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The 2009-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $1,000 for rare high-grade specimens. While billion of cents were minted in 2009, those bearing the “S” mint mark are special collector versions that were never intended for general circulation.
| Coin Variety | Mid-Range Value | Highest Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-S Birth & Early Childhood | $3 – $8 | $900+ |
| 2009-S Formative Years | $3 – $10 | $1,100+ |
| 2009-S Professional Life | $4 – $12 | $1,300+ |
| 2009-S Presidency | $3 – $8 | $800+ |
The Significance of the 2009-S Lincoln Bicentennial Cent
If you have stumbled upon a 2009 Lincoln cent with a small “S” under the date, you are looking at a piece of modern numismatic history. The year 2009 marked the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent’s first appearance. To celebrate, the U.S. Mint released four different reverse designs depicting different stages of Lincoln’s life.
Unlike the common pennies you find in your pocket change, the “S” mint mark indicates the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were exclusively released in official Proof Sets for collectors. If you are unsure exactly which version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the satin finishes and the high-reflectivity proof versions.
Because these were struck using specially polished dies and planchets, they exhibit a “mirror-like” field and frosty details. Finding one of these coins in a random jar of change is rare, but it does happen when collectors break up sets. Using CoinKnow can help you keep a digital inventory of your finds as you build your collection.
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Types of 2009-S Lincoln Penny Designs
Modern collectors are often confused by the four distinct designs issued in 2009. Each design represents a specific era. The first is “Birth and Early Childhood,” showing a log cabin. The second is “Formative Years,” featuring a young Lincoln reading while sitting on a log.
The third design is “Professional Life,” depicting Lincoln in front of the Illinois State Capitol. The final design is “Presidency,” which shows the half-completed Capitol dome in Washington, D.C. Each design was produced in Proof format with an “S” mint mark.
The 2009-S Lincoln Early Childhood price data suggests that while millions were made, the demand remains high because collectors need all four to complete a set. High-grade specimens are particularly sought after by those looking for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations from grading services like PCGS or NGC.
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| Design Type | Reverse Description | Mintage (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood | Log Cabin in Kentucky | 2.1 Million (Proof) |
| Formative Years | Lincoln reading on a log | 2.1 Million (Proof) |
| Professional Life | Lincoln in front of IL Capitol | 2.1 Million (Proof) |
| Presidency | U.S. Capitol dome | 2.1 Million (Proof) |
Determining the 2009-S Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
The value of a 2009-S Lincoln Penny is most heavily influenced by its grade. Since these are proof coins, they are judged on a scale from PR-60 to PR-70. A PR-70 Deep Cameo is the “perfect” coin, showing no visible flaws even under 5x magnification.
Most 2009-S pennies found today will grade at PR-68 or PR-69. These are worth a few dollars—enough to cover a cup of coffee. However, the current 2009-S penny market value for PR-70 examples can skyrocket into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
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If you find a 2009 penny that looks shiny but doesn’t have the “S” mint mark, it was likely minted in Philadelphia or Denver. While these are worth face value in circulated condition, certain “Satin Finish” versions included in Mint Sets can also carry a premium. If you are unsure, CoinKnow can help you identify the specific finish of your cent.
The “Formative Years” Double Die Errors
While the 2009-S is a proof coin and generally subject to strict quality control, the 2009 penny series as a whole is famous for errors. The “Formative Years” design (the one with Lincoln sitting on a log) has dozens of known “doubled die” varieties.
The most common error involves “extra fingers” on Lincoln’s hand as he holds the book. While most of these errors are found on the Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (D) coins, collectors are always on the hunt for similar anomalies on Proof “S” coins.
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A verified error on a 2009-S proof coin would be an extremely valuable discovery. Because proof coins are minted twice to ensure a deep strike, errors are incredibly rare and highly prized by error collectors. Always inspect the hands and the book on the Formative Years reverse through a magnifying glass.
| Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR-65 DCAM | $3.00 |
| PR-67 DCAM | $7.00 |
| PR-69 DCAM | $15.00 |
| PR-70 DCAM | $150.00 – $1,000.00+ |
Composition and Why It Matters for Value
In 2009, the U.S. Mint made a special exception for the Bicentennial Lincoln Cents. While standard pennies since 1982 are made of copper-plated zinc, the 2009 cents sold in collector sets were made of the original 1909 composition: 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc.
This “original composition” gives the 2009-S Proof pennies a distinct look and weight compared to the zinc pennies in your pocket. This copper content makes them more susceptible to “toning,” where the metal reacts with the air to create beautiful hues of blue, purple, or red.
Collectors will often pay a premium for a 2009-S penny that has developed “attractive toning.” If you have a coin with unusual colors, using an app like CoinKnow can help you determine if the toning is natural or artificial, which significantly impacts the resale value.
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How to Sell Your 2009-S Lincoln Penny
If you believe you have a high-grade 2009-S Lincoln Penny, your first step should be to protect it. Avoid touching the surface of the coin with your fingers, as skin oils can permanently damage a proof finish. Place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a specialized coin holder.
To get the best price, consider having the coin professionally graded if it looks absolutely perfect. A PR-70 grade can make the difference between a $10 coin and a $500 coin. However, grading costs money—usually between $30 and $50—so you should only do this if you are confident in the coin’s condition.
Online marketplaces like eBay are the most common places to sell these coins. Check “Sold Listings” to see what people are actually paying, rather than looking at “Active Listings” which may have unrealistic asking prices. Local coin shops are also an option, though they will typically offer you wholesale prices so they can make a profit on the resale.
FAQ
Q: Why is there an “S” on my 2009 penny?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. This means your penny was originally part of a Proof Set intended for collectors and was not meant to be spent in stores.
Q: Is a 2009-S penny made of real copper?
A: Yes. While standard 2009 pennies found in change are mostly zinc, the 2009-S Proof pennies were minted with the 1909-spec 95% copper alloy.
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Q: How many 2009-S pennies were made?
A: Approximately 2.1 million of each of the four designs were minted. While this sounds like a lot, it is very low compared to the billions of pennies minted in Philadelphia and Denver.
Q: Can I find a 2009-S penny in my pocket change?
A: It is rare, but possible. Usually, someone breaks open a collector’s set and spends the coins. These are called “Impaired Proofs” and are generally worth less than those still in their original packaging.
Q: What is the most valuable 2009 penny?
A: The most valuable 2009 pennies are usually PR-70 Deep Cameo proof coins from San Francisco or high-grade “Satin Finish” coins from Philadelphia or Denver that feature major doubling errors.