The 2009-S Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $5 in Proof 65 condition to over $1,200 for rare high-grade specimens. While most pennies in your pocket are only worth face value, the “S” mint mark signifies a special collector’s edition that carries a significant premium today.
| Coin Version | Approximate Value (PR65) | Rare Grade Value (PR70) |
|---|---|---|
| Birthplace (Log Cabin) | $5.00 | $250+ |
| Formative Years (Split Log) | $6.00 | $400+ |
| Professional Life | $5.50 | $350+ |
| Presidency | $6.50 | $1,200+ |
Why the 2009-S Lincoln Penny is Special for Collectors
In 2009, the United States Mint celebrated two major milestones: the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the first Lincoln cent. To honor this, they released four distinct reverse designs depicting different stages of Lincoln’s life. While billions of these coins were minted for circulation in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (“D”), a much smaller number were minted in San Francisco (“S”).
If you have found one of these 2009-S coins, you likely have a “Proof” coin. These were never intended to be spent in grocery stores. They were sold in sets directly to collectors and feature a mirror-like finish and sharp details. If you aren’t sure what version you have, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common business strike and a valuable San Francisco proof.
When evaluating your collection, CoinHix can be an invaluable tool to track market fluctuations. Because these coins were struck using special dies and polished blanks, they are fragile. Even a single fingerprint can lower the grade and the 2009-S Lincoln Penny value significantly.
Understanding the Four Main 2009 Reverse Designs
The 2009 Bicentennial series is unique because it temporarily replaced the Shield or Lincoln Memorial designs we are used to seeing. The first design is “Birthplace and Early Childhood,” showing a log cabin in Kentucky. The second is “Formative Years,” featuring a young Lincoln sitting on a split log reading a book.
The third design represents his “Professional Life,” showing Lincoln in front of the Illinois State Capitol. Finally, the “Presidency” design depicts the partially constructed U.S. Capitol dome. Each of these carries a different weight in the collector market. The “S” mint mark versions of these designs are highly sought after because they were only available in official Mint Sets.
To get a better idea of what people are paying, you can view the current price trends for 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial cents to see which design is currently outperforming the others in the secondary market.
| Design Type | Symbolism | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Birthplace | Kentucky Origins | Common Proof |
| Formative | Self-Education | Highly Popular |
| Professional | Law & Politics | Moderate |
| Presidency | National Unity | High Demand |
Determining the Value of a 2009-S Proof Penny
Value is determined by the “grade” of the coin. For Proof coins like the 2009-S, the scale goes from PR1 to PR70. Most 2009-S pennies found in sets today will grade somewhere between PR65 and PR69. A PR70 coin is considered “perfect” and is extremely rare, often commanding prices into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
If your coin was removed from its protective plastic case and spent like a normal penny, it becomes “impaired.” An impaired proof is still worth more than a regular penny, but its value drops to roughly $1.00 to $2.00. Using an app like CoinHix allows you to scan the coin’s surface to look for scratches or “milk spots” that could hurt its resale potential.
For those looking for a comprehensive breakdown, you can check the 2009 penny value guide for all mint marks to see how the San Francisco proof compares to the Philadelphia and Denver coins you might find in your change.
Is Your 2009-S Penny Copper or Zinc?
One interesting fact about the 2009-S Lincoln Bicentennial pennies is that they were produced in two different metal compositions. The pennies made for general circulation are copper-plated zinc. However, the 2009-S Proof pennies included in the special Silver Proof Sets and “Cents Sets” were actually made of 95% copper.
These “S” mint mark copper versions were made to match the original composition used in 1909. These are generally heavier than modern pennies. While a regular penny weighs about 2.5 grams, these special 2009-S copper proofs weigh approximately 3.11 grams. Serious collectors pay a premium for these high-copper versions because of their historical accuracy and deep, rich reddish hues.
| Composition | Weight | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc (Standard) | 2.5g | Circulation/Proof Sets |
| Copper (Bicentennial) | 3.11g | Special Collector Sets Only |
How to Spot Rare Errors on 2009 Lincoln Cents
While the 2009-S coins are usually perfect because of the proofing process, the series as a whole is famous for “Double Die” errors. The most famous is the “Extra Thumb” error found on the Formative Years design. On these coins, there appears to be an extra digit on Lincoln’s hand as he holds his book.
If you find a 2009-S proof with an error, you have a goldmine. Errors on proof coins are incredibly rare because the Mint’s quality control for these sets is much stricter than for coins in buckets. Use CoinHix to zoom in on the high-definition details of the coin to check for doubling in the letters or on Lincoln’s profile.
Always look for “DCAM” or “Deep Cameo” designations. This refers to the contrast between the frosted image of Lincoln and the shiny, mirror-like background. A 2009-S with a strong Deep Cameo effect will always sell for more than one with a “brilliant” but flat finish.
Where to Sell Your 2009-S Lincoln Penny
If you discover you have a high-grade 2009-S penny, your best bet for selling is through a reputable auction house or a local coin shop. For coins that you suspect might be worth over $100, getting them graded by a service like PCGS or NGC is highly recommended. A “slabbed” coin—one that is professionally graded and sealed in plastic—is much easier to sell to collectors.
However, if your coin is worth under $10, you can easily sell it on platforms like eBay or Etsy. Many people enjoy collecting the full set of four designs, so selling a “2009-S Proof Set” containing all four designs often yields a better return than selling a single coin.
Regardless of where you sell, make sure to keep your coin in a protective flip or capsule. Any damage to the mirror finish will immediately drop the value back down to just a few cents.
FAQ
Q: Why does my 2009 penny have an “S” mint mark?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. These coins were produced specifically for collectors in “Proof Sets” and were not intended to be released into general circulation. If you found one in circulation, someone likely spent a collector’s coin by accident.
Q: Are all 2009 pennies worth a lot of money?
A: No. Most 2009 pennies found in your pocket are made of zinc and are only worth one cent. Only those in uncirculated condition, those with the “S” mint mark, or those with specific doubling errors carry a high premium.
Q: How can I tell if my 2009-S penny is silver?
A: There are no silver 2009 pennies. They are either copper-plated zinc or 95% copper. If your coin looks “silver” or white, it might be plated by a third party or it could be an experimental planchet error, which would require professional authentication.
Q: What is the most valuable 2009 penny ever sold?
A: Rare “S” Mint Proofs in PR70 Deep Cameo condition have sold for over $1,000. Additionally, certain “Presidency” design errors in high grades can also reach several hundred dollars at auction.
Q: Should I clean my 2009-S penny to make it shine?
A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes creates tiny scratches that ruin its numismatic value. A dirty or toned coin is almost always worth more than a cleaned one.
