2009 Lincoln Penny Launch in Washington DC

On November 12, 2009 the United States held the launch ceremony for the final 2009 Lincoln Cent. The "Presidency" design was the last of four different reverse designs issued for Lincoln's bicentennial, to represent the different stages of his life.

The launch ceremony was held at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial Statue at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Weather for the event was cold and rainy, which likely had an impact on the turnout. An estimated 200 people were on hand for the event. Many who might have attended the ceremony may have opted to go to other Washington DC area coin exchange locations which were held indoors.

You can read a full report of the launch ceremony by Les Peters on Coin Update News. The article includes some pictures from the launch ceremony, a few of which are also reproduced at the end of this post.

As with prior 2009 Lincoln Cent launches, rolls of the new design obtained from the launch ceremony and other locations have already been put up for sale on eBay. Stamped and USPS canceled rolls from the ceremony have been selling for around $15 each. Unmarked rolls have sold for less, with some 50 roll boxes sold for $80 ($1.60 per roll). Sales activity is certainly much different than the frenzy following the release of the first design. At the time, some single rolls sold for as much as $50 each.

Here are the current 2009 Lincoln Cent Presidency Rolls on eBay.

Last week's ceremony also might be viewed as the end of the year of Lincoln. This year many of the US Mint's most popular products have been centered around Lincoln's bicentennial. Sales of core annual products have also been impacted by the inclusion of special versions of the 2009 Lincoln Cent.

Earlier this year, the US Mint issued the 2009 Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollars in proof and uncirculated versions. Throughout the year, four separate Two Roll Sets were issued for each 2009 Lincoln Cent design release. Special 95% copper 2009 Lincoln Cents were produced for inclusion in the 2009 Proof Set, 2009 Silver Proof Set, 2009 Uncirculated Mint Set, and separate 2009 Lincoln Proof Set. Lastly, the Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set was issued in October, sold out in about 30 hours, and went on to rapid secondary market success.

Although the Bicentennial year will have concluded, there are two new Lincoln coins on the horizon for next year. As covered in a prior post, the 2010 Lincoln Cent will be released featuring a brand new reverse design. Additionally, the 2010 Lincoln Presidential Dollar will be released towards the end of the year. The final design for the Presidential Dollar coin featuring Abraham Lincoln has not yet been announced.

Photos from the 2009 Lincoln Cent Presidency design launch ceremony.

Coverage of prior 2009 Lincoln Cent launch ceremonies:
Hodgenville, Kentucky - Birthplace Cent
Lincoln City, Indiana - Formative Years Cent
Springfield, Illinois - Professional Life Cent