2009 Lincoln Cent Roll - Professional Life

Qty	Wire/Check	Bitcoin	CC/PayPal
1-9	$3.95	-	$4.11
10-99	$2.95	$2.98	$3.07
100 or more	$2.25	$2.27	$2.34

The 2009 Lincoln Cent Roll featuring the "Professional Life" design marks the third release in the four-coin series commemorating the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the centennial of the Lincoln cent. In 2009, the U.S. Mint honored Lincoln’s life by issuing four unique reverse designs, each highlighting a different stage in his journey. The "Professional Life" design specifically celebrates Lincoln’s years as a lawyer and legislator in Springfield, Illinois, a period that was crucial to shaping his political career and ideologies. This important stage reflects Lincoln’s emergence as a leader and a statesman, showcasing the qualities that would later define his presidency. Public interest in the series was immense, making the 2009 Lincoln cent program one of the most successful modern commemorative efforts undertaken by the Mint.

The reverse of the 2009 Lincoln Cent "Professional Life" was designed by Joel Iskowitz, an artist with the U.S. Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, and sculpted by Mint engraver Don Everhart. The design depicts a young Abraham Lincoln standing in front of the Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield, holding a partially unrolled document in one hand. Lincoln is portrayed as confident and resolute, emblematic of his years practicing law and serving in the Illinois legislature. The background includes the iconic dome of the Capitol building, rendered with intricate architectural detail. Inscriptions include "United States of America," "One Cent," and "E Pluribus Unum," along with the birth year "1809" to symbolize Lincoln’s enduring legacy. The artwork captures the transition of Lincoln from self-taught frontier youth to a polished, articulate public servant.

The obverse of the 2009 Lincoln Cent "Professional Life" remains faithful to the enduring portrait of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner in 1909. This design, based on a photograph taken by Mathew Brady, has graced the obverse of the cent for more than a century. Inscriptions on the obverse include "In God We Trust," "Liberty," the year "2009," and a mintmark indicating the origin of the coin. Brenner’s iconic image provides continuity across the Lincoln cent series while the changing reverses of 2009 highlight the different facets of Lincoln’s life. The decision to retain Brenner’s portrait underscored the Mint’s desire to respect the cent’s history while offering fresh perspectives through new reverse designs.

The 2009 Lincoln Cent "Professional Life" coins were produced at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, resulting in coins with and without mintmarks. Philadelphia-minted coins carry no mintmark, while Denver-minted coins bear a small "D" mintmark located just below the date on the obverse. The coins intended for circulation were struck in a composition of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, the standard material used for cents since 1982. Special collector editions featuring a 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc composition—reminiscent of the original 1909 cent alloy—were also minted for inclusion in collector sets. The use of two different compositions adds an extra dimension of collectibility for enthusiasts looking to complete comprehensive sets.

The mintage of the 2009 Lincoln Cent "Professional Life" was substantial to meet the enormous public demand generated by the bicentennial celebrations. The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 316,000,000 coins, while the Denver Mint struck around 336,000,000 coins. These high mintage figures ensured widespread distribution and accessibility for collectors and the general public alike. However, as with the other 2009 bicentennial issues, original rolls sold directly by the U.S. Mint became prized items, especially those remaining sealed in their original, specially designed Mint wrappers. Over time, unopened rolls have become harder to find, adding to their desirability among collectors seeking pristine, original-condition examples of this important commemorative release.

The condition of coins within a 2009 Lincoln Cent "Professional Life" roll varies depending on how the roll has been handled and stored since issuance. Coins sourced directly from the U.S. Mint and preserved in unopened rolls typically exhibit excellent mint luster, strong strikes, and minimal surface contact marks. High-grade examples often display a brilliant red color, classified by professional grading services as "RD" (Red), and can achieve Mint State grades such as MS66, MS67, or even MS68. However, given the mechanical nature of coin production and rolling, minor abrasions and bag marks are not uncommon, making coins in perfect or near-perfect condition relatively scarce. Collectors seeking the finest examples often focus on Mint-sealed rolls for the best chance of locating top-grade pieces.

The original Mint-issued rolls for the 2009 Lincoln Cent "Professional Life" were packaged in distinctive wrappers featuring the official Lincoln bicentennial logo along with information indicating the design and mint of origin. Collectors place a premium on rolls that remain in their original, sealed Mint packaging because these rolls are presumed to contain coins in untouched, original Mint State condition. Additionally, rolls from both Philadelphia and Denver Mints are often collected as pairs, allowing enthusiasts to build matched sets that capture the full breadth of the 2009 series. As more rolls are opened over time, sealed examples continue to grow scarcer, enhancing their collectible and investment appeal in the marketplace.

The "Professional Life" design resonates deeply with Americans because it depicts Lincoln at a pivotal time when he honed the skills and values that would later define his presidency. His years in Springfield—practicing law, debating issues in the legislature, and developing his political philosophy—were crucial in preparing him for national leadership. The 2009 Lincoln Cent "Professional Life" captures this essential chapter with grace and dignity, offering a powerful narrative of growth, education, and commitment to public service. Collectors are drawn to this design not only for its historical significance but also for its artistic quality and its portrayal of Lincoln as a young professional striving to make a difference.

The market for the 2009 Lincoln Cent Roll "Professional Life" remains active and vibrant, fueled by the coin’s historical importance, appealing design, and widespread collector interest in modern U.S. commemoratives. Although individual coins are still relatively affordable due to the large mintage, original Mint rolls and high-grade certified coins command notable premiums. Certified examples graded MS67 and higher, especially those with a full "Red" designation, are particularly sought after by registry set builders and serious collectors. As the 2009 bicentennial series continues to mature in the eyes of numismatists, demand for high-quality, original examples of each design, including the "Professional Life" cent, is expected to remain strong for years to come.

The 2009 Lincoln Cent Roll featuring the "Professional Life" design stands as a moving tribute to one of the most formative periods of Abraham Lincoln’s life. Combining historical depth, artistic excellence, and collector appeal, it remains a cherished item for those who admire Lincoln’s enduring legacy. Whether preserved in original Mint rolls, assembled into comprehensive bicentennial collections, or pursued as high-grade individual coins, the "Professional Life" cents offer a meaningful and rewarding numismatic experience. Their enduring popularity ensures that they will remain a celebrated part of American coinage history, honoring the journey of a man whose leadership and vision helped shape the United States.