About the Coin: A Piece of History in Your Pocket
The 2009 Lincoln Presidency Penny isn’t just spare change—it’s a slice of American history. This coin was released to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and is the rarest design of the four pennies minted in 2009.
On the reverse, you’ll see the unfinished U.S. Capitol dome, surrounded by scaffolding—a powerful reminder of Lincoln’s determination to keep building even in the middle of the Civil War. On the obverse, the timeless portrait of Lincoln by Victor D. Brenner shines, with the inscriptions “In God We Trust” and the year 2009.
Mintage Numbers
- Philadelphia Mint: 129.6 million (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint: 350 million (“D” mint mark)
- Total Bicentennial Series: 2.3+ billion pennies
But the Presidency design is the scarcest of them all!
Why This Penny Is So Special
2009 marked the end of the Lincoln Memorial design (used since 1959). Instead, four new reverses told the story of Lincoln’s life:
Birth & Childhood – Log cabin in Kentucky
Formative Years – Young Lincoln reading in Indiana
Professional Life – Lincoln as a lawyer in Illinois
Presidency – The unfinished U.S. Capitol dome
Collectors were especially drawn to the Presidency design because of its symbolic meaning—and because so many were hoarded in mint sets, making them rare in circulation.
How Much Is a 2009 Presidency Penny Worth?
The value depends on mint mark, grade, and rare errors. Here are some real sales:
$32,600 – Philadelphia error coin missing the “M” in E PLURIBUS UNUM
$15,000 – Denver penny graded PCGS MS-67 Red (perfect condition)
$2,200 – Off-center strike with strong details
$500 – $1,200 – Typical uncirculated coins (MS-63 to MS-65)
$5 – $50 – Even worn circulated examples bring way more than face value!
What Makes Them Valuable?
- Errors: Missing letters, doubled dies, off-center strikes
- Color: “Red” (bright copper) is worth the most
- Certification: PCGS/NGC grading boosts value by 5–10x
How to Spot the 2009 Presidency Penny
- Check the Date: Must say 2009.
- Flip It Over: Look for the unfinished Capitol dome design.
- Find the Mint Mark:
- “D” = Denver (common)
- No mint mark = Philadelphia (scarcer)
- Hunt for Errors: Missing letters, doubled features, cracks, or clipped edges.
- Use Tools: A magnifying glass
and LED light 
help spot details.
Where to Find One
- Coin Roll Hunting – Buy $25 penny boxes from banks, search for hidden gems.
- Estate Sales/Flea Markets – Check old coin jars & collections.
- Online – eBay “2009 penny lots” often hide valuable pieces.
- Coin Clubs & Shows – Network with collectors and find bulk deals.
Selling Your Penny for Maximum Profit
Get It Graded – PCGS or NGC certification adds huge credibility.
Pick the Right Platform:
- Auction houses (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers) for $1,000+ coins.
- eBay for under $1,000 sales.
- Social media collector groups for quick deals.
Negotiate Smart – Highlight rarity, mint errors, and strong luster.
Why This Coin Could Change Your Life
Even a regular 2009 Presidency penny is worth 10–50x its face value, but rare errors can turn a 1¢ coin into a $5,000–$30,000+ jackpot.
Example finds:
- A double ear error sold for $4,000 in 2022.
- A mint set specimen fetched $1,800.
So before you spend that penny, check it carefully—you might be holding a modern treasure!
Ready to Start Your Hunt?
At PennyVerse.info, you’ll find:
Free grading tutorials
Live coin value trackers
A growing collector community
Don’t miss out—your 2009 penny could be worth thousands
