To celebrate 200 years of Abraham Lincoln, the US Mint released four distinct reverse designs in 2009. These coins depict his life stages from a log cabin in Kentucky to the US Capitol dome. This section explains the different “Log Cabin” and “Formative Years” varieties, including the famous “Extra Finger” errors.
To mark the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, the Mint released four distinct reverse designs in 2009 representing different stages of his life: Birthplace (Log Cabin), Formative Years (Rail Splitter), Professional Life (Statehouse), and Presidency (Capitol).
Collector’s Note: Because these were minted in relatively large numbers, the value lies in high-grade “Satin Finish” coins from Mint Sets or specific errors. The “Extra Finger” or “Double Thumb” error on the Formative Years (Rail Splitter) cent is a popular variety that generates significant interactive traffic and search interest.
The Lincoln Bicentennial Cents of 2009 are a landmark tribute to the most celebrated figure in American numismatics. While Victor David Brenner’s iconic obverse portrait of Abraham Lincoln remained largely unchanged, the reverse of the coin was transformed into a four-part narrative of Lincoln’s life. This series was a massive undertaking by the United States…