2009-P $1 Abraham Lincoln Silver Commem – Proof

In February 2009, as America celebrated the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, the United States Mint released a commemorative silver dollar that would quickly become a treasured piece among numismatists and history enthusiasts alike. This wasn't merely another coin; it was a tangible connection to one of the nation's most revered presidents, authorized under Public Law 109-285 and designed to honor Lincoln's enduring legacy.

The timing of this release was particularly significant, coinciding with Lincoln's February 12th birthday and the debut of the first 2009 Lincoln cent featuring a new design. The Mint's decision to limit production to just 500,000 coins combined for both Proof and Uncirculated versions created an immediate sense of anticipation among collectors. This foresight proved warranted when the entire mintage sold out in a remarkably brief six-week period, with the Uncirculated coins depleted by March 27th and the Proof versions following just two days later.

What makes the 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Silver Commemorative Proof particularly special is its place within this limited release. The Proof versions, comprising approximately 60% of the total mintage, feature the exceptional strike quality and mirror-like fields that serious collectors prize. Each coin contains 26.73 grams of 90% silver, continuing the traditional "coin silver" composition that connects modern commemoratives to America's numismatic heritage.

The story of this coin is intrinsically linked to Lincoln's own remarkable journey—from humble beginnings in a Kentucky log cabin to his leadership through the nation's most divisive conflict and his tragic assassination just days after the Civil War's end. Lincoln's preservation of the Union and emancipation of enslaved Americans forever changed the course of the nation, earning him a place among our most consequential presidents.

This commemorative proof, with its exquisite detailing and historical significance, represents more than just a collectible coin. It embodies the American spirit of resilience and transformation that Lincoln himself personified. For collectors, it offers both a connection to our shared past and a potential investment in our future—a fitting tribute to a president whose wisdom continues to guide our nation more than two centuries after his birth.

Design Features

The obverse design, created by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Don Everhart II, presents a powerful, thoughtful portrait of Abraham Lincoln that captures the contemplative dignity that defined his presidency. This is not the familiar profile seen on the Lincoln cent, but rather a more intimate portrayal that seems to reveal the weight of responsibility Lincoln carried during his tumultuous presidency. The detailed engraving highlights Lincoln's distinctive features—his deep-set eyes, prominent brow, and characteristic beard—conveying both strength and compassion. The inscriptions include "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "2009," establishing this as both a commemorative piece and a continuation of America's numismatic traditions.

The reverse design, crafted by Phebe Hemphill, features the concluding 43 words of Lincoln's immortal Gettysburg Address: "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." These words, arguably among the most influential in American oratory, are presented in a compelling typographic arrangement that emphasizes their continuing relevance. Surrounding this central text are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "ONE DOLLAR," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," unifying the commemorative design with the essential elements of U.S. coinage. The proof striking process brings exceptional clarity to these elements, with frosted devices contrasting dramatically against mirror-like fields.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.7734 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: P – Philadelphia
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of Abraham Lincoln designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Don Everhart II
• Reverse: The final 43 words of the Gettysburg Address designed by Phebe Hemphill

Investment Appeal

The 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Silver Commemorative Proof represents a compelling opportunity for both collectors and investors. With its limited mintage of just 375,000 proof specimens—which sold out completely within days of their release—this coin embodies the scarcity that drives long-term numismatic value. The rapid sellout underscores the enduring appeal of Lincoln among American collectors and the public's appreciation for well-executed commemorative designs.

The coin's composition of 90% silver provides an intrinsic precious metal value that serves as a foundation for its market worth, while its historical significance and exceptional design quality create the potential for premium appreciation beyond its metal content. Perfect specimens graded Proof 70 Deep Cameo by PCGS have achieved prices significantly above their original issue price, demonstrating the market's recognition of this coin's exceptional characteristics.

For the serious numismatist, this commemorative proof offers multiple collecting dimensions: it represents a significant presidential bicentennial, continues America's silver dollar tradition, and showcases the artistry of modern U.S. Mint engravers. As interest in American presidential history continues to grow, and as the availability of these limited-issue coins inevitably decreases over time, the 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Silver Commemorative Proof stands poised to remain a coveted addition to discerning collections.