2009 was a big year for penny stocks. Many companies saw their stock prices skyrocket as investors flocked to them in search of a quick and easy profit. The Nasdaq Composite Index hit an all-time high of 5,362 on October 11th. This has led to a lot of interest in penny stocks, and for a good reason.
But what does this mean for you as an investor? While it’s certainly possible to make money in penny stocks, there are also a lot of risks involved. In this article, we will provide you with 2009 Penny info and value so that you can make the most informed decision when investing in these securities.
What is 2009 Penny?
Image Source: McConnell Real Estate & Auctions
The US Mint released a four-coin series of circulating commemorative cents in 2009 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The program, dubbed the “Lincoln Bicentennial” series, featured four distinct reverse designs commemorating significant junctures in Lincoln’s life.
Pennies are made of copper and zinc. There are currently around 24 billion pennies in circulation. Each penny has a value of one cent.
Designs for the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial
In 2009, Lincoln pennies’ obverse (the front design) remained unchanged. The 2009 Lincoln penny back designs set the new commemorative coins apart (reverse). Lincoln’s birthplace was depicted on the first memorial reverse, “Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky,” which featured a rustic log cabin.
The second design was labeled “Formative Years in Indiana.” This image showed a young adult Lincoln reading a book while resting from rail splitting. As a young man, Lincoln learned most things on his own.
Lincoln is pictured in front of Springfield’s Illinois State Capitol in the third design, “Professional Life in Illinois.” Lincoln participated in the state legislature while working as a lawyer in Springfield.
The series’ fourth and last design was labeled “Presidency in Washington DC.” The day of Lincoln’s first inauguration depicts the US Capitol as still under construction. This scene represents Lincoln’s commitment to rebuilding the nation after the Civil War divided it.
In 2009, the U.S. Mint fixed the composition of circulating pennies, meaning they would be made of copper and nickel for the remainder of their lives. The composition change means that the value of a penny has decreased, making it less common and valuable.
The Value of a 2009 Lincoln Cent
More than 2.3 billion coins were produced across all four designs at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. It is not surprising that Lincoln Bicentennial cents are so rarely seen in circulation when you consider how many millions of them the public saved.
Hoarding also tells why a Lincoln Bicentennial cent in any grade lower than MS65 is worth little more than face value. A 2009 Lincoln cent certified as MS65 typically sells for around $15. From there, prices rise, reaching about $100 for an MS67. However, factors such as grade and rarity can affect the value of a 2009 Lincoln cent.
SEE: 1916-1945 Mercury Dime Value
Other Special Designs for 2009 Penny
2009 Proof Lincoln Cents
The proof 2009 penny designs were struck in fields with tinted features and a mirror finish. Similar to the original 1909 Lincoln cent, they were minted on solid 95% copper bronze planchets. The San Francisco Mint’s 18-coins 2009 Proof Set was the only place to purchase the proof 2009-S Lincoln cents.
Each set included four proof 2009 Lincoln cents, one proof Sacagawea dollar coin, four proof Presidential dollar coins, six proof State quarter designs, one proof nickel, one proof dime, and one explanation Kennedy a half dollar to the four proof 2009 Lincoln cents.
2009 Satin Finish Lincoln Cents
The silky sheen 2009 Lincoln pennies were only available in 2009 Uncirculated coin sets. These sets employed unique polished dies to give each coin’s fields a satin gloss.
The number of coins in the 2009 Uncirculated coin set was 36, double the quantity in the Proof sets. These sets included all 18 coin styles and denominations made by the Philadelphia and Denver Mints in 2009.
2009 Lincoln Cent Errors and Varieties
The Lincoln Cent was first minted in 1909 and has since been produced annually. The cent is made up of .900 silver and .100 copper. Due to the nature of the metal content, it is not uncommon for errors and varieties to occur on Lincoln Cents.
Some common errors include a misplaced strike, a doubling of the date or number, an off-center mintmark, and a missing rim. Many collectors also pursue examples with unusual colors, patterns, or compositions.
Although rarer than normal cents, errors and varieties are still worth collecting. Coins with notable flaws can be very collectible, as they may only appear once every few million coins.
If you are interested in purchasing a mint error Lincoln Cent, you must do your homework first. Many dealers will only offer coins with certifications from third-party grading services, which can add cost to the purchase.
Lincoln Cent Shield Design
After completing the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial festivities, the cent was reintroduced with a new permanent reverse. The new “Union Shield” Lincoln cent builds on the sentiments evoked by the 2009 designs, depicting a proud, reunited Union after the Civil War.
SEE: What is the Value of a Bicentennial Quarter?
How Can I Tell Whether My 2009 D Penny Is Of Good Quality?
The greater the quality, the higher the price because it is a very important feature, especially in coins that circulate a lot, such as cents. To determine the conservation condition of a coin you own or wish to purchase, you must have an experienced eye that develops with time and expertise. That is why using a third-party grading service is not a terrible idea. These are organizations committed to examining and rating our coins based on their condition.
2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Cent Price Chart
| Issue | Price | Grade |
| 2009-P Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky | $30 | MS67 |
| 2009-P Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (Satin Finish) | $60 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky | $30 | MS67 |
| 2009-D Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (Satin Finish) | $50 | MS69 |
| 2009-S Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (Proof) | $45 | PF70 (Cameo) |
| 2009-P Formative Years in Indiana | $25 | MS67 |
| 2009-P Formative Years in Indiana (Satin Finish) | $50 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Formative Years in Indiana | $25 | MS67 |
| 2009-D Formative Years in Indiana (Satin Finish) | $65 | MS69 |
| 2009-S Formative Years in Indiana (Proof) | $15 | PF69 (Cameo) |
| 2009-P Professional Life in Illinois | $35 | MS67 |
| 2009-P Professional Life in Illinois (Satin Finish) | $30 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Professional Life in Illinois | $35 | MS67 |
| 2009-D Professional Life in Illinois (Satin Finish) | $40 | MS69 |
| 2009-S Professional Life in Illinois (Proof) | $85 | PF70 (Cameo) |
| 2009-P Presidency in Washington, D.C. | $35 | MS67 |
| 2009-P Presidency in Washington, D.C. (Satin Finish) | $100 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Presidency in Washington, D.C. | $2,500 | MS69 |
| 2009-D Presidency in Washington, D.C. (Satin Finish) | $90 | MS69 |
| 2009-S Presidency in Washington, D.C. (Proof) | $75 | PF70 (Ultra Cameo) |
Prices are listed below and taken from NGC Coin Explorer.
Conclusion
As we mentioned at the outset, pennies are among the most collectible American coins in the world. You can get all four 2009 penny designs commemorating Lincoln’s bicentennial for a few hundred dollars with a gradation that will impress your other numismatic fans.
Because they are so plentiful, you will have no problem locating them, and when compared to other coins, they are quite reasonable for the typical pocket. What’s holding you back from obtaining this little collection of 2009 pennies? A popular coin in terms of number but uncommon for commemorative reasons.