Numismatic

2009-D Lincoln Cent Birthplace BU (Red)

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In 2009, the United States Mint released a special cent to mark two major milestones at once. This coin celebrates both the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth in 1809 and the centennial of the Lincoln cent design, which first appeared in 1909. Struck at the Denver Mint, this brilliant uncirculated coin is composed of 99.2 percent zinc with a thin outer layer of 0.8 percent copper. The obverse of the coin retains the classic right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, originally created by Victor David Brenner. Legible inscriptions on this side include the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST, the word LIBERTY, the year 2009, and the D mint mark representing Denver. The reverse features a completely unique design dedicated to Lincoln's early childhood. Created by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz, the artwork depicts the simple log cabin in Kentucky where the future president was born. Surrounding this detailed image are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the denomination ONE CENT, alongside the historic birth year of 1809.