2009-10 U.S. Lincoln Pennies & Stamps

Lincoln's Life in Coins and Stamps —
The Ultimate Bicentennial Collector’s Set

The first penny redesign in 50 years was worth the wait — and this set pairs it with equally remarkable stamps to tell the complete story of America's most beloved president.

The Coins

In 2009, the US Mint issued four different pennies as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Program, recognizing the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent itself. For the first time since 1959, the familiar Lincoln Memorial reverse was replaced — and not with one new design, but four.

Each 2009 Lincoln penny bears Victor D. Brenner's original obverse design, while four separate reverse designs depict the major stages of Lincoln's life: Birth and Early Childhood, Formative Years, Professional Life, and Presidency. The first coin, released on Lincoln's 200th birthday — February 12, 2009 — shows the humble Kentucky log cabin where he was born. The second depicts a young Lincoln reading by firelight, a nod to his self-education during his Indiana years. The third shows him as a rising attorney and politician in front of the Illinois State Capitol. The fourth honors his presidency and Washington years.

Two 2010 pennies round out the set, introducing the Union Shield reverse that replaced the Bicentennial designs — making this a seamless bridge from one era of Lincoln cents to the next.

The Stamps

The four 42¢ commemorative stamps (Scott #4380–83) were issued February 9, 2009, in Springfield, Illinois — Lincoln's adopted home — and tell the same life story with equal care and artistry.

The stamp art was created by Mark Summers under the direction of art director Richard Sheaff. Summers is noted for his scratchboard technique, a style distinguished by a dense network of lines etched with exquisite precision. Each design was rooted in authentic historic imagery,

The Rail-Splitter stamp (#4380) includes the earliest-known photograph of Lincoln, dated 1846, by N. H. Shepherd, and depicts Lincoln as a youth splitting a log for a rail fence on what was then the American frontier. The Lawyer stamp (#4381) draws on a May 7, 1858, photograph by Abraham Byers, showing Lincoln in an Illinois courtroom where he practiced law for nearly 25 years. The Politician stamp (#4382) includes a Mathew Brady photograph of Lincoln dated Feb. 27, 1860, and shows Lincoln debating Stephen A. Douglas during their 1858 campaign for a US Senate seat. And the President stamp (#4383) is based on an Alexander Gardner photograph from November 8, 1863, depicting Lincoln conferring with his generals near the close of the Civil War — drawn from George P. A. Healy's celebrated 1868 painting The Peacemakers.

A Natural Pairing

Few collecting opportunities bring two hobbies together as naturally as this one. The coins trace Lincoln's arc in copper; the stamps trace it in ink and history. Together, they form the definitive Lincoln bicentennial collection — six coins, four stamps, and one extraordinary American life.