2009 Penny Value Guide

The 2009 Penny Value

While 2009 pennies are worth more than their face value (at least the red versions), they only marginally increase in value for most grades and versions. Some significant increases in value occur at the higher mint-state grades. 

An N/A for a value below indicates no publicly known examples of that version of the 2009 penny with that grade, or no value information (or not enough) exists for it yet.

Additionally, all values are conservative estimates based on research. Please note all values are subject to change due to the market or circumstances unaccounted for during research and publication. We always recommend doing further research or consulting with a professional.

Melt Value

The 2009 penny’s melt value is approximately negligible. The melt value will fluctuate with the market.

Circulation Strike Value Chart – Red Coins (RD)

	Coin Names And Coin Values
Grade Names	2009 Early Childhood Red Penny	2009-D Early Childhood Red Penny	2009 Formative Years Red Penny	2009-D Formative Years Red Penny	2009 Professional Life Red Penny	2009-D Professional Life Red Penny	2009 Presidency Red Penny	2009-D Presidency Red Penny
MS 60 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
MS 61 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
MS 62 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
MS 63 RD	$3	$3	$3	$2	$3	$3	$3	$3
MS 64 RD	$6	$6	$4	$3	$10	$4	$4	$9
MS 65 RD	$8	$8	$7	$7	$12	$12	$12	$12
MS 66 RD	$13	$13	$13	$11	$15	$18	$15	$27
MS 67 RD	$165	$202	$175	$92	$155	$380	$100	$152
MS 68 RD	N/A	N/A	$2,600	$2,600	$2,100	N/A	$1,200	$5,300
MS 69 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
MS 70 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Red (RD) Satin Finish Value Chart

	Coin Names And Coin Values
Grade Names	2009 Early Childhood Satin Finish Red Penny	2009-D Early Childhood Satin Finish Red Penny	2009 Formative Years Satin Finish Red Penny	2009-D Formative Years Satin Finish Red Penny	2009 Professional Life Satin Finish Red Penny	2009-D Professional Life Satin Finish Red Penny	2009 Presidency Satin Finish Red Penny	2009-D Presidency Satin Finish Red Penny
Satin MS 60 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Satin MS 61 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Satin MS 62 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Satin MS 63 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Satin MS 64 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Satin MS 65 RD	$3	$3	$3	$3	$3	$3	$5	$4
Satin MS 66 RD	$5	$5	$5	$5	$5	$5	$8	$6
Satin MS 67 RD	$11	$11	$11	$11	$9	$9	$14	$11
Satin MS 68 RD	$19	$17	$17	$19	$14	$14	$24	$19
Satin MS 69 RD	$65	$66	$50	$97	$47	$57	$85	$82
Satin MS 70 RD	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Red (RD) Ultra/Deep Cameo (UC/DCAM) Proof Strike (PR) Value Chart

	Coin Names And Coin Values
Grade Names	2009-S Early Childhood Red Ultra/Deep Cameo Proof Penny	2009-S Formative Years Red Ultra/Deep Cameo Proof Penny	2009-S Professional Life Red Ultra/Deep Cameo Proof Penny	2009-S Presidency Red Ultra/Deep Cameo Proof Penny
PR 60 RD UC/DCAM	$1	$1	$1	$1
PR 61 RD UC/DCAM	$1	$1	$1	$1
PR 62 RD UC/DCAM	$1	$1	$1	$1
PR 63 RD UC/DCAM	$2	$2	$2	$2
PR 64 RD UC/DCAM	$2	$2	$2	$2
PR 65 RD UC/DCAM	$3	$3	$3	$3
PR 66 RD UC/DCAM	$5	$5	$5	$5
PR 67 RD UC/DCAM	$6	$6	$6	$6
PR 68 RD UC/DCAM	$8	$8	$8	$8
PR 69 RD UC/DCAM	$17	$17	$17	$17
PR 70 RD UC/DCAM	$110	$127	$142	$102

What Makes A 2009 Penny Valuable?

Several factors make a 2009 penny (also known as a 2009 Lincoln penny) valuable in terms of coin collecting. These factors include grading, the rarity of some coins, the coin’s minting location, strike type, design variation, special designation, and whether or not it’s an error coin or die variety.

Let’s start with grading.

Grading

2009 red pennies remain consistent in value across most of their grades, with each grade adding no or a minimal increase in value.

However, significant spikes in value occur. 

These spikes occur at the mint-state (MS) 67 and mint-state 68 grades for circulation strikes.

For the satin-finish coins, these spikes occur at the MS 69 grade.

Last, for proof strikes, these spikes occur at the PR 70 grade.

Note that circulation strikes currently have no graded coins for the MS 69 and MS 70 grades. Satin-finish coins have none for the MS 70 grade.

So, there’s potential for even further value increases.

Rarity

The Mint minted 2009 pennies approximately 2,357,780,229 times across all of its versions. Please see the following list for the breakdown for each version:

• 2009 Early Childhood: 284,400,000 minted in Philadelphia^2,9
• 2009-D Early Childhood: 350,400,000 minted in Denver^10,41
• 2009 Early Childhood Satin Finish: 784,614 minted in Philadelphia^17,25
• 2009-D Early Childhood Satin Finish: part of the above-mentioned satin finish mintage^18,26
• 2009-S Early Childhood Proof: 2,995,615 minted in San Francisco^33,37
• 2009 Formative Years: 376,000,000 in Philadelphia^3,11
• 2009-D Formative Years: 363,600,000 in Denver^4,12
• 2009 Formative Years Satin Finish:  part of the above-mentioned satin finish mintage^19,27
• 2009-D Formative Years Satin Finish: part of the above-mentioned satin finish mintage^28,42
• 2009-S Formative Years Proof: part of the above-mentioned proof mintage^34,38
• 2009 Professional Life: 316,000,000 in Philadelphia^13,43
• 2009-D Professional Life: 336,000,000 in Denver^14,44
• 2009 Professional Life Satin Finish: part of the above-mentioned satin finish mintage^21,29
• 2009-D Professional Life Satin Finish:  part of the above-mentioned satin finish mintage^22,30
• 2009-S Professional Life Proof: part of the above-mentioned proof mintage^35,39
• 2009 Presidency: 129,600,000 in Philadelphia^7,15
• 2009-D Presidency: 198,000,000 in Denver^8,16
• 2009 Presidency Satin Finish:  part of the above-mentioned satin finish mintage^23,31
• 2009-D Presidency Satin Finish: part of the above-mentioned satin finish mintage^24,32
• 2009-S Presidency Proof: part of the above-mentioned proof mintage^36,40

Generally, 2009 Lincoln pennies are not rare. While rarity does play a part in this penny’s value, it typically only does so for the rarer higher grades of the coin.

Mint Marks

The Mint minted the 2009 penny in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.^1-44

The Mint produced circulation-strike coins in Philadelphia and Denver. Of those two, Denver Mint coins are more valuable.

The Denver Mint coins are also more valuable than the proof-strike San Francisco coins. The Philadelphia Mint coins are as well.

Strike Types

The 2009 penny has 3 strike types: circulation, satin finish, and proof strike.^45,46 

Of those three, the circulation-strike version is the most valuable overall. Proof strikes are the next most valuable, followed by the satin-finish coins.

The satin finish coins resulted from the Mint releasing uncirculated coin sets, which featured all eight pennies (two mint marks each for four design variations).²⁵ 

Design Variations

The 2009 Lincoln penny has 4 design variations: early childhood (also known as birth and early childhood), formative years, professional life, and presidency.^1-16 Each depicts a different important part of President Abraham Lincoln’s life.⁴⁷

The design variations are relatively comparable in value, although exceptions do exist.

These exceptions include the Denver Presidency version, which features a significant value increase over the other coins at the MS 68 grade for circulation strikes. The Denver Professional Life version also features a significant value increase at the MS 67 grade for circulation strikes.

Satin finish and proof strikes are comparable in value.

Special Designations

2009 pennies have three special designations based on the coin’s color: red, red-brown, and brown.

Of those three, red is the most valuable, followed by red-brown, then brown.

2009 pennies can also have the first day of issue special designation.⁴⁸ This special designation adds minimal value to the coin.⁴⁹

Error Coins 

Errors are scarce for 2009 pennies. 2009 penny errors, but it’s difficult to find them.

Because 2009 penny errors are scarce, you’re likely to see a significant increase in value for them.

Die Varieties

The only die varieties for 2009 pennies are for the formative years version.⁵⁰

All varieties for the formative years version are doubled-die reverse varieties.⁵⁰

These varieties can add hundreds of dollars to a 2009 penny’s value.⁵¹

Composition

Circulation-strike 2009 Lincoln pennies are 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. This does not add to their value or make them valuable. 

Proof-strike 2009 pennies are 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This does not add to their value or make them valuable.

Additionally, melting it down would provide little to no value, although melt values fluctuate with the market. 

We also recommend against melting down any coin because they are often worth more than their melt value.

How Do You Know If You Have A Valuable 2009 Penny?

The best way to know if you have a valuable coin and to get that value out of it is to have it professionally certified.

However, you can look for many elements to get you started in determining what coin you have.

Let’s start with grading.

Grading

Look for better-looking 2009 pennies. This is a good sign you have a better grade of penny.

Generally, look for a higher luster (more shiny), fewer imperfections, and stronger details.

Mint Marks

Look on your 2009 Lincoln penny’s obverse side (the front) to determine the mint mark and coin’s minting location. You’ll see a small letter beneath the year. This is the mint mark.

No mint mark means the Philadelphia Mint minted the coin.

A “D” mint mark means the Denver Mint minted the coin.

An “S” mint mark means the San Francisco Mint minted the coin.

Strike Types

Circulation-strike 2009 Lincoln pennies show greater signs of use and wear.

Satin finish 2009 pennies have a shinier look but not quite as much as proof-strike coins.

The proof-strike 2009 pennies feature a shinier look and higher-quality details than circulation-strike and satin finishes.

Design Variations

The 2009 penny has the early childhood (also known as birth and early childhood), formative years, professional life, and presidency design variations. These replaced the Lincoln memorial reverse side design.

All 2009 pennies have the same obverse side, depicting the iconic right-facing profile of President Abraham Lincoln. 

Early Childhood

The early childhood (birth and early childhood) design variation features a log cabin on a patch of grass.^1,9,55 It also features the words “United States Of America” and “One Cent” curving around the coin’s rim. 

“E Pluribus Unum” sits below the cabin, and the year “1809” sits below that. This is the year he was born. “E Pluribus Unum” means “Out of many, one,” and it’s the motto of the United States Of America.

The initials of the designer, Richard Masters, sit by the left rim, while the initials of the sculptor, Jim Licaretz, sit by the right.

Formative Years

The formative years’ design variation depicts Abraham Lincoln as a young man.^3,11,56 He’s sitting on a log with a stake in it and a hammer nearby, and he’s reading. This was the job he did at the time.

The words “United States Of America” and “E Pluribus Unum” curve around the coin’s upper and lower rim. 

The words “One Cent” sit just to Lincoln’s left. 

The initials of the designer, Charles Vickers, sit just below the right of the log.

Professional Life

Lincoln stands outside of the Illinois State Capitol in this design variation.^5,13,57 This represents his time in politics prior to becoming president.

The words “E Pluribus Unum” sit below the state house. 

The words “United States Of America” curve along the upper half of the coin, following the rim. Last, the words “One Cent” curve along the bottom.

The initials of the designer, Joel Iskowitz, sit below the left of the state house. The initials of the sculptor, Don Everhart, sit below the right.

Presidency

This design variation depicts the White House with its dome still being worked on, as this was the case during Lincoln’s presidency.^7,15,58

The White House fills much of this side of the coin. 

The words “United States Of America” curve along the upper part of the rim, while the words “E Pluribus Unum” curve along the lower. 

The words “One Cent” sit just below the White House.

The initials of the designer, Susan Gamble, sit to the bottom left of the White House, while the initials of the sculptor, Joseph Menna, sit to the bottom right.

Special Designations

Look at your coin’s color for red, red-brown, and brown special designations.^52-54

A red penny must have almost all of its original red color remaining.

A red-brown penny must have most or some of its original red color remaining.

Last, a brown penny has almost none of its original red color.

For the first day of issue special designation, you’ll need to check that this was certified by a coin-grading body. First day of issue coins must be the coins issued on the first day of the coin’s circulation. Without a certification from a coin-grading body, it’s essentially impossible to tell if a coin was a first day of issue.

Error Coins

Look for any unusual signs to determine if you have a 2009 penny error. These can include the following:

• The penny being larger than normal
• The penny being an unusual color
• One side of the penny being rotated

Generally, you may have an error if you see something that doesn’t look right with your coin.

Die Varieties

The only die varieties for 2009 Lincoln pennies are the doubled-die reverse varieties for the formative years’ design variation. 

For these varieties, you will see doubling on the reverse side. Doubling makes it look as though there are two of a design element.

For example, if a letter is doubled, say an “E,” either parts or the entire E will show up twice on the coin. 

You may need magnification to see these varieties.

Additionally, some sellers will claim they have a 2009 penny error coin when, in reality, they have a die variety. So, be careful if you see someone making such a claim, and double-check what they actually have.

Additional Information About The 2009 Penny

History

The 2009 Lincoln penny is notable because it celebrates the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth (also known as the Lincoln Bicentennial). It also marks the 100th anniversary of the first Lincoln cent.

The Mint commissioned four designs for the coin’s reverse side to celebrate. Each one represented a different important period of Lincoln’s life. These designs replaced the Lincoln memorial reverse side design.

Early childhood represented his time as a young boy, formative years represented his time as a young man, professional life represented his time working in politics, and presidency represented his time as president of the United States Of America. 

^{Sources: 47,55-59}

The Coin’s Obverse Side

The 2009 penny’s obverse side features President Abraham Lincoln’s profile facing to the right. This fills most of the coin. 

The words “In God We Trust” curve above his head along the rim. 

The word “Liberty” sits to his left, and the year sits to his right.

The Coin’s Reverse Side

The 2009 Lincoln penny has four reverse-side variations: early childhood, formative years, professional life, and presidency.

Let’s start with the early childhood variation.

^{Sources: 1,9}

Early Childhood

The early childhood design shows a log cabin sitting on a patch of grass covering the lower portion of the coin. 

The words “E Pluribus Unum” are just below the cabin (meaning “Out of many, one,” the United States motto), and the “1809” (the year Lincoln was born) is just below them. 

The words “One Cent” curve along the bottom of the coin, while the words “United States Of America” curve around the upper half. 

You’ll also see the initials of the designer, Richard Masters, and the initials of the sculptor, Jim Licaretz. 

Richard Masters’ initials are at the top left of the grass patch, while Jim Licaretz’s initials are at the top right.

^{Sources: 1,9,55}

Formative Years

The formative years’ variation shows Lincoln sitting on a log reading a book. The log has a stake in it, and a hammer lays over it. 

Lincoln used to do this work of splitting logs. 

The words “United States Of America” curve over him, while the words “One Cent” sit to this right. 

The words “E Pluribus Unum” curve below him.

Charles Vickers’ initials sit just below the log’s right side. He was this reverse side’s designer.

^{Sources: 3,11,56}

Professional Life

The 2009 penny’s professional life variation shows Lincoln involved with politics before he became president of the United States. 

This design features Lincoln standing next to the Illinois State Capitol. Both take up much of the reverse side’s space.

The words “United States Of America” and “One Cent” curve along the top and bottom of the coin. “E Pluribus Unum” sits below the state house.

The designer and sculptor’s initials are present as well. 

Joel Iskowitz was the designer, and his initials are to the bottom left of the state house. Don Everhart was the sculptor, and his initials are to the bottom right of the state house.

^{Sources: 5,13,57}

Presidency

This is the final design variation in the 2009 Lincoln pennies series. 

This design shows an under-construction White House, specifically the dome. This was the case during Lincoln’s tenure as president.

The White House takes up most of this coin’s side. 

The words “E Pluribus Unum” curve along the bottom of the coin, while the words “United States Of America” curve along the top.

The words “One Cent” sit below the White House. The initials of the designer and sculptor do as well. Susan Gamble is the designer, and her initials sit under the White House to the far left, while Joseph Menna is the sculptor, and his initials sit under the White House and to the far right.

^{Sources: 7,15,58}

Sources

2009 Penny Value Guide Sources