The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial pennies were issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent. While most 2009 cents are worth face value or modest premiums, certain uncirculated and high-grade examples — especially from the Denver Mint — can fetch significant prices from collectors in 2026.

About the 2009 Bicentennial Penny Series

In 2009 the U.S. Mint released four reverse designs depicting stages of Lincoln’s life:

• Birth & Early Childhood (Log Cabin)
• Formative Years (Reading)
• Professional Life (Law Practice)
• Presidency (Unfinished Capitol Dome)

Each design was struck at the Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D) mints, with proof versions from San Francisco (S).

4 Rare 2009 Bicentennial Pennies Worth Thousands

1. 2009-D Presidency Penny — MS68 Red

• This Denver minted “Presidency” variety in high grade (MS68 RD) is one of the most valuable of the series. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Only a few certified at this grade exist, pushing prices well into the thousands for top-tier examples.

2. 2009-D Professional Life — MS67 and Higher

• The Professional Life design from Denver in MS67+ and MS68 RD grades brings strong collector demand. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• High-end graded coins can reach several thousand dollars.

3. 2009-P Early Childhood — MS67 Red

• Philadelphia strike coins in red designation (RD) graded MS67+ are among the more desirable 2009 varieties. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• These coins often bring premium prices from niche collectors.

4. 2009-P Formative Years — MS67 Red or MS68 RD

• While slightly less in demand than the Denver Presidency type, high-grade Formative Years examples still command serious collector premiums.
• Certified examples at MS67 RD and above have been known to fetch thousands.
• Value Snapshot (2026)

Values depend heavily on grade, surface preservation, and whether the coin has its original red color. Certified coins from trusted services like PCGS or NGC usually bring the best prices.

Why Some 2009 Pennies Are Valuable

• Lower mintages: While in the hundreds of millions, the 2009 varieties had smaller production totals than typical Lincoln cents, boosting collector interest.
• Multiple reverse designs: All four unique reverses make the set popular with completists.
• High grade scarcity: Red (RD) coins in MS67–MS68 are much rarer than lower grades.
• Error or odd planchet pieces: Some die varieties or error coins — such as doubled dies — can add extra value.
• Tips for Collectors

• Use magnification to check details and confirm original red surfaces.
• Check for doubled die features or unusual strike characteristics — these may be error varieties.
• Have high-potential coins graded by PCGS or NGC for market credibility.
• Compare sold auction results rather than just listing prices to gauge real demand.

Conclusion

While many 2009 Bicentennial pennies are worth only a few cents in circulated condition, specific uncirculated and high-grade examples — particularly those from the Denver Mint in red designation — can be worth thousands to collectors in 2026. Before spending or discarding your 2009 pennies, inspect them carefully — you might be holding a valuable piece of history.