log Cabin MS67RD hit $646. Even the lower entries on this list, ranging from $27 to $176, blow past face value. I think this chart is the best snapshot of where the market sits right now.

 

History of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

The Lincoln cent debuted in 1909 to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was one of the first U.S. coins to put a real person on the obverse.

Fast forward a century, and the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-145) directed the Mint to redesign the cent’s reverse for 2009. Four new designs were unveiled on September 22, 2008, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Log Cabin design dropped on February 12, 2009 — Lincoln’s exact 200th birthday — at LaRue County High School in Hodgenville, Kentucky. U.S. Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart and Governor Steven L. Beshear handed shiny new pennies directly to kids in the audience. That’s a pretty great way to launch a coin.

Richard Masters designed the reverse through the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, and Jim Licaretz sculpted it. The cabin depicted sits near Nolin Creek in LaRue County — where Lincoln spent his first seven years.

Two-roll sets went on sale March 24, 2009. The 100,000-set limited supply sold out in less than two weeks. Collector demand was massive from day one.

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 Coin Identifier and Value App to see exactly where it ranks in rarity.

 

Key Features of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

This is the first coin in a four-design series, and knowing both sides well helps you nail down the variety and judge condition. Here’s what to look for.

The Obverse of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

You’ll see Lincoln’s right-facing portrait — the same Victor D. Brenner design that’s been on the cent since 1909. “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs along the upper rim. “LIBERTY” sits to the left of Lincoln’s bust.

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

The Reverse of the 2009 Log Cabin Penny

Flip it over and you’ll see a modest log cabin — Lincoln’s birthplace near Hodgenville, Kentucky. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears below the cabin.

The date “1809” — Lincoln’s birth year — is centered beneath that. Look at the lower left and lower right of the design field for the designer initials: RM (Richard Masters) and JL (Jim Licaretz). “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 Denver Mint produced the most at 350,400,000, followed by Philadelphia at 284,400,000. Both are high-volume business strikes that went straight into circulation.

The 2009-S DCAM proof is a completely different animal — only 2,995,615 struck, all for collector sets. None ever hit circulation.

Here’s the one most collectors miss: the Satin Finish (Special Strike / SP) version from the 2009 Uncirculated Mint Sets. The Mint sold roughly 771,204 sets, giving this version about that same mintage. That makes it the second-lowest mintage of any Lincoln cent for non-proof issues — lower than the famous 1931-S wheat penny. Think about that. A modern coin rarer than one of the most iconic keys in the series.

It’s struck in the same 95% copper alloy as the proof and gets an “SP” prefix from PCGS or “SMS” from NGC. A PCGS SP69RD sold 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 things drive 2009 Log Cabin Penny value: mint mark, condition, and errors. A Philly coin and a Denver coin look almost identical, but the type and grade can push prices in very different directions.

Condition matters most. Collectors use the Sheldon Grading Scale (1 to 70) to measure preservation. Circulated pieces in lower grades rarely beat face value. The real premiums kick in at MS65 and above.

Color designation hits your wallet too. RD (Red) means 95%+ original copper luster — the top tier. RB (Red-Brown) shows partial toning. BN (Brown) means most of the original color is gone. At the same numerical grade, an RD coin can be worth several times more than a BN.

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

 

2009 Log Cabin Penny Value Guides

The 2009 Log Cabin Penny comes in three main types plus the satin finish variety.

• 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.

Figure out which type you have first — each one follows its own grading range and market behavior.

 

2009 No Mint Mark Log Cabin Penny Value

Most people don’t expect a zinc penny to sell for thousands. But an MS68RD example fetched $4,800 in April 2025 — the highest recorded sale for this coin. That’s the power of top-pop status on a coin where gem survivors are scarce.

This is a copper-plated zinc coin struck at the Philadelphia Mint for everyday circulation. As the first design in the Lincoln Bicentennial series, it’s a natural target for set builders.

Color designation matters here. RD (Red) means 95%+ original copper luster — the coins collectors fight over. RB (Red-Brown) shows partial toning, and BN (Brown) means most of the original color is gone. Most circulated examples trade near face value. Real premiums start at MS65 and above, with Philadelphia MS67s reaching around $300.

The auction records below show how prices have moved across grades over time.

Here’s how market activity for the 2009 No Mint Mark Log Cabin Penny has tracked month by month over the past year.

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

 

2009-D Log Cabin Penny Value

Is the Denver version worth more than the Philly? At most grades, no. But at the top end, the D mint mark holds its own just fine. An MS67RD example brought $646 at auction in 2015, and a PCGS MS-68 D mint mark example sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2024 for $210.

You can spot this one by the “D” mint mark beneath the date on the obverse. If you’re building a set from each mint facility, this is the natural companion to the Philadelphia issue.

Color makes a big difference in what you’ll get. RD (Red) commands the strongest prices in Mint State. RB (Red-Brown) trades at a noticeable discount. BN (Brown) examples hold almost no premium regardless of grade. For most collectors, targeting MS65RD and above is where it starts to get interesting.

Past auction results give you a solid reference for how prices have shifted across grades.

The chart below tracks month-by-month activity for the 2009-D Log Cabin Penny.

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

 

2009-S DCAM Log Cabin Penny Value

If you want the best-looking version of this coin, this is it. The Deep Cameo (DCAM) finish gives you frosted, razor-sharp design elements sitting on top of mirror-like fields. That two-tone contrast is what grading services look for when they add “DCAM” to the label — and that label adds real money.

This proof was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for collector sets. It never entered circulation, so most surviving examples are in excellent shape.

PR70 DCAM examples generally sit around $160. PR69 DCAM coins tend to exceed $65. PR65 through PR68 typically fall in the $5 to $14 range. The highest recorded auction price for a PR70DCAM hit $440 at a Great Collections auction in August 2011.

Auction records below trace how prices have played out across grades over time.

The monthly breakdown below shows how collector demand for this coin has shifted period to period.

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

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 aren’t the easiest to find, but they’re out there. The Mint cranked out over 2.35 billion cents across all four designs in just 11 months — that kind of pace creates mistakes. Here’s what to look for when you’re cherrypicking.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

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

One documented Philadelphia DDO with strong doubling on “LIBERTY” sold on 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) — worth nothing extra.

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 — typically two or three logs. You’ll need a 10x loupe or stronger to separate genuine doubled die doubling from ordinary die wear.

Worth noting: 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. Log Cabin DDR errors are documented by variety specialists but aren’t in PCGS’s main registry. Confirmed examples with solid doubling in medium-high grades sell for around $30 to $50.

3. Die Cracks

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

Bigger cracks connecting multiple design elements — or a die cud (a raised blank area where a chunk of the die broke away from the rim) — bring stronger premiums. Size, location, and clarity all factor into the final price.

4. Clipped Planchet

A clipped planchet happens when the blanking press overlaps a previously punched hole, cutting a curved bite out of the coin’s edge. These have a dedicated collector following. Getting one slabbed by PCGS or NGC before selling can turn a $20 raw example into a $75–$150 certified piece. The holder protects those thin copper surfaces and gives buyers authentication confidence.

5. Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike means the planchet wasn’t seated properly between the dies. Part of the design is missing, and a crescent of blank metal shows on one side. Value depends on how far off-center the strike is and whether the date is still readable. Off-center Log Cabin cents with 10–20% misalignment and a visible date pull solid premiums 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 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 Log Cabin Penny

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

Depends on the type and condition. Most circulated examples sit near face value — around $0.28 in Good and $0.96 in Fine. Uncirculated Mint State coins can reach $8.57 or higher. The 2009-S DCAM proof is a separate market, with PR70 DCAM examples around $160. The all-time record for the Log Cabin design is $4,800, set by an MS68RD in April 2025.

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

For circulation strikes, real premiums start at MS65 and above. Below that, the huge production numbers mean there are plenty of survivors to go around. Color designation matters too — RD (Red) coins at the same grade always outprice RB (Red-Brown) or BN (Brown).

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

Yes. It’s the first of four designs released in 2009 for the Lincoln Bicentennial cent program. The other three cover his Formative Years in Indiana, Professional Life in Illinois, and Presidency in Washington, D.C. A complete set from both Philadelphia and Denver, plus the San Francisco proof, tends to sell better 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 came in the 2009 U.S. Mint Uncirculated Set, which sold for $27.95. It’s struck from 95% copper — the same alloy as the original 1909 cent — with a unique surface that’s neither a business strike nor 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?

Richard Masters designed it through the U.S. Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, and Jim Licaretz sculpted it. Their initials, RM and JL, appear at the lower edges of the reverse. The design was based on 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 isn’t 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. Get any suspected error slabbed by PCGS or NGC 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 elements — like two separate letters or log ends slightly offset. Mechanical doubling (MD) looks flat and smeared, almost shelf-like. No collector value there. If you’re unsure, variety specialist John Wexler (doubleddie.com) attributes doubled dies for a fee, or you can submit to PCGS or NGC.

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

At most grades, they’re about the same. Denver struck slightly more (350,400,000 vs. 284,400,000 for Philadelphia), but auction records show both mints producing high-value coins at MS67 and MS68. Condition and color designation (RD vs. RB vs. BN) matter far more than which mint made it. One exception: the 2009-D satin finish version carries the same scarcity as its Philadelphia counterpart since mintage is tied to the Uncirculated Mint Set.

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

It’s worth it if your coin looks 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 slabbed. For common circulated examples or lower Mint State grades, the grading fee usually eats up any potential gain. I’d save your money unless the coin really stands out.