09 marked an unprecedented moment in American numismatic history when the U.S. Mint broke a 50-year tradition by releasing four distinct reverse designs on a single coin series. The Lincoln Bicentennial pennies commemorated both Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent itself.

Each design depicted pivotal moments in Lincoln’s life—from his Kentucky log cabin birth to his presidency during the Civil War—replacing the Lincoln Memorial design used since 1959.

The value of these coins varies significantly based on their condition and specific variety. For instance, standard 2009 pennies without mint marks in good condition are valued at just $0.28, while those same coins in mint state (MS) condition can be worth $8.57. The special varieties command even higher premiums, with the 2009 S DCAM penny reaching $4.78 in proof condition.

While most circulated 2009 pennies remain worth face value, high-grade specimens command premiums from $15 to several hundred dollars. The 2009 penny has certain appreciation potential—now, please join me in exploring this unique coin, the 2009 penny.

 

2009 Penny Value By Variety

The 2009 penny value varies significantly by mint mark and condition. 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 Penny Worth Money

The most valuable 2009 pennies demonstrate complex pricing dynamics that extend beyond traditional grade-based valuation. Ultra-high grade MS68 specimens dominate the premium tier, with Early Childhood at $4,800 and Denver Presidency at $4,700 leading the market. However, grade alone cannot explain all value differentials, as evidenced by the 2009-D Presidency RD 69 ($2,040) trading below several MS68 examples.

A critical inclusion appears in the third position: the 2009 Lincoln-Formative Years DDR FS-802 67 at $2,750, representing the only error variety in the top ten. This demonstrates how authenticated mint errors can command premiums that exceed even higher-grade regular strikes, highlighting the importance of variety recognition alongside condition rarity.

Design popularity creates clear market preferences, with Early Childhood and Presidency themes claiming the top four positions, while Professional and Formative Years occupy middle-tier valuations.

Mint mark significance varies by design, with Denver versions showing particular strength in the Presidency series but more modest performance in other themes.

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

 

History Of The 2009 Penny

The 2009 Lincoln penny emerged from the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, which authorized the U.S. Mint to redesign the Lincoln cent’s reverse for the first time since 1958. This commemorative series celebrated two milestone anniversaries: Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday and the centennial of the Lincoln cent itself, first issued in 1909.

The Mint broke precedent by releasing four distinct reverse designs throughout 2009, each depicting a different phase of Lincoln’s life—Early Childhood in Kentucky, Formative Years in Indiana, Professional Life in Illinois, and Presidency in Washington.

The obverse retained Victor David Brenner’s original 1909 portrait design, maintaining historical continuity while showcasing Lincoln’s journey from log cabin to White House.

The series featured multiple striking formats across three mint facilities. Philadelphia and Denver produced circulation strikes with varying mintages ranging from 129.6 million to 376 million per design.

San Francisco created proof versions exclusively for collector sets, while both Philadelphia and Denver contributed to limited Satin Finish editions that were unexpectedly discontinued in June 2010 after producing fewer than 785,000 sets.

Following the commemoration, the Lincoln cent received its current Union Shield reverse in 2010, symbolizing the preserved Union that Lincoln fought to maintain. The 2009 series marked the final multi-design year in Lincoln cent history, establishing these coins as unique artifacts of both numismatic innovation and presidential commemoration.

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

 

Is Your 2009 Penny Rare?

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

 

Key Features Of The 2009 Penny

The 2009 Lincoln penny represents the most complex single-year coin design in U.S. history, featuring unprecedented variety across multiple dimensions.

This commemorative series maintained the traditional obverse design while introducing four distinct reverse themes, three different striking formats (circulation, proof, and satin finish), and production across three mint facilities. Creating a comprehensive collecting challenge that spans design, mint mark, grade, and composition variations within a single year’s production.

The Obverse Of The 2009 Penny

The obverse design remained constant across all 2009 varieties, preserving Victor David Brenner’s iconic 1909 Lincoln portrait that launched the Lincoln cent series. Lincoln’s right-facing profile dominates the design, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcing above his head and “LIBERTY” positioned to the left of the portrait.

The date “2009” appears on the right side below Lincoln’s truncation, with mint marks (when present) positioned directly beneath the date. The “D” mint mark indicates Denver production, while San Francisco proofs carry an “S” designation, and Philadelphia coins bear no mint mark. Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” appear in small letters on Lincoln’s shoulder truncation, maintaining the original designer attribution.

The Reverse Of The 2009 Penny

The 2009 penny broke century-long precedent by featuring four different reverse designs released sequentially throughout the year, each commemorating a distinct phase of Lincoln’s life. All reverses share common inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top curve, “ONE CENT” at the bottom, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” positioned strategically within each design.

The Early Childhood reverse depicts the Kentucky log cabin where Lincoln was born, designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz. The humble one-room structure symbolizes Lincoln’s modest beginnings, with careful attention to log construction details and a slightly opened door suggesting future possibilities.

The Formative Years reverse shows young Lincoln seated on a split log reading a book during a break from rail-splitting work in Indiana. Designed by Charles Vickers, the scene captures Lincoln’s commitment to self-education despite physical labor demands, with an axe resting nearby emphasizing his working background.

The Professional Life reverse features Lincoln standing before the Illinois State Capitol building, representing his career as a lawyer and politician. Designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart, the design shows Lincoln with documents, symbolizing his legal expertise and political development.

The Presidency reverse displays the unfinished U.S. Capitol dome as it appeared during Lincoln’s presidency. Designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Joseph Menna, the partially completed dome symbolizes Lincoln’s unfinished work of national reconstruction.

Other Features Of The 2009 Penny

The 2009 penny specifications varied significantly based on intended purpose and striking format. Circulation strikes maintain standard modern cent dimensions with a 19mm diameter and plain edge, weighing 2.50 grams due to the copper-plated zinc composition (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) adopted in 1982.

However, collector versions including proofs and satin finish coins return to the original Lincoln cent composition of 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, increasing weight to 3.11 grams and providing the distinctive reddish color and superior striking quality that collectors prefer.

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

 

2009 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 2009 Lincoln penny mintage data reveals dramatic production variations that create a clear hierarchy of scarcity across different types and mint facilities. Denver Mint led regular circulation production with over 350 million coins, while Philadelphia produced approximately 284 million pieces without mint marks.

However, the most significant story lies in the specialty versions: San Francisco proof coins (S DCAM) were limited to nearly 3 million specimens, while the Special Strike satin finish editions were restricted to just 784,614 pieces each from Philadelphia and Denver mints.

The Special Strike figures are particularly noteworthy as they represent combined Philadelphia and Denver production within the same limited set quantities, making them significantly rarer than even the proof versions. This mintage differential of nearly 4:1 between proofs and Special Strikes directly impacts collector values.

The absence of survival data across all categories highlights a critical gap in numismatic research for this relatively recent series. While circulation coins likely maintain high survival rates due to widespread hoarding during the commemorative release, the survival patterns for specialty strikes remain unknown, potentially creating additional scarcity factors beyond raw mintage numbers.

Unfortunately, precise survival data remains unknown across all categories, as comprehensive studies have not been conducted for this relatively recent series.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2009 Penny Value

The 2009 penny stands out as a special commemorative year featuring four unique reverse designs honoring Lincoln’s bicentennial. Each design—Birth and Early Childhood, Formative Years, Professional Life, and Presidency—has distinct collecting appeal. Mint State examples with strong strikes and proof versions command premiums, while error varieties from this limited production year are particularly desirable.

Identifying which of the four designs you have, evaluating strike sharpness, and spotting valuable errors requires careful examination and reference materials.

CoinValueChecker APP handles the complexity instantly. One photo identifies your specific 2009 design variety, detects errors, and provides accurate valuations.

 

2009 Penny Value Guides

The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial penny series encompasses five distinct categories, each representing different minting facilities and production methods that create varying levels of collectibility and value.

• 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
• 2009 Special Strike Penny– Philadelphia Mint satin finish coins
• 2009-D Special Strike Penny– Denver Mint satin finish coins

Philadelphia and Denver produced billions of circulation strikes for everyday use, while San Francisco crafted nearly 3 million proof coins with mirror-like finishes for collectors.

This diverse production approach created a comprehensive collecting opportunity ranging from accessible circulation finds to genuinely scarce specialty strikes, with values spanning from face value to several hundred dollars depending on condition and variety, making the 2009 series appealing to collectors across all experience and budget levels.

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

 

2009 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 2009 unmarked Lincoln pennies represent the Philadelphia Mint’s production. As a key component of the Lincoln Bicentennial series, these coins offer unique collector value.

The Philadelphia Mint produced over 1.1 billion 2009 pennies across four designs, with mintage numbers ranging from 129.6 million (Presidential Years) to 376 million (Growing Years). Unmarked versions are generally more readily available in the collector market than Denver Mint (D) versions, but high-grade examples remain scarce and valuable.

2009 Lincoln-Early Childhood

The Early Childhood design showcases Lincoln’s humble origins with a log cabin from his Kentucky birthplace. The “Childhood” series coins had a mintage of 284.4 million and are the most valuable of the four designs.

A rare MS68 RD coin fetched $4,800 at auction in April 2025, with red (RD) grade coins commanding a higher premium than red-brown (RB) and brown (BN) grades. Market demand remains stable as the inaugural design of the series, making it essential for collectors seeking complete sets.

2009 Lincoln-Formative Years

The Formative Years design depicts young Lincoln sitting on a log reading a book in Indiana, embodying his self-taught intellectual development. This design holds special significance in the collecting community due to its unique doubled die reverse (DDR) errors, catalogued as FS-801 through FS-808 varieties.

The MS67 RD phase has a higher auction price of US$1,995 in 2010 due to its high market recognition. This coin has solid long-term collecting potential.

2009 Lincoln-Professional

The Professional Life design features Lincoln standing before the Illinois State Capitol, representing his career as a lawyer and politician. With a mintage of 316,000,000 pieces, this design occupies the middle ground in terms of availability among the four varieties. The political theme attracts specific collecting demographics, contributing to steady demand patterns.

Condition grading plays a crucial role in valuation, the auction price of a rare MS68RD was as high as $1,939, which fully demonstrates that the scarcity of high-quality products makes it a significant premium. Red (RD) specimens show significant premiums over lower color designations, particularly in high-grade examples. The design exhibits relatively stable pricing compared to other varieties in the series, making it attractive for conservative collectors.

2009 Lincoln-Presidency

The Presidency design showcases the U.S. Capitol dome under construction, symbolizing Lincoln’s leadership during national reconstruction. This variety holds distinction as having the lowest mintage among the four designs at just 129,600,000 pieces, creating natural scarcity advantages that appeal strongly to collectors.

The limited production numbers, combined with widespread public hoarding during the commemorative release, have resulted in particularly scarce high-grade survivors. An MS68RD was auctioned on eBay on June 21, 2018 for $2,650. The combination of lowest mintage and historical significance supports strong long-term collecting

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.

 

2009-D Penny Value

The 2009-D Lincoln penny represents the Denver Mint’s contribution to the Bicentennial series, with a total mintage of over 1.24 billion across four designs.

The Denver versions have varying performance in the collector market, with the Presidency design reaching true high-end collector status due to its minimal mintage and scarcity, while the other three designs fall into the category of mid-priced modern commemorative coins.

The “D” mintmark provides differentiation from the Philadelphia version, but does not automatically confer higher value. Collectors generally seek a complete date and mintage combination, making the Denver version a necessity rather than a scarcity premium in a set collection.

2009-D Lincoln-Early Childhood

The 2009-D Early Childhood penny, with its substantial mintage of 350,400,000 pieces, represents common variety in the Denver series and reflects typical modern commemorative coin characteristics. Condition grading follows predictable patterns, with circulated examples at face value.

The HA auction record of $646 for an MS67RD specimen demonstrates this variety’s position as a moderate collectible rather than a premium investment piece.Due to the high production numbers,  price appreciation has been limited, but Market demand remains steady among collectors seeking complete date and mint combinations.

The collecting outlook positions this coin as an accessible entry point into the 2009 commemorative series, offering historical significance and design appeal without the premium pricing associated with genuinely scarce modern issues.

2009-D Lincoln-Formative Years

The 2009-D Formative Years design occupies the middle tier of Denver varieties with its mintage of 363,600,000 pieces. The  auction record of $2,040 for an MS66RD specimen places it in the solid collectible category without reaching premium status.

Unlike varieties with dramatic error premiums, the Denver Formative Years relies on standard condition rarity for its appeal. Professional certification proves valuable for MS67+ examples given the meaningful price differences, though the overall market remains accessible to intermediate collectors.

The investment profile suggests steady, conservative appreciation potential, supported by the coin’s role in complete commemorative sets and the enduring appeal of Lincoln’s educational journey, making it suitable for collectors seeking solid numismatic value without speculative risk.

2009-D Lincoln-Professional

The 2009-D Professional Life penny demonstrates respectable performance with its mintage of 336,000,000 pieces. Through the eBay auction record of $1,490 for an MS68RD specimen, representing solid collectible status in the commemorative series.  Market positioning places this variety in the middle range of modern commemoratives, where condition becomes the primary value driver rather than inherent scarcity.

Certification becomes economically justified for MS67+ examples, where the grade differences create meaningful value distinctions.  It appropriate for collectors seeking balanced exposure to the commemorative series with reasonable entry costs and stable long-term prospects.

2009-D Lincoln-Presidency

The 2009-D Presidency penny stands alone as the genuine premium collectible in the Denver series, distinguished by its lowest mintage of 198,000,000 pieces and exceptional market performance. The auction record of $4,700 for an MS68RD in 2016 specimen elevates this variety into legitimate high-end collecting territory, representing the only Denver issue that commands serious investment attention.

This price level reflects the convergence of multiple factors: the scarcest production numbers in the Denver series, the symbolic significance of the unfinished Capitol dome design, and genuine condition rarity in top grades. Unlike the other three varieties, the Presidency penny attracts serious numismatists and investors seeking premium modern issues.

The substantial price differential between this variety and its counterparts demonstrates that true rarity can create significant value even in modern commemoratives.  The investment profile presents genuine appreciation potential based on fundamental scarcity rather than speculative interest, positioning this coin as the crown jewel of the 2009-D series.

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

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

 

2009-S DCAM Penny Value

The 2009-S DCAM Lincoln pennies represent the San Francisco Mint’s proof contribution to the Bicentennial commemorative series, with each design sharing a mintage of 2,995,615 pieces. Even perfect PR70 specimens have achieved only moderate auction prices in the $300-500 range, indicating limited appreciation potential.

The large mintage, modern production techniques, and broad collector availability have prevented these coins from developing significant scarcity premiums, positioning them as accessible commemorative pieces rather than serious investment vehicles.

2009-S Lincoln-Early Childhood

In August 2011, a PR70DCAM specimen achieved a record auction price of $440 at a Great Collections auction, reflecting the coin’s status. Even in high condition, its value remains relatively low. This is because the mintage of nearly 3 million ensures ample supply for collectors, avoiding a premium associated with scarcity.

This variety is a commemorative collectible rather than an investment, with its appreciation potential limited by its large mintage and modern striking techniques, which have produced a large number of high-quality specimens.

The moderate price difference between circulated and perfect specimens reflects the coin’s affordability rather than rarity, making it suitable for collectors seeking historical significance rather than a high price or high appreciation expectations.

2009-S Lincoln-Formative Years

The December 2011 Heritage auction result of $489 for a PR70DCAM specimen represents the peak of early collector interest rather than sustainable market value, as subsequent performance has not maintained these levels.

The educational theme, while appealing, has not generated sufficient collector demand to overcome the fundamental supply-demand imbalance created by the large mintage.

Market reality shows this variety struggling with the same limitations affecting all modern high-mintage proofs: abundant availability, excellent production quality creating numerous gem specimens, and limited collector base willing to pay significant premiums. With future appreciation constrained by the fundamental economics of large-mintage modern issues.

2009-S Lincoln-Professional

The March 2010 auction priced of $347 for a PR68 specimen . The price shows political theme fails to generate sufficient collecting premiums to offset the large mintage disadvantage.

Excellent striking quality produces numerous high-grade examples, large mintage prevents scarcity premiums, and limited collector demand restricts appreciation potential.

The narrow value range and modest auction results position this coin as an affordable collectible for type collectors rather than a serious investment consideration, with future performance likely constrained by the fundamental oversupply characteristic of modern commemorative issues.

2009-S Lincoln-Presidency

The December 2022 eBay sale of $300 for a PR68DCAM specimen,  represents modest performance that underscores the limited appreciation potential of the series. Despite concluding the commemorative program with symbolic imagery, this variety cannot overcome the economic fundamentals limiting all modern high-mintage issues.

Market positioning reveals this variety as a commemorative collectible rather than an investment vehicle, with the recent $300 auction result demonstrating that even premium examples achieve only moderate prices.

Collectors should view this coin as an affordable way to complete the four-design series rather than expecting significant long-term appreciation, as the supply-demand dynamics favor affordability over investment returns.

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.

 

2009 Special Strike Penny Value

The 2009 Special Strike Lincoln pennies represent one of the most undervalued opportunities in modern numismatics, combining genuine scarcity with market misconceptions that have kept prices artificially low.

With a mintage of only 784,614 sets—less than the famous 1931-S Lincoln cent and significantly lower than the 2.99 million proof sets—these Satin Finish coins possess authentic rarity credentials that the market has yet to fully recognize.

Struck in the original 95% copper composition and featuring a distinctive satin surface finish, these coins were exclusively available through the 2009 Uncirculated Coin Sets at $27.95 each until the U.S. Mint unexpectedly discontinued sales in June 2010.

Current auction results ranging from $112-$350 for premium grades reflect a significant disconnect between actual scarcity and market pricing, likely due to limited collector awareness, modern coin bias, and the coins being overshadowed by the numerous other 2009 varieties.

Expert Miles Standish noted these represent “the second-lowest mintage in the Lincoln cent series for non-proof coins,” yet their investment potential remains largely undiscovered by the broader collecting community.

2009 Lincoln-Early Childhood Satin Finish

The 2009 Early Childhood Satin Finish penny launches the series with the iconic log cabin design rendered in premium 95% copper composition, sharing the restrictive 784,614 mintage that defines the entire Special Strike series.

The distinctive satin finish creates a unique visual appeal that differs markedly from both circulation strikes and mirror-finish proofs, offering collectors a third finishing option that was available for less than eight months before discontinuation.

Current market performance shows a recent PCGS auction result of $112 for an SP69RD specimen in January 2022, representing modest premium, fails to reflect the coin’s fundamental scarcity credentials.

The log cabin symbolism appeals to collectors interested in Lincoln’s humble origins, while the copper composition connects directly to the original 1909 cents, creating multiple collecting angles that remain underexploited.

Investment potential appears significant given the reality that fewer than 785,000 collectors can ever own complete Satin Finish sets, yet current pricing suggests the market has not internalized this supply constraint.

2009 Lincoln-Formative Years Satin Finish

The 2009 Formative Years Satin Finish penny showcases Lincoln’s educational development through the rail-splitter design, with auction performance showing $299 for an SP69 specimen at Heritage in 2011 and $239 for SP69RD on eBay in 2019.

The slight price decline between these sales reflects broader market challenges rather than diminished intrinsic value, as the fundamental scarcity remains unchanged while collector awareness has not meaningfully expanded.

This variety trapped in the same value discovery lag affecting the entire series, where genuine rarity confronts limited recognition and modern coin bias. Long-term prospects remain favorable given the certainty that demand will eventually exceed the fixed supply of under 785,000 examples.

2009 Lincoln-Professional Satin Finish

The design depicting Lincoln before the Illinois State Capitol appeals to collectors focused on his professional achievements, while sharing the series’ fundamental advantages of restricted mintage, premium copper composition, and distinctive satin finishing.

A SP69 grade coin sold for $130 on 07-07-2018. This variety likely mirrors its companions, with genuine scarcity failing to generate proportional collector premiums due to limited awareness and modern coin market dynamics.

Though overall price levels remain constrained by broader market recognition issues, investment characteristics suggest this variety shares the series’ fundamental value proposition.

Authentic rarity available at prices that do not reflect long-term supply-demand mathematics, creating potential opportunities for collectors who recognize the disconnect between scarcity and current market valuation.

2009 Lincoln-Presidency Satin Finish

The 2009 Presidency Satin Finish penny concludes the commemorative series with the unfinished Capitol dome design, achieving the series’ highest recorded auction price of $350 for an SP69RD specimen on eBay in July 2018.

Despite this price representing the series’ price leadership, the $350 auction result still appears modest given the mathematical reality of fewer than 785,000 possible complete sets ever produced.

The 2018 auction timing provides relatively recent market validation, though the price level continues to reflect broader series challenges with collector recognition and modern coin market dynamics.

Investment potential appears particularly strong for this variety, combining series scarcity with design appeal and demonstrated market leadership within an undervalued collecting category.

The following auction results demonstrate how condition rarity translates into real-world pricing.

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

 

2009-D Special Strike Penny Value

The 2009-D Special Strike Lincoln pennies represent an exceptional value opportunity within the already scarce Satin Finish series, sharing the identical 784,614 mintage limitation while typically trading at discounts to their Philadelphia counterparts.

Each Denver-minted Satin Finish penny emerged from the same restricted 36-coin Uncirculated Sets that were discontinued in June 2010, creating authentic scarcity that affects both mint facilities equally.

Current auction performance shows Denver versions achieving $105-$270 for premium grades, generally trailing Philadelphia prices by 10-30% despite possessing identical fundamental rarity characteristics.

The “D” designation appeals to specialized collectors focused on mint mark varieties, complete date-and-mint sets, and those who recognize that 784,614 represents the absolute ceiling for Denver Satin Finish availability regardless of future demand growth.

Market dynamics suggest Denver versions may offer superior risk-adjusted returns, combining the series’ established scarcity credentials with more accessible entry pricing.

2009-D Lincoln-Early Childhood Satin Finish

The 2009-D Early Childhood Satin Finish penny opens the Denver series with distinctive value characteristics, achieving $105 for an SP69RD specimen in October 2021—representing the most conservative pricing within the Denver lineup.

This entry-level positioning among Denver Satin Finish varieties creates unique accessibility for collectors seeking exposure to authentic modern rarity without premium pricing barriers.

The Denver mint mark adds regional collecting appeal, particularly among Western collectors and those specializing in Denver production, while the modest auction result creates potential for significant appreciation as market recognition of series scarcity improves.

This variety represents the intersection of affordability and authenticity within a discontinued series that cannot be replicated regardless of future collecting interest.

2009-D Lincoln-Formative Years Satin Finish

The 2009-D Formative Years Satin Finish penny demonstrates the strongest Denver market performance with $239 achieved for an SP69RD specimen in August 2019, establishing this variety as the value leader within the Denver series while remaining below comparable Philadelphia pricing.

This variety’s market leadership within the Denver series suggests superior collector recognition compared to its companions, creating momentum that may continue as overall series awareness increases.

Market timing of the 2019 auction provides relatively recent validation, demonstrating sustained collector interest despite broader modern coin market challenges.

The position within Denver pricing hierarchy indicates this variety may serve as the performance benchmark for the entire Denver Satin Finish series, offering collectors exposure to both series scarcity and design-specific market leadership at pricing levels that remain well below the constraints imposed by discontinued availability.

2009-D Lincoln-Professional Satin Finish

An auction record of $270 for an SP69RD specimen on eBay in September 2018, positioning it as the first-highest valued variety within the Denver Satin Finish series. This price is higher than the $105 for the “Early Childhood” series and the $239 for the “Formative Years” series, indicating superior collector appeal for the professional theme depicting Lincoln before the Illinois State Capitol.

The professional theme appears to generate particular interest among collectors focused on Lincoln’s legal and political career development, while the Denver mint mark provides essential variety for complete set assembly.

The September 2018 auction timing offers relatively recent market validation, demonstrating sustained collector interest despite broader challenges facing modern commemorative issues.

Market positioning suggests this variety benefits from specialized collecting appeal that transcends typical design popularity patterns, as evidenced by its premium performance over the more commonly favored Formative Years variety. The $270 achievement indicates robust demand for authenticated examples, while 784,614 mintage ensures continued supply constraints.

2009-D Lincoln-Presidency Satin Finish

The 2009-D Presidency Satin Finish penny concludes the Denver series with documented market performance of $245 for an SP69RD specimen on eBay in July 2018, placing it below both the Professional Life ($270) and Formative Years ($239) varieties within the Denver hierarchy.

This auction result reveals an unexpected market dynamic where the series-concluding design with the most dramatic historical symbolism achieves moderate rather than premium pricing among Denver Satin Finish varieties.

This variety experiences steady but not exceptional demand, with the July 2018 auction providing concrete evidence of collector interest without the premium pricing that might be expected from such historically significant imagery.

The documented trading activity contradicts assumptions about strong collector retention, revealing active market participation at established price levels.

The variety’s position as the series finale with authentic scarcity credentials suggests potential for future appreciation, particularly as collectors recognize the disconnect between historical significance and current market pricing relative to its Denver companions.

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.

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

 

Rare 2009 Penny Error List

The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial series produced one notable minting errors that significantly increase collector value. The error occurred during the complex production process of Lincoln-Formative Years, creating unique varieties highly sought after by numismatists.

1. 2009 Lincoln-Formative Years DDR (FS-801 To FS-808)

The doubling occurred when the master hub struck the working hub multiple times with slight misalignment between impressions. This created a working hub with doubled design elements that subsequently transferred to all working dies made from it. The error represents a manufacturing flaw in the die preparation stage rather than individual coin striking problems.

The defining feature involves doubled images on Lincoln’s fingers and thumb as he holds the book while seated on the log. The doubling appears as distinct secondary images slightly offset from the primary design elements, creating a shadow or ghosting effect most visible under magnification.

The doubling affects specific anatomical details rather than the entire design, with each FS number designating different locations and severities of the doubling phenomenon. Some varieties show thumb doubling, others finger doubling, with varying degrees of separation and clarity.

FS-801 through FS-808, representing the complete spectrum of significant doubling found on this design. These varieties were discovered through systematic examination of Formative Years cents by variety specialists and error collectors.

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

 

FAQ About The 2009 Penny

1. How much is a 2009 penny worth?

How much a 2009 Lincoln penny is worth depends on a variety of factors. These include the design on the reverse, its overall condition, whether it is a proof or a circulated coin, and does it have any errors on it. While circulated coins in poor condition are not worth more than their face value, others in mint condition can be worth several hundred or more.

2. Is there anything special about a 2009 penny?

The 2009 penny is special because to commemorate 200 years since the birth of President Lincoln, the US Mint released pennies with four different designs on the reverse. While the obverse still featured a portrait of the president, the reverse had different designs focusing on different periods of the president’s life.