It might come as a shock to you, but the 2009 penny that most people regard as simply another piece of currency today can be worth anything from $1 to $3500 in the present day. This particular coin was released in honour of the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln and is of great interest to fans of such coins especially thanks to its unusual shape coupled with low production numbers.
The U.S. Mint produced four variations of this penny in 2009, each representing different stages of Lincoln’s life: his early years in Kentucky, his formative years in Indiana, his career in Illinois, and finally, his presidency in Washington, D.C. The coin that holds the highest potential value is the one depicting Lincoln’s formative years in Indiana, where he grew up and began to educate himself while working as a rail splitter. This specific design shows a young Lincoln reading a book while seated on a log, and the coin features iconic American symbols such as “E Pluribus Unum” and “United States of America.”
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There are features that this penny should have for it to keep its peak valuation. First of all, the coin should have a ‘D’ mint mark which means that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint which made 363.6 million of such coins. But not all these Denver pennies are worth thousands of dollars however. This is because a coin’s worth is determined primarily on its grade, which evaluates its state of preservation. Most of the time, coins that have been very little put into circulation, or coins that have a lot of shine and are rated MS-67 or MS-68 are the ones that contend with high prices at auction sales. For instance, an MS-63 standard Grade coin may be worth about $5, however, an MS-68 grade coin in its uncirculated condition may sell for up to $3,500.
You might wonder what qualifies a coin for these different grades. The grading scale, set by services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), considers factors like luster, color, strike quality, and the presence of any nicks or marks. Coins in lower grades will have more visible flaws, while coins in higher grades appear almost untouched. Achieving an MS-68 grade is extremely rare, especially for a coin that’s been in circulation, which is why it can command such a high price.
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If you think you have one of these 2009-D “formative years” pennies, it’s worth taking a closer look at its condition. You may want to have it evaluated by a professional coin grading service, though there are some costs associated with this. If you’re not sure whether it’s worth the expense, consider consulting with a reputable coin dealer or experienced collector, who can provide insight without an official grading.
It’s also good to keep in mind that the value of these coins can fluctuate over time. Their worth depends not only on the condition and rarity but also on the current demand in the collector’s market. Coins with strong historical significance, like those commemorating Lincoln’s bicentennial, often hold a stable appeal, but market interest can still impact prices. If the demand among collectors surges, the value might increase even further. Conversely, if interest wanes, prices could fall.
There are also 2009-dated cents that were produced at the Philadelphia Mint and are identifiable with a ‘P’ but those are often of lesser importance. It is largely the same series as the one issued from Denver, only that the prices of these have stayed quite average in the markets. The explanation is straightforward and relates to the economics; the economics of collection tends to prefer the Denver versions over that of availability over prices.
So, the next time you go to empty your pockets or even restrict yourself and throw all those dirty cent coins in a box at the back of a cupboard, pay attention. There is a chance you may be in possession of an artifact worth way more than a hundred cents. To every numismatist, this is a familiar and a commonplace reminder. The 2009 Lincoln bicentennial penny is a good example of how even the most common items in the most common collections can have their upside. And who knows—perhaps this particular finding can help rekindle a fade interest in collecting coins, a hobby which quite engagingly combines history, art, and the love of money.
There are many avenues\resources for those inclined to-apprehend coin values and wish to know more, ranging from collector’s sites, coin shows that involve a lot of interaction, sharing and selling among the professionals and collectors. On the other hand even if you don’t find any special coins, there is something assuring about the experience of seeking out a piece of American currency.
