The 2009 Lincoln Cent holds a special place in U.S. coin history as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent series. The series includes four unique coin designs, each reflecting different stages of President Abraham Lincoln’s life. The final coin in this series, the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent, was released on November 12, 2009. This coin honors the early years of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and features a significant landmark in American history – the U.S. Capitol Dome during its construction.
In this article, we will dive into the details of the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent, including its design, its significance, and its current value among collectors. Whether you are a new collector or a seasoned numismatist, understanding the background of this coin can give you a deeper appreciation for both its historical and market value.
2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent Design
The 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent features a distinctive design created by artist Susan Gamble. The reverse of the coin shows the U.S. Capitol building with its dome under construction. This was a significant architectural project during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. The construction of the dome began in 1856, and it was completed after Lincoln’s time in office.
On the reverse, you can see the three-quarters view of the Capitol Dome with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” wrapping around the top and “ONE CENT” at the bottom. The coin also features the motto “E Pluribus Unum,” which means “Out of many, one,” a phrase representing unity among the states. This design reflects both the historical and architectural importance of the Capitol building during Lincoln’s presidency.
Mintage and Market Demand for the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent
The 2009 Lincoln Cent series, including the Presidency Cent, was met with mixed reactions from the public. The original expectation was that the release of these coins would generate widespread excitement, especially due to their historical significance. However, the global financial crisis of 2008 had a major impact on public enthusiasm. As the economy faltered, demand for new coins dropped, and collectors found it difficult to obtain these coins from banks.
Despite this, the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent became a notable release due to its relatively low mintage compared to other coins in the series. With a total mintage of just 129,600,000 coins, this design is one of the rarest in the 2009 Lincoln Cent series. To put this in perspective, you would have to go back to the 1955-S Wheat Cent to find a coin with a similarly low mintage.
While the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent is not considered extremely rare, it is still highly sought after by collectors, especially those looking for uncirculated versions. Uncirculated examples can often be found on platforms like eBay for prices around $1.50 each, but higher-grade versions of the coin can fetch more. For example, coins that grade at MS67RD can be sold for upwards of $56 or $79, depending on the auction and condition.
The Significance of the U.S. Capitol Dome
The U.S. Capitol Dome holds great importance in American history, and its depiction on the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent is a reminder of the nation’s growth during the 19th century. At the time of Lincoln’s presidency, the Capitol was being expanded to reflect the growing power and influence of the United States.
Designed by architect Thomas U. Walter, the Capitol Dome was a monumental project that became a symbol of the nation’s strength. The dome was completed in 1866, after Lincoln’s death, but during his presidency, the exterior work on the dome was finished. The fact that this historical moment is captured on the 2009 Lincoln Cent adds a deeper layer of meaning to the coin.
Collecting the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent
Collectors of U.S. coins generally seek uncirculated versions of coins, and the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent is no exception. Coins in lower grades, such as Extra Fine or About Uncirculated, are often not in high demand unless they are extremely rare. However, collectors looking for coins in perfect condition, particularly those graded at MS67 or higher, can expect to pay a premium for them.
The 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent was produced both in circulation strike and in limited collector versions with a satin finish. The collector versions were sold at a higher price and came in special sets. Additionally, copper collector versions, which are made with a slightly different alloy than regular coins, were produced in limited numbers and are also of interest to collectors.
Conclusion
The 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent may not have been a major hit with the public when it was first released, but its historical significance and unique design have made it an important part of U.S. coin history. Featuring the U.S. Capitol Dome under construction, the coin serves as a reminder of both the architectural achievement of the time and the important leadership of Abraham Lincoln.
Although it has a relatively low mintage, its market value remains modest, with uncirculated versions being highly sought after by collectors. Whether you’re just starting your collection or looking to add a piece of history, the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent is a coin worth considering.
FAQ’S
FAQ 1: What is the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent?
The 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent is the final coin in the Lincoln Bicentennial Cent series. It features a design of the U.S. Capitol Dome under construction, representing the early years of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.
FAQ 2: How much is the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent worth?
The 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent is typically worth around $1.50 for uncirculated versions. However, high-grade coins (such as MS67RD or higher) can sell for $50 or more, depending on condition and demand.
FAQ 3: Why is the 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent important for collectors?
The coin is significant due to its historical design featuring the U.S. Capitol Dome, a symbol of Lincoln’s era. It also has a relatively low mintage, making it an interesting piece for coin collectors.
