Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009: A Collector’s Guide:The Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009 stands as a remarkable tribute to Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most celebrated presidents. This special series of coins commemorated the 200th anniversary of his birth and featured designs that highlight pivotal moments in his life. These coins replaced the long-running Lincoln Memorial Cent and captured the imagination of collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

In this guide, we’ll explore the story behind the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent, including its designs, production, and what makes it a must-have for collectors. From its creation to the challenges of its release during the Great Recession, let’s uncover the legacy of this iconic coin series.

Key Highlights of the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009

Feature	Details
Purpose	Celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birth anniversary
Mint Locations	Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
Coin Designs	Four unique reverses: Birthplace, Formative Years, Professional Life, Presidency
Metal Composition	Circulation: Zinc-plated copper; Collector sets: 95% copper
Weight	2.50 g (Zinc); 3.11 g (Copper)
Mintage	High: 376 million (Formative Years); Low: 129.6 million (Presidency)
Proof Editions	2.99 million in copper alloy
Edge	Smooth, plain

The Story Behind the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent

The U.S. Mint introduced the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009 to honor four significant periods in Lincoln’s life: his humble beginnings, his formative years, his rise to prominence in Illinois, and his presidency during the Civil War.

1. Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (1809-1816)

The first coin features a log cabin, symbolizing Lincoln’s birthplace and modest upbringing in Kentucky. Designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz, this design emphasizes the simplicity of his early life.

2. Formative Years in Indiana (1816-1830)

This design shows a young Lincoln reading while holding a tool, reflecting his drive to learn and work hard. Created by Charles Vickers, it captures Lincoln’s spirit of self-improvement during his years in Indiana.

3. Professional Life in Illinois (1830-1861)

This coin portrays Lincoln standing in front of the Illinois State Capitol, a symbol of his political journey and leadership. Designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart, it highlights Lincoln’s transformative years as a lawyer and politician.

4. Presidency in Washington, D.C. (1861-1865)

The final design, by Susan Gamble, shows the Capitol under construction, a metaphor for Lincoln’s efforts to preserve the Union amidst the Civil War. It’s a poignant representation of his presidency, which ended tragically with his assassination.

Unique Features of the 2009 Lincoln Cents

Obverse Continuity

The obverse of each coin features the iconic profile of Lincoln designed by Victor D. Brenner. This design has been a mainstay of the U.S. cent since 1909, linking the Bicentennial series to over a century of tradition.

Collector’s Editions

In addition to circulation strikes, the U.S. Mint produced premium copper alloy coins for collectors. These were available in Proof and Uncirculated sets, providing a tangible connection to pre-1982 cents, which were made with a similar copper composition.

Low Mintage

The Great Recession significantly impacted the mintage and distribution of the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009, particularly the Presidency design, which had the lowest circulation mintage of the series. This scarcity has increased its appeal to collectors.

Production and Challenges

The release of the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent coincided with the economic turmoil of the Great Recession. Initially, Congress intended these coins to circulate widely, much like the popular 50 State Quarters. However, the recession disrupted production and distribution, resulting in lower-than-anticipated mintage numbers.

Adding to the challenge, many coins were distributed to U.S. territories, making it difficult for collectors in the contiguous United States to find them in circulation. As a result, the coins became sought after, and a brief price bubble emerged on the secondary market.

Why Collect the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009?

Collectors are drawn to these coins for several reasons:

1. Historical Relevance:
   Each design represents a distinct chapter of Abraham Lincoln’s life, making this series a compelling narrative of his legacy.
2. Low Mintage:
   The reduced production of certain designs, especially the Presidency cent, makes these coins rare and valuable in higher grades.
3. Design Variety:
   Unlike most coin series, which feature a single reverse design, the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent offers four unique and beautifully crafted reverses.
4. Collector Versions:
   The availability of Proof and Uncirculated editions in copper alloy enhances their appeal and collectibility.

Tips for Collectors

If you’re interested in adding the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009 to your collection, consider these tips:

1. Build a Complete Set:
   Aim to collect all four designs from each mint (P, D, and S). A complete set, including Proof versions, is highly prized.
2. Look for High Grades:
   Coins graded as Superb Gem Mint State by PCGS or NGC command higher premiums.
3. Preserve Quality:
   Store your coins in airtight holders or certified slabs to maintain their condition and prevent tarnishing.
4. Explore Secondary Markets:
   Online auctions, coin shows, and numismatic forums are excellent resources for finding these coins.

FAQs About the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009

Final Thoughts

The Lincoln Bicentennial Cent 2009 is more than just a piece of currency—it’s a celebration of Lincoln’s enduring legacy. Its artistic designs and historical connections make it a treasure for collectors and history buffs alike.

Have you started your Lincoln Bicentennial Cent collection? Share your story in the comments below and inspire others to explore this fascinating chapter of numismatic history.