Lincoln Bicentennial Cents Guide
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 Mint, marking the first time in 50 years—since the introduction of the Memorial reverse in 1959—that the penny’s back was altered for more than a single commemorative strike. For the modern specialist, these coins provide a fascinating array of varieties, compositions, and “satin finish” versions that require a sophisticated eye to categorize.
The Four Commemorative Designs
The Lincoln Bicentennial Cents were released in approximately three-month intervals throughout 2009. Each design was intended to represent a specific period in Lincoln’s development from a frontiersman to the leader of a divided nation. The designs were chosen to reflect his humble beginnings, his self-education, his professional life, and his ultimate presidency.
- Birth and Early Childhood (Kentucky): Designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz, this reverse depicts a humble log cabin similar to the one in which Lincoln was born in 1809. It symbolizes his roots and the rugged individualism of the American frontier.
- Formative Years (Indiana): Designed and sculpted by Charles Vickers, this reverse shows a young Lincoln reclining on a log while reading a book during a break from splitting rails. This image captures his legendary thirst for knowledge and self-improvement.
- Professional Life (Illinois): Designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart, this design depicts a young Lincoln standing before the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. It represents his early political and legal career as “Honest Abe.”
- Presidency (Washington, D.C.): Designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Joseph Menna, the final reverse shows the half-finished dome of the United States Capitol. This powerful imagery reflects the Union’s resilience during the Civil War and Lincoln’s determination to preserve the nation.
Metallic Composition: Zinc vs. Original Bronze
One of the most important technical aspects of the Lincoln Bicentennial Cents is the variation in metal. While the billions of cents released into general circulation were made of the standard copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper), the Mint produced special “Collector’s Sets” with a different metallic makeup.
To honor the history of the series, the Mint struck special versions of all four designs in the original 1909 alloy: 95% copper, 3% tin, and 2% zinc. These “Original Alloy” cents were included in the 2009 Proof Sets, Silver Proof Sets, and the 2009 Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set. These copper-heavy coins are easily distinguished by their weight (3.11 grams compared to the 2.5 grams of the zinc versions) and their richer, more traditional copper luster.
Key Varieties and Errors to Watch For
Because the Lincoln Bicentennial Cents were produced in such massive quantities, several interesting doubled die varieties were created during the hubbing process. The most famous of these occur in the “Formative Years” (Indiana) design. Collectors have identified dozens of “Doubled Die Reverse” (DDR) varieties involving Lincoln’s hands and the book he is holding.
| Variety Type | Design Affected | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| DDR “Extra Fingers” | Formative Years (Indiana) | A clear doubling on the fingers of Lincoln’s left hand. Over 50 different dies have been identified. |
| DDR “Double Book” | Formative Years (Indiana) | Doubling on the pages or the spine of the book Lincoln is reading. |
| DDR “Thumb Doubling” | Professional Life (Illinois) | A noticeable extra thumb or thickness on the hand holding the law book. |
The “Satin Finish” and the Mint Set Mystery
For the numismatist chasing the highest grades, the 2009 Mint Sets present a unique category of the Lincoln Bicentennial Cents. Starting in 2005 and ending in 2010, the Mint used a “Satin Finish” on coins included in official Uncirculated Sets. These coins have a distinct, matte-like appearance compared to the “brilliant” finish of business strikes found in bank rolls.
Because the Satin Finish coins were made in the original 95% copper alloy and were handled with more care at the Mint, they often grade at MS-68 or MS-69. However, the business strike zinc versions are much harder to find in pristine condition due to the fragile nature of the copper plating. A 2009 business strike in MS-67 or higher is a significant rarity that carries a heavy market premium.
Grading and Condition Sensitivity
Grading the Lincoln Bicentennial Cents requires a focus on the strike and surface spots. Zinc coins are notorious for “gas bubbles” under the copper plating. These appear as small blisters on the surface and are considered “planchet flaws,” which can lower the numerical grade. When selecting coins for your collection, look for:
- Full Thumbs and Fingers: On the Indiana and Illinois designs, ensure the hands are sharply struck and not “mushy.”
- Capitol Dome Detail: On the Presidency design, the individual ribs and windows of the Capitol dome should be clear.
- Log Cabin Texture: The Kentucky design should show distinct “logs” and not look like a flat silhouette.
The Rarity of High-Grade Business Strikes
While the total mintage for the Lincoln Bicentennial Cents exceeds 2.3 billion across all four designs, the “survival rate” of perfect business strikes is surprisingly low. Because 2009 was a year of economic downturn, many people hoarded these coins, but they were often stored in humid environments or handled roughly. Consequently, searching through original $25 boxes (shipped from the Mint in 2009) is still a popular activity for “variety hunters” looking for that elusive MS-68 specimen or a new Doubled Die discovery.
The 2009 Bicentennial series serves as a bridge between the traditional Lincoln Cent and the modern Union Shield era. It was a once-in-a-century event that allowed the Mint to showcase modern artistic talent while respecting the legacy of one of the world’s most famous coins. Whether you are collecting the zinc versions from pocket change or the copper-rich proofs, these coins remain a cornerstone of 21st-century American numismatics.