The good news is that one of those tiny coins could be worth a significant amount of money if you’re the kind of person who throws pennies into a jar and forgets about them. Unbelievably, a common-looking 2009 penny could fetch up to $6,000 at auction. Furthermore, it is merely a special edition that coincidentally honours Abraham Lincoln; it is not composed of gold or silver.
Let’s analyse it so you know what to look for and if you can make money with your spare change.
A story-telling penny
The US Mint decided to take a slightly different approach back in 2009. Two factors made it a significant year:
- It was the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth (1809).
Additionally, the Lincoln penny, the first coin ever to feature a real person, celebrated its 100th anniversary.
The Mint commemorated it by issuing four limited-edition one-cent coins, each of which depicted a distinct aspect of Lincoln’s life. People are currently searching for one of these designs.
The main attraction: “Residence in Washington, DC” Penny
The “Presidency in Washington, DC” edition is the name given to this specific penny, which has a potential value of up to $6,000. In the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny series, it was the fourth and last design.
What is so unique about this one, then?
The coin’s front, or obverse, showcases Abraham Lincoln’s profile, accompanied by the words “LIBERTY”, “2009”, and “IN GOD WE TRUST”. It appears to be just another penny.
However, the back (reverse) is where the magic occurs. The U.S. Capitol building is depicted on this side of the coin as it was being built during the Civil War, when Abraham Lincoln was president. Lincoln’s assassination in 1865 prevented him from witnessing the dome’s completion, yet it remains a heartfelt homage.
Why is it valuable?
The majority of 2009 pennies are still worth one cent, let’s face it. What, then, makes this one a possible jackpot?
You need to make sure of two things:
1. The Mint Mark
Pay close attention to the year “2009” on the coin’s front. A little letter will appear. The “D” indicates that it was produced at the Denver Mint, which is what you want.
Because it was produced in smaller quantities than the other three designs, this particular 2009-D penny was more difficult to locate and therefore more sought-after.
2. Status grading is important!
Collectors grade coins according to their condition. It is worth more if it is in better shape.
The scale goes up to MS-70 (a perfect coin) from MS-60 (roughly uncirculated).
According to PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), the Denver penny titled “Presidency in Washington, DC” is worth the following at various grades:
- MS-63: up to $7
- MS-64: up to $8
- MS-65: up to $12
- MS-66: up to $24
- MS-67: up to $200
- MS-68: up to $6,000.
Therefore, while the majority of them won’t make you wealthy, you might be in queue for a sizable payout if you have a shiny, nearly flawless penny graded at MS-68.
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How to examine your financial situation
Here’s a quick method to determine whether your penny is unique:
- Does the incomplete Capitol building appear when you turn it over? The design is correct.
- Look at the front; is the date marked with a “D”?
- Check to see if it is gleaming and free of wear or scratches. (If so, you’re off to a terrific start.)
If you’re unsure, you can:
- For comparison, look up pictures of the 2009-D “Presidency in Washington” cent online.
- Seek advice from a nearby coin dealer.
- To see details, use a magnifying glass, and wear
Is professional grading necessary?
Your coin can receive an official grade from grading services like PCGS or NGC, but they charge a fee. Make sure it’s worth the trouble before sending in your penny.
We recommend:
- Speaking with a nearby coin store
- Participating in online forums for coins
- Looking up comparable coin prices at recent auctions
Coin collectors will occasionally pay a respectable price for a coin that isn’t flawless, particularly if it has a distinctive defect called an error coin (such as misaligned prints or doubled images).
The significance of coins like this
Aside from the financial gain, owning a piece of history has a certain allure. These coins commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s journey from a log cabin to the White House and his enduring influence on America.
The incomplete Capitol dome, more than just a design, symbolises the nation’s ongoing development and expansion, in line with Lincoln’s vision.
Look in that change jar!
Please keep this in mind the next time you find yourself letting coins accumulate on your dresser or counting out pennies for a candy bar. If it’s a 2009 special edition penny, that one cent could be worth hundreds or even thousands.
STake out your magnifying glass, go back in time, and who knows what you might discover? Lincoln might be able to help you turn the smallest coin in your pocket into a small fortune.
