2009 Lincoln Penny Pulled from Circulation! Here’s Why Collectors Are Shocked

2009 Lincoln Penny Pulled from Circulation! Here’s Why Collectors Are Shocked

In 2009, the United States Mint embarked on a historic journey to celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The result was a four-coin series that broke a 50-year tradition, replacing the iconic Lincoln Memorial reverse with four distinct designs representing the stages of Lincoln’s life.

While millions were struck, finding one today in your pocket change—especially an error coin—is like finding a needle in a haystack. But for the lucky few who know what to look for, these “ordinary” pennies are causing a massive stir in the numismatic community.

The “Big Four” Designs of 2009

Before diving into the errors that make collectors’ jaws drop, it is important to recognize the four designs. Because they were released at different times of the year, mintage numbers for some designs are lower than your average penny, making even “clean” circulated versions worth holding onto.

1. Birth and Early Childhood (Kentucky): Features the humble log cabin where Lincoln was born.

2. Formative Years (Indiana): Depicts a young Lincoln taking a break from rail-splitting to read a book.

3. Professional Life (Illinois): Shows Lincoln standing in front of the Illinois State Capitol.

4. Presidency (Washington, D.C.): Features the half-finished U.S. Capitol dome, symbolizing a nation under reconstruction during the Civil War.

Why the “Shock”? The Rare Errors You Can Still Find

The real reason collectors are shocked by these coins isn’t just the history—it’s the Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) errors. Because of a change in the minting process that year, hundreds of minor varieties were created, but a handful are considered “holy grails.”

1. The Famous “Extra Fingers” Error (Formative Years)

The most legendary error of the 2009 series is found on the Formative Years penny. If you look closely at Lincoln’s hands as he holds the book, you might see something impossible: extra fingers.

• What to look for: Doubling on the thumb or index finger. Some versions, like the “WDDR-001” or “FS-802,” show a distinct sixth finger or a “skeleton” thumb protruding from the hand.

• Value: While a regular penny is worth one cent, a high-grade “Extra Finger” error can sell for anywhere from $20 to over $100, with pristine specimens reaching even higher.

2. The “Extra Log” Error (Birthplace/Log Cabin)

On the very first design released, collectors discovered a doubling error on the log cabin itself.

• What to look for: Look at the ends of the logs on the lower-left corner of the cabin. You may see “extra” log ends or doubling that makes the cabin look like it has a structural glitch.

• Shock Factor: Many of these were spent before anyone noticed. Finding one today in “Red” (unoxidized) condition is a major win.

3. The “Doubled Window” (Professional Life)

The Illinois design is notorious for doubling in the windows of the Capitol building.

• What to look for: Extra horizontal or vertical lines inside the window panes. These are harder to spot without a magnifying glass, which is why many still sit undiscovered in jars of change.

The “Hidden” Copper Secret

If the errors weren’t enough, there is a “hidden” version of the 2009 penny that drives collectors wild. In 2009, the Mint produced special collector sets (Proof and Satin Finish) using the original 1909 composition of 95% copper.

• Standard 2009 Penny: Zinc core with copper plating (2.5 grams).

• Special 2009 Penny: Solid 95% copper (3.11 grams).

Occasionally, these collector coins find their way into circulation. If you find a 2009 penny that feels slightly heavier or has an unusually deep, rich “Red” luster, you might be holding a coin intended for a prestige set, worth significantly more than face value.

How to Inspect Your 2009 Pennies

If you’ve just pulled a 2009 Lincoln penny from your pocket, don’t spend it yet! Follow these steps to see if you have a “shocking” find:

• Check the Mint Mark: Coins with no mint mark (Philadelphia) or a “D” (Denver) are common, but “S” (San Francisco) coins are proofs and should never be in circulation—if you find one, it’s an automatic keeper.

• Use a 10x Loupe: Most of these errors are “micro-doubling.” You won’t see the extra finger with the naked eye unless it’s a major variety.

• Look at the Hand: On the “Formative Years” coin, always check the area where Lincoln’s hand meets the book. This is the “hot spot” for the most valuable 2009 errors.

• Assess the Grade: Because 2009 pennies were made of a zinc core that rots easily, finding one in “Mint State” (shiny, no scratches) is becoming increasingly rare. A 2009 penny in MS67 condition can be worth $150 to $300 even without an error!

Pro Tip: Look for the “Presidency” design (Capitol Dome) in high grade. Because it was the last one released, many people had stopped “hoarding” the new pennies by the time it came out, making high-quality survivors surprisingly scarce.

Conclusion: Is it a Fortune?

While most 2009 pennies you find in change will only be worth a few cents over face value due to wear and tear, the “shock” comes from the fact that major errors are still being discovered today. Just last year, a 2009-D Presidency penny in nearly perfect condition sold for $6,000.

The next time you get change back at the grocery store, take a second look at the back of that penny. You might just be holding a piece of “shocking” numismatic history.

Would you like me to help you identify a specific mint mark or error type on another coin you’ve found?