Among modern numismatic one-cent pieces, the 2009 penny stands out for its potential resale value, fetching up to $3,500 at auction. This coin is part of a commemorative series celebrating the life of Abraham Lincoln and is attracting great attention in the collectible market.
It is a coin that is part of a special 2009 collection from the United States Mint, which was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and the centennial of the first 1-cent coin bearing his image. This cent, known as the “Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent,” highlights four unique designs representing different stages of the U.S. president’s life.
What is the 2009 coin worth a lot of money?
In 2009, four 1-cent coins were released, each focusing on an important aspect of Lincoln’s life:
- Birth and childhood in Kentucky (1809-1816).
- Formative years in Indiana (1816-1830)
- Professional life in Illinois (1830-1861)
- Presidency in Washington, DC (1861-1865)
Each of these designs was issued in limited quantities and has become a target of numismatic collectors. After the commemorative program, the U.S. cent design returned to its traditional look, making these specimens even more coveted.
The design that could fetch as much as $3,500 is the one depicting Lincoln’s “formative years,” where he is shown as a young man being educated and working in the rail cutting industry in Indiana. This design is not only aesthetically appealing, but also includes details that make it valuable to collectors.
The values of the coin according to its grade
The physical condition of the coin is determinative of its value. Below is a list of the approximate values a 2009-D “formative years” penny could fetch, according to its grade:
- MS-63: up to U$D 5
- MS-64: up to USD 7
- MS-65: up to U$D 10
- MS-66: up to U$D 16
- MS-67: up to U$D 140
- MS-68: up to U$D 3,500
Remember that these values are indicative and may vary depending on supply and demand in the auction market.
