2009 Penny Error List with Pictures & Value
The 2009 penny value significantly increases when mint errors are present. This comprehensive guide covers all major 2009 Penny error types, identification methods, and current market values to help collectors identify valuable specimens from the Lincoln Bicentennial series.
2009 Penny Doubled Die Error
Doubled die errors are the most common and sought-after 2009 Penny error type. These occur when the die receives multiple impressions during the hubbing process, creating visible doubling on design elements. Over 120 distinct doubled die varieties have been documented for 2009 pennies, with 21 obverse varieties alone.
Value Range
$10 - $2,750+
Minor doubled dies: $10-$30. Significant varieties like the Formative Years DDR FS-802 in MS67: $2,750. Strong doubled dies on high-grade specimens can exceed $500.
Identification Tips
Examine Lincoln's ear, the letters ERTY in LIBERTY, and the date 2009 for doubling. On reverse designs, check around Lincoln's figure, book details, log texture, or architectural elements. True doubled dies show distinct separate images, not shelf-like mechanical doubling. Use magnification (10x minimum) and proper lighting to distinguish authentic doubled dies from strike doubling.
View Doubled Die Error Picture
2009 Penny Off-Center Strike Error
Off-center strikes happen when the planchet is not properly positioned between the dies during the striking process. This results in a coin where the design appears partially off the planchet, with a blank crescent-shaped area on one side. The date must be visible for the coin to have significant value.
Value Range
$25 - $500+
5-10% off-center with date visible: $25-$75. 20-30% off-center with full date: $150-$250. 40-50% off-center with clear date: $300-$500+. Specimens without visible dates are worth significantly less.
Identification Tips
Look for a blank curved area along the rim where the die missed the planchet entirely. The struck portion shows complete, well-defined design elements. Verify that the date is fully visible and readable. The percentage of off-center striking directly affects value. Coins struck 50% or more off-center are rare and highly collectible when the date remains visible.
View Off-Center Strike Picture
2009 Penny Die Cracks and Die Chips Error
Die cracks and chips occur when the steel die develops fractures or loses small pieces of metal from its surface. These imperfections transfer to struck coins as raised lines (cracks) or raised bumps (chips). While common, dramatic examples affecting major design elements can be collectible.
Value Range
$5 - $75
Minor die scratches: $5-$10. Significant die cracks through major design elements: $25-$50. Major die breaks or cuds (rim-to-rim breaks): $50-$75. Value depends on severity, location, and eye appeal.
Identification Tips
Examine the coin's surface for raised lines that don't match the intended design. Die cracks appear as irregular raised ridges, often radiating from high-relief areas. Die chips create raised lumps or bumps. Distinguished from scratches by their raised (not incused) nature. Cracks running through important features like the date or Lincoln's portrait are most desirable.
View Die Cracks and Chips Picture
2009 Penny Clashed Dies Error
Clashed dies errors happen when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. This causes design elements from each die to transfer onto the opposite die. Subsequent coins show faint ghost images of the opposite side's design appearing where they shouldn't be.
Value Range
$10 - $100
Faint clash marks: $10-$20. Moderate, visible clash marks: $30-$60. Strong, dramatic clashing with clear transferred design: $75-$100. Proof coins with clash marks are particularly rare and may command higher premiums.
Identification Tips
Look for faint outline details that don't belong on that side of the coin. On the obverse, you might see ghostly traces of the reverse design in the fields around Lincoln. On the reverse, look for faint impressions of Lincoln's profile or lettering. These appear as incused or slightly raised anomalies. Strong lighting and magnification help reveal subtle clash marks.
View Clashed Dies Error Picture
How Much is 2009 Penny Error Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended
Accurately identifying and valuing 2009 penny errors requires expert knowledge and comparison tools. Two leading coin identification apps provide collectors with professional-grade analysis right from their smartphones.
CoinValueChecker
CoinValueChecker offers comprehensive error detection technology specifically calibrated for Lincoln cents. The app uses advanced image recognition to identify doubled dies, off-center strikes, and other mint errors automatically. Users simply photograph their coin, and the app compares it against a database of over 120 documented 2009 penny varieties.
Key features include instant grading estimates, current market value ranges based on recent auction results, and detailed error attribution with reference numbers. The app is particularly useful for distinguishing true doubled dies from mechanical doubling, which novice collectors often confuse. CoinValueChecker provides three free daily scans with premium features available through subscription.
CoinKnow
CoinKnow specializes in educational resources combined with identification tools. The app features high-resolution reference images of known 2009 penny errors, allowing users to compare their finds side-by-side with authenticated specimens. Interactive guides walk collectors through proper identification techniques for each error type.
CoinKnow includes measurement tools for determining misalignment angles, off-center percentages, and dimensional specifications helpful for identifying wrong planchet errors. The community forum connects users with experienced collectors who can provide additional opinions on questionable varieties. The app also tracks personal collections and provides portfolio valuation updates based on current market trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable 2009 penny error?
The most valuable 2009 penny errors are high-grade doubled die varieties, particularly the Formative Years DDR FS-802, which can sell for over $2,750 in MS67 condition. Ultra-high grade MS68 specimens without errors have reached $4,800 for Early Childhood designs. For accurate identification and valuation of your 2009 penny errors, use the CoinValueChecker app to instantly grade and detect errors with professional accuracy.
How can I tell if my 2009 penny has a doubled die error?
Look for visible doubling on Lincoln's ear, the letters in LIBERTY, and the date on the obverse. On the reverse, check the area around Lincoln's figure, book, log, or architectural elements depending on the design. True doubled dies show distinct, separate images rather than mechanical doubling which appears as shelf-like extensions. The CoinKnow app provides detailed magnification tools to help you identify authentic doubled die errors on your 2009 pennies.
Are all 2009 pennies valuable?
Most circulated 2009 pennies are worth face value despite their special commemorative designs. However, coins with mint errors, high grades (MS67+), or special strikes (satin finish, proof) can be worth significantly more. The key is identifying errors and condition accurately. Download CoinValueChecker to quickly scan your 2009 pennies and discover if you have valuable error varieties or high-grade specimens.
What are the four 2009 penny designs?
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial series features four reverse designs: Birth and Early Childhood (log cabin), Formative Years (young Lincoln reading on a log), Professional Life (Lincoln at Illinois State Capitol), and Presidency (U.S. Capitol dome under construction). Each design can have various error types that significantly increase value. Use the CoinKnow app to identify which design you have and check for valuable error varieties specific to each type.
How much is a 2009 penny with a re-punched mint mark worth?
A 2009 penny with a re-punched mint mark error can be worth $100 to $300 or more depending on condition and clarity of the doubling. The value depends heavily on the visibility of the doubled or overlapping mint mark. For precise valuation of mint mark errors, the CoinValueChecker app offers instant error detection and current market pricing.
What is a broad struck 2009 penny error?
A broad struck error occurs when the die strikes the planchet outside the retaining collar, resulting in a coin with an expanded diameter and thinner edges on one side. All design details remain intact but the coin is larger than normal specifications. The CoinKnow app can help you measure and identify broad struck errors with its detailed analysis features.
How many 2009 penny doubled die varieties exist?
Variety specialists have identified over 120 distinct doubled die listings for 2009 pennies alone, with 21 documented doubled die obverse varieties. Not all doubled dies are equally valuable; the most significant ones show strong, clear doubling on major design elements. To determine if your doubled die variety is valuable, use CoinValueChecker to compare your coin against the comprehensive database of authenticated 2009 error varieties.
What is a wrong planchet 2009 penny error?
A wrong planchet error occurs when a 2009 penny design is struck on a planchet intended for a different denomination, such as a dime or quarter blank. These are extremely rare and valuable errors that can be worth thousands of dollars. The coin will have incorrect weight, diameter, or metal composition. The CoinKnow app includes weight analysis tools to help identify potential wrong planchet errors.
Are 2009-D pennies more valuable than 2009-P pennies?
Generally, both Denver (D) and Philadelphia (no mint mark) 2009 pennies have similar values in circulated condition. However, the 2009-D Presidency design has a lower mintage (198 million vs 129.6 million for Philadelphia) making high-grade examples potentially more valuable. Error varieties from either mint can command significant premiums. Use CoinValueChecker to get accurate valuations based on mint mark, design type, grade, and any errors present.
How do I identify a misaligned die error on a 2009 penny?
A misaligned die error shows when the obverse and reverse designs are not properly aligned or centered. When you flip the coin, one side may appear rotated in relation to the other. Severe misalignments where designs are significantly off-center are more valuable. The CoinKnow app provides alignment analysis tools to measure the degree of misalignment and estimate value accordingly.
Summary
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial penny series produced over 120 documented error varieties during its commemorative year. The most valuable errors include doubled die varieties (up to $2,750), wrong planchet strikes ($500-$3,500+), and off-center strikes ($25-$500+). Common errors like die cracks typically range from $5-$75, while clashed dies can reach $10-$100. The four special reverse designs—Birth and Early Childhood, Formative Years, Professional Life, and Presidency—each can display these error types. While most circulated 2009 pennies remain at face value, error specimens in higher grades command substantial premiums. Collectors should focus on authenticated varieties with clear error characteristics, particularly doubled dies showing distinct separation rather than mechanical shelf doubling. The rapid production pace of 2.35 billion coins in eleven months created ideal conditions for mint errors, making 2009 an exceptional year for Lincoln cent error collecting. Professional grading and authentication significantly enhance value and marketability for premium specimens.
