Numismatic

2009-D Lincoln Cent Formative Years BU (Red)

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In 2009, the United States Mint celebrated a double anniversary: two centuries since the birth of Abraham Lincoln and one hundred years of the Lincoln cent. To mark these milestones, special reverse designs were created to trace the president's life journey. This Denver Mint issue represents his formative years spent in Indiana, capturing a quiet moment of self-education. The reverse of this coin depicts a young Lincoln taking a brief pause from his physical labor of splitting logs to read a book, symbolizing his dedication to learning. This scene was crafted by designers Charles Vickers and Jim Licaretz. It is accompanied by the traditional inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE CENT, and the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The obverse retains the classic right-facing portrait of Lincoln originally designed by Victor David Brenner. Legible inscriptions on this side include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the year 2009, and the D mint mark indicating its origin in Denver. Struck in a composition of 99.2 percent zinc and 0.8 percent copper, this brilliant uncirculated coin offers a fascinating look at the early life of one of America's most famous leaders.