Numismatic

2009 Lincoln Cent Formative Years BU (Red)

---

In 2009, the United States Mint celebrated a double anniversary: two centuries since Abraham Lincoln's birth in 1809, and one hundred years since his likeness first appeared on the nation's one-cent coin. This Brilliant Uncirculated cent represents the second design in a special four-part series, capturing the future president's early life and development. The obverse retains the classic right-facing portrait of Lincoln originally created by Victor David Brenner. Boldly inscribed around the bust are the familiar legends of American coinage, including LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the 2009 date. On the reverse, a design by Richard Masters, sculpted by Jim Licaretz, depicts a young Lincoln taking a break from manual labor. Known as the Wood Chopper or Rail Splitter design, it shows him reading a book during a pause from splitting logs with an ax. This scene highlights his relentless drive for self-education during his youth in Indiana. The reverse inscriptions read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE CENT, and the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.