The 2009 penny value ranges from as low as its face value of $0.01 to as high as $50. At auctions, the penny has sold for as little as $1 and as high as $4,000, depending on several factors. The most valuable 2009 pennies are those in the highest grade (MS67 or higher) or feature an attractive Satin Finish.
U.S. Mint made three types of 2009 coins: Regular Strike, Proof, and Special Strike Coins, all valued differently as follows:
- Regular Strike 2009 pennies are each worth their face value (1 Cent/$0.01) in average condition but worth $2,000 or more in their highest uncirculated mint state (MS) condition.
- Special Strike (SMS) 2009 S pennies feature a unique Satin Finish. Each sells for $1 or more in average conditions and $50 or more in pristine conditions.
- (Proof) 2009 pennies are each worth $3 in average condition and $130 or more in the most pristine condition.
Remember, the value of the 2009 penny is also determined by its demand among collectors. So, if you have the coin, it might be worth getting it appraised at an auction. The highest grades have sold for over $2,000, including the most expensive 2009-D penny, which sold for $4,700 in 2016.
2009 Penny Value Summary
Below is the 2009 penny value chart, arranged based on grade condition and strike:
| 2009 Penny and Coin Grade | 2009 Penny Regular Strike (MS) | 2009 Penny Special Strike (SMS) (SP) | 2009 Penny Proof (PR) |
| 60 | N/A | N/A | $3 |
| 61 | N/A | N/A | $3 |
| 62 | N/A | N/A | $3 |
| 63 | $5 – $7 | $1 – $3 | $3 |
| 64 | $7 – $8 | $2 – $4 | $4 |
| 65 | $10 – $12 | $4 – $5 | $4 – $5 |
| 66 | $16 – $24 | $6 – $10 | $6 – $8 |
| 67 | $160 – $725 | $8 – $15 | $8 -$10 |
| 68 | $2,300 – $6,000 | $14 – $20 | $14 – $16 |
| 69 | N/A | $50- $130 | $65 – $130 |
| 70 | N/A | N/A | $130 – $150 |
Note:
- The N/A in columns without a price guide does not mean the coins are rare. Instead, it shows there isn’t enough data or coins to publish an average price estimate.
- The grades (60 – 70) represent the particular coin’s grading prefix, i.e., MS60-MS70 for Regular Strike coins, SP60-SP70 for Specimen/Special Strike Coins, and PR60-PR70 for Proof pennies.
The 2009 penny value also increases if it has an error or is part of a known variety. The 2009 Double Die Reverse (DDR) pennies are the prominent error coins in the year, valued at around $30 – $50 in great mint condition.
As for the melt value, 2009 pennies come in two metal compositions: primarily copper coins with a melt value of $0.0241 and primarily zinc coins with a melt value of $0.0064.
What Is Special About 2009 Pennies
The 2009 Lincoln Pennies, also known as 2009 Bicentennial Pennies, are special due to a series of changes made to the 2009 pennies to commemorate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, as well as the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent.
These changes included four different reverse (tails) designs of the 2009 penny, each representing a different aspect of Lincoln’s life.
Below are the four (4) reverse designs:
1. Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (1809 – 1816) Lincoln Penny
Also known as the 2009 Lincoln penny log cabin, this is the first reverse design. It depicts Abraham Lincoln’s humble beginnings with an image of a one-room log cabin in which Abe was born in Hardin County, Kentucky.
2. Formative Years in Indiana (1816 – 1830) Lincoln Penny
Also referred to as the 2009 penny with man on back or the 2009 sitting on log penny, this is the second design showing Abraham Lincoln taking a break from his farm work while sitting on a log and reading a book.
The design captures the formative years of Abe as a frontier farm boy.
3. Professional Life in Illinois (1830 – 1861) Lincoln Penny
The Professional Life design features a grown-up Abraham Lincoln standing in front of the state house of Illinois. It symbolizes Lincoln’s career in law and politics as an adult in Illinois; this is where his political career began.
4. Presidency in Washington, DC (1861 -1865) Lincoln Penny
The Presidency design depicts the U.S. Capitol under construction during Lincoln’s presidency. It signifies his leadership during a time of national crisis, particularly during the American Civil War.
All four coins retained the iconic obverse (heads) design featuring Abraham Lincoln’s image. Obverse inscriptions include: IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, ‘2009’, and a ‘D’ or ‘S’ Mint Mark that appears under the mint date.
Speaking of mint marks, all three major U.S. mints were used to produce the 2009 pennies: Philadelphia Mint (made coins with no mint mark), Denver Mint (coins with ‘D’ mint mark), and San Francisco (coins with ‘S’ mint mark).
San Francisco only made uncirculated Proof Coins. Denver and Philadelphia minted both Regular Strike pennies for circulation and Special Strike Coins for collectors and numismatic purposes.
The number of coins produced at each mint is as follows:
- Denver: 1,106,000,000
- Philadelphia: 1,248,000,000
- Denver & Philadelphia (Special Strike/SMS): 784,614
- San Francisco (Proof coins): 2,995,615
Note that the 2009 Proof and Special Strike (SMS) Coins are made of 95% copper plus 5% tin and zinc, while the Regular Strike coins are made of copper-plated zinc comprising of 2.5% Copper and 97.5% Zinc.
This variance makes Proof and SMS coins special due to their unique metal composition. It is the same combination that was used to produce the original Lincoln Cent Series Coins from 1909 – 1942.
The copper coins can be differentiated from the zinc coins by weight – a primarily copper penny weighs 3.11 grams, while a primarily zinc penny weighs 2.5 grams.
Here is a quick summary of the coins’ mintage and metal composition:
| Coins | Reverse Design | Total Mintage | Metal Composition |
|
2009 No Mint Mark Pennies |
Birth & Early Childhood | 284,400,000 | Copper-plated Zinc –
2.5% Copper and 97.5% Zinc |
| Formative Years | 376,000,000 | ||
| Professional Life | 316,000,000 | ||
| Presidency | 129,600,000 | ||
|
2009 D Pennies |
Birth & Early Childhood | 350,400,000 | Copper-plated Zinc –
2.5% Copper and 97.5% Zinc |
| Formative Years | 363,600,000 | ||
| Professional Life | 336,000,000 | ||
| Presidency | 198,000,000 | ||
| 2009 and 2009-D Pennies
(Special Strike/SMS) |
Birth & Early Childhood – Presidency | 784,614 | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc |
| 2009 S Pennies (Proof) | Birth & Early Childhood – Presidency | 2,995,615 | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc |
Now that we are familiar with the various varieties of the 2009 pennies, how about an in-depth look at their value?
2009 Bicentennial Penny Value
To know the true 2009 penny value, we have to divide them into three categories based on where they were minted:
1. 2009 Penny No Mint Mark Value
These are pennies made in Philadelphia, including Regular Strike and Special Strike (SMS) coins. Each of the two types included the four reverse designs.
You might wonder if all four designs are similarly priced, and the answer is yes. Despite the varying designs, they all have similar pricing. The only determiner of their value is the condition.
In general, Regular Strike 2009 Lincoln pennies are worth one cent in average condition. Coins in average condition are not in mint state; they are worn out and have clear signs of scratches and blemishes, indicating they have been circulated for a long time.
Mint State (MS) 2009 pennies are those that were minted for circulation but never actually went into use in daily transactions. Since they were never used, they have no signs of wear and may only bear weak scratches.
The Sheldon Scale is used to grade coins and help differentiate their conditions. MS coins use the MS60-MS70 scale, where MS60-MS63 shows coins with less attractive defects, while MS68-MS70 represents a perfect coin with no signs of wear or blemishes.
According to grading companies NGC and PCGS, 2009 no mint mark pennies in the MS60-MS63 range are worth $0.01 – $5, MS64 – MS67 are worth $7 – $325, and MS68 are worth more than $1,500.
MS68 is the highest grade recorded to date, and only a handful exist. Just one of these, and you can make thousands. However, keep in mind that you will have to pay to get them graded first by an authentication company like PCGS.
Also, the highest prices are realized at auctions, and you may want to sell it at one like Heritage Auctions.
For instance, the most valuable 2009 no mint mark penny ever sold is the 2009 1C Lincoln-Presidency MS68 Red, sold for $2,650 on eBay.
Historical auction records for the 2009 penny no mint mark:
| Grade | Price | Firm | Sale Date |
| MS67RD | $2,750 | eBay | 2020 |
| MS68RD | $2,650 | eBay | 2018 |
| MS68RD | $2,500 | eBay | 2018 |
| MS67 | $1,995 | eBay | 2010 |
| MS68RD | $1,938.75 | Heritage Auctions | 2017 |
In 2009, the U.S Mint also minted Special Strike coins, also known as Specimen or SMS coins. These SMS coins have a distinctive Satin finish, a unique appearance that falls between regular business strike coins and Proof coins.
2009 SMS coins from both Denver and Philadelphia have the lowest mintage among all 2009 pennies. This limited production adds to their desirability among collectors.
The condition is also a factor. But, SMS coins are readily available since collectors can buy them directly from the Mint. Hence, they are cheaper than regular strike coins in the same grade.
They are also graded using the Sheldon Scale of SP60 – SP70. SP60 – SP63 are worth $1 – $3, while SP64 – SP68 are worth $4 – $20. SP69 is the highest recorded grade of the 2009 SMS pennies, valued at $50 – $130.
SMS coins also came in the four reverse designs. They are all put into one set containing other SMS coins (dime, nickel, quarter) and sold directly by the U.S. Mint. Each set cost $27.95 originally and came with 36 different coins.
Historical auction records for the 2009 penny no mint mark (Satin Finish):
| Grade | Price | Firm | Sale Date |
| SP69RD | $350 | eBay | 2018 |
| SP69 | $299 | Heritage Auctions | 2011 |
| SP69RD | $215 | eBay | 2019 |
| SP69RD | $165 | eBay | 2019 |
| SP69RD | $150 | eBay | 2019 |
2. 2009 D Penny Value
2009 D pennies were made in Denver. They have the 2009 pennies that have sold for the most money at auctions, including the 2009-D 1C Lincoln-Presidency, MS68 Red coin that sold for $4,700 in 2016 – this is the 2009 Rare Penny you should get for the best payout.
At MS68, the 2009-D 1C Lincoln-Presidency penny is worth a whopping $6,000. Only two of them have been graded by PCGS, and only one has ever been sold.
If you are looking for the most valuable 2009 pennies, then MS68 or higher from Denver are the ones to go for.
MS69 is the highest grade in this category, and only one has ever been sold, the 2009-D 1C Presidency MS69 Red, which features razor-sharp details and a blazingly red surface that is near perfect. It sold for $2,040 in 2018.
Similar to Philadelphia coins, the 2009 D penny is worth one cent in average circulated condition. Uncirculated Mint State coins are worth $7 -$160 in MS64-MS67 and $0.57 – $7 in MS60 – MS63.
Historical auction records for the 2009 D penny:
| Grade | Price | Firm | Sale Date |
| MS68RD | $4,700 | Heritage Auctions | 2016 |
| MS69 RD | $2,040 | Heritage Auctions | 2018 |
| MS67 | $1,880 | Heritage Auctions | 2015 |
| PCGS Genuine | $1,500 | eBay | 2023 |
| MS68RD | $1,490 | eBay | 2018 |
| MS66+ | $995 | eBay | 2014 |
Similar to the 2009 Pennies made in Philadelphia, the 2009 D Pennies also featured Satin Finish SMS coins with all four reverse designs. The U.S. Mint included them in the all-inclusive 36-coin SMS set that originally sold for $27.95.
2009-D SMS pennies are valued similarly to those from Philadelphia:
- SP60 – SP63 are worth $1 – $3
- SP64 – SP68 are worth $4 – $20
- SP69 and above are worth $50 – $130, or more.
SP69 is the highest-ever recorded grade of the 2009 SMS pennies.
Historical auction records for the 2009 D SMS penny (Satin Finish):
| Grade | Price | Firm | Sale Date |
| SP69RD | $270 | eBay | 2018 |
| SP69RD | $245 | eBay | 2018 |
| SP69RD | $239 | eBay | 2019 |
| SP69 | $228 | eBay | 2010 |
| SP69 | $202 | eBay | 2010 |
3. 2009 S Penny DCAM Value (Proof Coins)
DCAM means Deep Cameo and is used to show Proof coins of the highest quality, second to none.
It is a designation showing a Proof Coin with a frosted finish (Cameo) that is particularly pronounced and stands out against the penny’s background, hence Deep Cameo.
Proof coins are special coins that are more finely crafted than regular coins. They are not minted for circulation but sold directly to collectors -making them less rare, more accessible, and cheaper.
What makes the 2009 Proof Coins valuable is their high-end DCAM finishes. Proof coins graded PR70 DCAM are the most sought-after, valued at $130 -$150. PR60-PR64 coins are worth $3 -$5, PR65 – PR68 is worth $7 – $16, and PR69 is worth more than $65.
Historical auction records for the 2009 S penny (Proof):
| Grade | Price | Firm | Sale Date |
| PR70 | $488.75 | Heritage Auctions | 2011 |
| PR70RD | $471.45 | Great Collections | 2011 |
| PR70 | $440 | Great Collections | 2011 |
| PR70BN | $400 | eBay | 2019 |
| PR68DCAM | $299 | eBay | 2022 |
2009 Penny Error List
Mint errors tremendously increase the value of pennies depending on their rarity and severity.
2009 pennies are relatively new coins. With less than 15 years in circulation, it is no wonder only two errors are known to date.
1. Double Die Reverse (DDR) Variety
The DDR variety is the only well-known error in the 2009 Penny line-up. It is an error that only affected the 2009 1C Lincoln-Formative Years pennies made in Philadelphia.
The Double Die Reverse error happened when a reverse coin die was engraved with a design that featured doubling details on Abraham Lincoln’s left hand. This resulted in the coin itself inheriting the doubled effects.
There are eight different doubling effects (DDR varieties) on the 2009 penny:
- 2009 1C Lincoln-Formative Years DDR FS-801
- 2009 1C Lincoln-Formative Years DDR FS-802
- 2009 1C Lincoln-Formative Years DDR FS-803
- 2009 1C Lincoln-Formative Years DDR FS-804
- 2009 1C Lincoln-Formative Years DDR FS-805
- 2009 1C Lincoln-Formative Years DDR FS-806
- 2009 1C Lincoln-Formative Years DDR FS-807
- 2009 1C Lincoln-Formative Years DDR FS-808
The different designations show where the doubling lies on the hand. Some show doubling on the hand’s finger and others on the fingertips.
2009 Pennies with this error are worth $20 – $90.
The MS65RD-graded FS-807 Red sold for $33.24 in 2018, while the MS66RD-graded FS-803 sold for $85 on eBay in 2016.
2. Misalignment Error
Only one coin has sold with this error – the 2009 S 1C Professional Life, PF68 Red, sold for $347.30 at Heritage Auctions.
A misalignment error occurs when the coin dies used to strike the planchets do not align appropriately during the striking process. This misalignment results in certain design elements appearing off-center or improperly aligned with the rest of the coin’s design.
In this case, the error is horizontal misalignment where the Proof coin’s elements appear shifted in the horizontal direction.
What Makes A 2009 Lincoln Penny Valuable
1. Coin Grade
Coins that have been professionally graded and authenticated by reputable grading services can often command higher prices, especially if they receive a high grade.
The condition and grade of the coin significantly impact its value.
PR70 proof coins are the most valuable in the SMS and Proof line. They have the most unique appearance with strikingly detailed designs and zero imperfections.
MS69 is the highest grade in the 2009 circulation pennies, but the MS68 coins are just as valuable, featuring near-perfect conditions without blemishes.
2. Errors
Only two errors have been officially noted in the 2009 pennies. The Double Die Reverse (DDR) is the most common error, making it a variety, hence less valuable.
However, a rare error like the ‘Horizontally Misaligned’ error is more valuable, fetching upwards of $300 at auctions.
When looking for valuable coins, focus on the rare errors. Common errors like die breaks and double strike errors are less valuable, often selling for less than $10.
3. Collector Demand
The 2009 Bicentennial Penny will forever set itself apart from other pennies due to its commemorative status. It came from a one-year-only program, which will ensure its place as a continuously interesting coin among collectors.
Also, since it came in a set of four, collectors will be looking forward to finishing the sets.
However, like any other market, the demand for the 2009 penny will fluctuate with time. Feel free to take a look at the PCGS and NGC price guides to keep an eye on how the pennies will trend.
Final Thoughts
To determine the exact value of your 2009 penny, we recommend you consult current coin pricing guides and online coin marketplaces. The coin market fluctuates over time, so checking current market trends for the most accurate pricing information is a good idea.
We have made this process easier with our free penny value lookup tool. It is a 100% free tool that will help you quickly estimate the potential value of 2009 pennies and other U.S. coins. All you need to input is the penny’s year of issue, the mint mark, and its condition.
