The 2009 Penny holds a special place in American numismatics, marking the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the centennial of the Lincoln cent’s debut. This year, the United States Mint introduced four unique reverse designs to commemorate different stages of Lincoln’s life, making the 2009 Penny a fascinating series for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. But beyond the designs, what truly sets these coins apart are the mint marks—those tiny letters indicating where each penny was produced. In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the differences between the D, P, and S mint marks on the 2009 Penny, exploring their historical context, production details, values, and collecting tips. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual coin hunter, understanding these variations can turn a simple cent into a treasure.
To start, let’s recap the basics of the 2009 Penny series. In honor of Lincoln’s 200th birthday on February 12, 1809, and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln wheat cent introduced in 1909, the U.S. Mint released four circulating pennies with new reverse (tails) sides. The obverse (heads) retained Victor David Brenner’s iconic portrait of Lincoln, but the reverses depicted key phases: his birth and early childhood in Kentucky, formative years in Indiana, professional life in Illinois, and presidency in Washington, D.C. These designs were rolled out quarterly throughout 2009, creating excitement among collectors who sought complete sets.
The composition of the 2009 Penny remained consistent with post-1982 cents: 97.5% zinc core with a 2.5% copper plating, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 19mm in diameter. However, the mint marks—P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, and S for San Francisco—introduce the primary distinctions. Mint marks have been a staple of U.S. coinage since the 19th century, helping identify the production facility and often influencing rarity and value. For the 2009 Penny, these marks not only denote origin but also tie into production volumes, strike quality, and intended use (circulation vs. collector sets).
Understanding Mint Marks: A General Overview
Before diving into the specifics of the 2009 Penny, it’s worth understanding what mint marks represent. The U.S. Mint operates multiple facilities, each with its own history and capabilities. The Philadelphia Mint, established in 1792, is the oldest and traditionally omits a mint mark on cents (though in recent years, a “P” has sometimes appeared). The Denver Mint, opened in 1906, uses “D” and handles high-volume production for the western U.S. The San Francisco Mint, dating back to 1854, employs “S” and focuses more on proof and special strikes today, having ceased regular circulation coinage in the mid-20th century.
Mint marks appear on the obverse, just below the date on Lincoln cents. They affect a coin’s scarcity because mints produce varying quantities based on demand, regional needs, and special programs. For collectors, coins from lower-mintage facilities like San Francisco often command premiums due to their superior quality and limited availability.
The 2009 Penny Designs: Common Ground Across Mint Marks
All 2009 Pennies, regardless of mint mark, share the four commemorative reverses, each designed by different artists:
- Birth and Early Childhood (Log Cabin): This design shows a humble log cabin representing Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky. Designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz, it symbolizes his humble beginnings. Released first, it captures the essence of frontier life.
- Formative Years (Lincoln Reading): Depicting a young Lincoln taking a break from splitting rails to read a book in Indiana, this was created by Charles Vickers. It highlights his self-education and work ethic.
- Professional Life (Illinois Statehouse): Lincoln stands before the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, where he practiced law and entered politics. Designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart.
- Presidency (Capitol Dome): Featuring the half-completed U.S. Capitol dome during Lincoln’s presidency, this design by Susan Gamble and Joseph Menna represents his leadership amid the Civil War.
These designs were minted at Philadelphia (P or no mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S), but the S versions were exclusively for proof sets and uncirculated coin sets, not general circulation.
Differences in Production and Mintage
The core differences between the D, P, and S mint marks on the 2009 Penny lie in production methods, quantities, and distribution.
- Philadelphia (P or No Mint Mark): Philadelphia produced the bulk of the circulating 2009 Pennies. Mintage figures for each design hovered around 300-400 million per reverse, making them the most common. For example, the Birth and Early Childhood design saw about 284 million from Philadelphia alone. These coins entered everyday commerce without special finishes, leading to wear and tear. In 2009, Philadelphia cents typically lacked a visible “P” mint mark, following tradition, though a microscopic “P” was added in later years for other denominations.
- Denver (D Mint Mark): Denver mirrored Philadelphia in producing circulating strikes, with similar high mintages—often slightly lower but still in the hundreds of millions. For instance, the Formative Years design had around 363 million from Denver. The “D” mark distinguishes them, and while production quality is comparable to Philadelphia’s, some collectors note subtle differences in strike sharpness due to die usage or equipment variations. Denver coins were distributed primarily in the West, but they mixed nationally through commerce.
- San Francisco (S Mint Mark): Here’s where the 2009 Penny gets premium. San Francisco minted only proof and satin-finish versions, with much lower mintages—around 2-3 million per design for proofs. These were sold in collector sets like the Lincoln Bicentennial Proof Set or Uncirculated Mint Set. Proof coins feature mirrored fields and frosted devices, achieved through polished dies and multiple strikes, making them visually stunning. Satin-finish coins have a matte appearance for a unique look. No S-marked 2009 Pennies entered circulation, enhancing their desirability.
In total, over 2 billion 2009 Pennies were minted across all designs and mints, but the S variants represent a tiny fraction, underscoring the mint mark’s role in rarity.
Value Comparisons: From Face Value to Fortune
Values for the 2009 Penny vary dramatically by mint mark, condition, and errors.
- P (Philadelphia) 2009 Penny: In circulated condition, these are worth face value (1 cent) to 10-30 cents for uncirculated examples. High-grade MS65 or better can fetch $5-15. The no-mint-mark Formative Years variety has sold for up to $375 in top condition.
- D (Denver) 2009 Penny: Similar to P, but some designs, like the Professional Life D, can reach $725 in MS68 red. Circulated: 1-20 cents; uncirculated: $5-20. The D mark often commands a slight premium due to regional appeal or lower perceived mintages in certain designs.
- S (San Francisco) 2009 Penny: Proofs start at $5-10 each in PR65, rising to $20-50 for PR70 deep cameo. Satin-finish examples from mint sets can go for $10-25. Their limited production makes them the most valuable standard strikes.
Errors amplify values across all mint marks. The famous “extra thumb” or doubled-die reverse on the Formative Years design (showing an extra finger on Lincoln’s hand) can sell for $50-200, with top examples over $1,000. Other errors include die chips, wrong planchets, and off-center strikes, particularly noted in P and D coins.
Collecting the 2009 Penny: Tips and Strategies
Building a 2009 Penny collection is accessible and rewarding. Start with circulated examples from pocket change, then upgrade to uncirculated rolls or sets from the Mint. Focus on completing all four designs per mint mark— that’s 12 coins for P/D/S basics, excluding varieties.
Use grading services like PCGS or NGC for high-value pieces, as condition is key. Look for the red (RD) designation on copper-plated coins, indicating original luster. Online marketplaces like eBay or coin shows are great for hunting S proofs.
Beware of counterfeits; authentic 2009 Pennies have sharp details and proper weight. For errors, consult resources like the Cherrypickers’ Guide or online forums.
The 2009 Penny series not only honors Lincoln but also showcases the Mint’s innovation. Whether it’s a P for everyday history, D for Western heritage, or S for collector elegance, these mint marks tell a story of American coinage.
In conclusion, the differences between D, P, and S mint marks on the 2009 Penny boil down to production scale, quality, and scarcity. While P and D dominate in quantity and affordability, S stands out for its prestige. As values continue to appreciate—especially for errors and high grades—the 2009 Penny remains a smart addition to any collection.
FAQ
Q: What do the mint marks on a 2009 Penny mean? A: The mint marks indicate the production facility: P (or no mark) for Philadelphia, D for Denver, and S for San Francisco. They appear below the date on the obverse.
Q: Are 2009 Pennies with S mint marks rare? A: Yes, S-marked 2009 Pennies are proofs or satin-finish coins with low mintages (millions vs. hundreds of millions for P and D), making them more valuable.
Q: How much is a 2009 Penny worth? A: Circulated P or D: 1-30 cents; uncirculated: $5-20. S proofs: $5-50+. Errors can exceed $100-1,000.
Q: Why were there four designs for the 2009 Penny? A: To commemorate Lincoln’s bicentennial, each reverse represents a phase of his life: birth, formative years, professional life, and presidency.
Q: What’s the “extra thumb” error on the 2009 Penny? A: It’s a doubled-die variety on the Formative Years reverse, showing an extra finger on Lincoln’s hand, common on P and D coins, valued at $50+.
Q: Can I find 2009 Pennies in change today? A: Yes, P and D circulation strikes are still in use, though worn. S versions are collector-only and not found in change.
Q: How do I tell if my 2009 Penny is valuable? A: Check for mint mark, condition (use Sheldon scale), and errors. High-grade reds or proofs fetch more; appraise via PCGS.
Q: Were all 2009 Pennies made of copper? A: No, they have a zinc core with copper plating, like modern cents.
