You’ve probably seen a lot of shiny metal with Honest Abe’s face on it. Most folks just assume it’s a regular penny or maybe a dusty proof set from the 70s. But if you're actually looking for an Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin, things get way more interesting than just pocket change. We aren't just talking about the billion or so Lincoln cents floating around in your couch cushions. We're talking about the high-relief, silver-strike, historical-heavy hitters that collectors actually fight over at auctions.
Honestly? Most people mix up "commemorative" with "circulating."
Let’s get one thing straight: a 1909 VDB penny is iconic, sure. But it’s not a commemorative coin by the legal definition of the U.S. Mint. A true commemorative is a piece of art authorized by Congress to mark a specific event or a massive anniversary. For Lincoln, the big one happened in 2009. That was the bicentennial of his birth. It wasn't just a "new penny" year; it was the year the Mint went all out with silver dollars that actually look like they belong in a museum.
Why the 2009 Lincoln Silver Dollar Is Still the Big Deal
If you walk into a coin shop today and ask for an Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin, the dealer is almost certainly going to pull out a velvet box containing the 2009 Silver Dollar. This thing is 90% silver. It’s hefty. It feels like real history in your palm.
What makes it special isn't just the metal content. It’s the design. Justin Kunz, a name you’ll see pop up often if you hang around numismatic circles, designed the obverse (the heads side). It’s based on the 1863 portrait by Alexander Gardner. You know the one. Lincoln looks tired. He looks like the weight of a fracturing nation is literally pushing down on his shoulders.
The reverse is even better. It features the final 43 words of the Gettysburg Address.
"Shall not perish from the earth."
It’s etched inside a laurel wreath. Seeing those words struck into .7734 ounces of pure silver hits different than reading them in a textbook. But here is where it gets tricky for collectors: the Mint produced both "Proof" and "Uncirculated" versions. People always ask which one is better. Well, the Proof version has that mirror-like finish that looks incredible, but the Uncirculated version (the "burnished" look) actually had a lower mintage. In the world of coin collecting, lower mintage usually equals higher long-term value.
The 1918 Illinois Centennial: The "Other" Lincoln Coin
Most people have no clue that the first Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin wasn't minted in 2009. It was minted in 1918.
It's called the Illinois Centennial Half Dollar.
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Basically, the state of Illinois wanted to celebrate 100 years of statehood. They got George T. Morgan—the guy who designed the famous Morgan Silver Dollar—to do the obverse. This coin shows a "young" Lincoln. No beard. He looks like a guy who might actually wrestle you for a jug of cider. It’s a fascinating look at the man before the presidency changed his face forever.
The reverse of the 1918 coin is wild. It’s based on the Illinois State Seal, featuring an eagle perched on a rock. It’s peak early-20th-century Americana. If you’re looking for a coin with "character," this is it. But be warned: these things have been faked. A lot. Because they’re over a hundred years old and made of silver, they’re a prime target for shady replicas. If you find one at a flea market for twenty bucks, it’s probably a lead slug. A real one in decent "About Uncirculated" condition is going to set you back a few hundred dollars.
Grading and Why It Ruins Everything (and Makes Everything Better)
If you're serious about an Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin, you have to understand the Sheldon Scale. It goes from 1 to 70.
A "70" is perfection. It’s a coin that came off the die and was immediately teleported into a plastic slab.
A "69" looks perfect to you and me, but a guy with a 10x loupe saw a microscopic hairline scratch near Lincoln’s ear.
The price difference between a MS69 and a MS70 can be hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars. It’s kind of insane, honestly. But that’s the game. Companies like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) are the gatekeepers. If your 2009 Lincoln Silver Dollar isn't in one of their "slabs," its value is basically just the price of the silver plus a little bit of a "neatness" premium.
The "Screwed Up" Pennies of 2009
Okay, we have to talk about the 2009 pennies because everyone calls them "commemorative." Technically, they are "circulating commemoratives."
There were four designs:
- Birth and Early Childhood: The log cabin. Classic.
- Formative Years: Lincoln sitting on a log reading a book.
- Professional Life: Lincoln standing in front of the Illinois State Capitol.
- Presidency: The half-finished U.S. Capitol dome.
People went nuts for these. They hoarded rolls of them. You’ve probably seen them on eBay for $5,000 with titles like "RARE ERROR COIN L@@K!"
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Don’t buy that.
The Mint made millions of these. Unless that penny is an MS67 or higher, or has a legitimate, verified doubling error (like the "Doubled Die" where his thumb looks like it has a ghost thumb next to it), it’s worth exactly one cent. Maybe two cents if someone really likes the design. Don't let the hype-men on TikTok convince you that your jar of 2009 pennies is a down payment on a house. It isn't.
How to Spot a Fake Lincoln Commemorative
Fake coins are getting better. It’s a problem.
First, check the weight. A 2009 Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin (the silver dollar) should weigh exactly 26.73 grams. If it weighs 24 grams or 28 grams, it's a counterfeit. Counterfeiters often use base metals like zinc or copper and then plate them in silver. These metals have different densities than silver, so the weight is almost always off.
Second, use the "ping" test. Silver has a high-pitched, long-lasting ring when you gently—gently—tap it. Base metal makes a dull thud.
Third, look at the "mushy" details. On a real coin, Lincoln’s hair and beard should have sharp, distinct lines. On a fake, the details look rounded, like they were made of melted chocolate that cooled down.
The Real Value of the 2003 Lincoln Gold Dollar?
Wait. There isn't one.
I see this search query all the time. People looking for the "2003 Gold Lincoln." It doesn't exist. There are gold-plated quarters and gold-plated pennies sold by private mints on late-night TV infomercials, but the U.S. Mint never made a gold Lincoln commemorative in 2003.
The only gold Lincoln coin worth talking about is the 2016 Standing Liberty Quarter... wait, no, that’s not Lincoln. Actually, there was a $5 gold piece for the 2009 Bicentennial!
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The 2009 Lincoln Commemorative $5 Gold Coin is a beast. It’s 8.359 grams of 90% gold. It’s small, but it’s dense. It shows a massive image of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. If you want the ultimate Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin, this is the one. It’s expensive. It fluctuates with the price of gold. But it’s a stunning piece of American history.
The Nuance of "Mintage Limits"
When the U.S. Mint announces a coin, they set a limit. For the 2009 Silver Dollar, it was 500,000 coins across all options. That sounds like a lot until you realize there are millions of Lincoln fans worldwide. They sold out fast.
When a coin sells out at the Mint, the secondary market (eBay, Heritage Auctions, local shops) takes over. That’s when the price starts to climb. If you missed the boat in 2009, you’re now paying the "collector’s tax."
Where Should You Buy One?
Don't buy from social media ads. Just don't.
If you want a genuine Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin, go to a reputable dealer. Look for the PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild) logo. These dealers have to follow a strict code of ethics. Or, stick to the big auction houses like Heritage or Stacks Bowers.
If you're on a budget, look for "Raw" coins that aren't graded yet. You can sometimes find a 2009 silver dollar for around $40-$60 if it's not in a fancy plastic slab. It’s the same silver. It just doesn't have the "professional opinion" attached to it.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Collector
- Identify your target: Do you want the 1918 Illinois Centennial (historic), the 2009 Silver Dollar (modern classic), or the 2009 $5 Gold (high value)?
- Verify the specs: Memorize the weight (26.73g for silver, 8.35g for gold). Get a digital scale. They're cheap.
- Check the Mint Mark: The 2009 silver coins were minted in Philadelphia (P). This is important for tracking where your coin came from.
- Avoid the "Clad" trap: Be careful of coins that say "Silver Clad" or "Silver Layered." These are NOT official U.S. Mint commemoratives. They are basically worthless souvenirs.
- Look for the box: If you're buying a modern commemorative, try to get the original government packaging (OGP). It’s a blue or black velvet box with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). It helps with resale later.
Collecting these coins isn't just about the money. It’s about holding a piece of the man who saved the Union. Whether it’s the young, beardless Lincoln of 1918 or the weary, war-torn Lincoln of 2009, these coins capture a legacy that a simple penny just can't match.
If you're just starting, grab a 2009 Silver Dollar in the original box. It's the perfect entry point. It's beautiful, it's affordable, and it’s a solid piece of silver. Just keep your hands off the surface—fingerprint oils are the enemy of silver. Hold it by the edges, or better yet, keep it in the capsule.