
Back in 2020, I purchase some cent and nickel rolls from the bank to see what I can find. I did find a 1942-P Silver Jefferson Nickel, but not any Lincoln Wheat Cents. I’m hoping to get a few, but the oldest penny I see is a 1959 Lincoln Memorial Cent. Anyway, I got cents from every year between 1959 and 2017, except one year. That year was 2009. I find not a single one in those 10 penny rolls. In fact, I’ve been checking my change since then, and still not any 2009 Lincoln Cents has been seen. Granted, 2009 is a special year for the penny.
What’s The Big Deal About 2009 Lincoln Cents?
1909 is the centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. President Theodore Roosevelt wants to commemorate his fellow Republican on a coin. Lincoln becomes the first President to appear on a circulating US coin. George Washington doesn’t believe a President should appear on a coin as they will look more like a Monarch than a President. Thankfully, Roosevelt doesn’t agree with this as he is trying to change what currently appears on US coins.
The first 50 years of the Lincoln Cent show the wheat reverse. Then in 1959, the Lincoln Memorial appears on the reverse where it stays for the next 50 years. By 2009, the Mint wants to do something special to commemorate the centennial of the Lincoln Cent, the first circulating US coin surviving over 100 years, and bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth.
Four different designs are on the reverse depicting different stages of Lincoln’s life.
Birth and Early Childhood (1809 – 1816)

Abraham Lincoln is born in Hodgenville, Kentucky on February 12, 1809. The first reverse displays a log cabin similar to the one room cabin that Lincoln’s family lives in. Lincoln’s father, Thomas, purchases over 800 acres of land in Kentucky, but by 1814, he only owns 200 acres after numerous property disputes and lack of security from Kentucky land titles. This makes Thomas move his family to Indiana.
This reverse will be out on Lincoln’s 200th birthday, February 12, 2009 at Larue County High School in Hodgenville, near Lincoln’s birthplace.
Formative Years (1816 – 1830)

Growing up in Indiana, Lincoln has more of an interest in reading and writing than any sort of work. During this time, he works in different jobs. He is best known for fence making, which gains him the nickname ‘Rail Splitter’.
This reverse shows Lincoln reading a book, taking a break from rail splitting. It is released on May 14, 2009.
Professional Life (1830 – 1861)

Lincoln moves to Illinois in 1830 after there is an outbreak of milk sickness. During this time, he meets Mary Todd in Springfield and marries her on November 4, 1842. Lincoln’s professional life is not successful at first. Also, running a general store ends up failing. He runs for the Illinois General Assembly, but loses in 1832. During this time, he makes it in on his second attempt in 1834. He also studies law and is elected to the US House of Representative in 1847. During this time, he practices law in Springfield the following decade.
This reverse displays Lincoln in from of the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield, and is released on August 13, 2009.
Presidency (1861 – 1865)
On March 4, 1861, Abraham Lincoln is sworn in as the 16th President of the United States. A little over a month later, the Confederacy attacks Fort Sumter in South Carolina, and the Civil War began. It’s unfortunate that Lincoln won’t even see two months of peace as President. As the President who works on removing slavery in the US, he is considered the most popular President in most polls.
This reverse displays the US Capitol Building which is incomplete when Lincoln gives his inaugural address in 1861. It was released on November 12, 2009.
Special Sets With 2009 Lincoln Cents
The mint releases two special sets for collectors in honor of the bicentennial. Both of these sets include each 2009 cent with 95% copper that are originally included in Lincoln Cents between 1909 and 1982.
Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set
This set includes the four 2009 Lincoln Cents in Proof condition and a Silver Dollar Commemorative with Lincoln on the obverse and the final words of his Gettysburg Address and a copy of his signature. Besides the coins, the set includes a certificate of authenticity as well as a reproduction of Lincoln’s signature and Gettysburg Address that is in a tri-fold folder. In the beginning, the set goes for $55.95 with a maximum of 50,000 minted. On average, the set is currently worth $150.00.
Lincoln Cent Proof Set
This set just has the 4 proof cents with a certificate of authenticity. It was issued at $7.95 and is worth between $7 and $10.

So, Why am I Not Finding 2009 Lincoln Cents in Change?
Though not rare, I haven’t seen many 2009 Lincoln Cents recently. So, here are the mintages of circulating cents:
Philadelphia
Birth and Early Childhood: 284,000,000
Formative Years: 376,000,000
Professional Life: 316,000,000
Presidency: 129,600,000
Philadelphia Total: 1,105,600,000
Denver
Birth and Early Childhood: 350,400,000
Formative Years: 363.600,000
Professional Life: 336,000,000
Presidency: 198,000,000
Denver Total: 1,248,000,000
Total Cents Minted In 2009: 2,353,600,000
So, 2009 Lincoln Cents aren’t worth much more than other years minted since 2000, but people are saving them anyway. By 2010, the reverse of the Lincoln Cents would display a shield in place of Lincoln Memorial Cents. All in all, the Lincoln Cent has survived over 100 years. Do you think it will be around another 50 or 100 years?