2009-P $1 Abraham Lincoln, DCAM (Proof)

The 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar

The 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar (Unc. #407350, Proof #407351) was minted to honor the bicentennial of the birth of the nation’s 16th president. Authorized by the Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 109-285), the coin serves as a numismatic tribute to Lincoln’s enduring legacy and his role in the "new birth of freedom."

The Lincoln Legacy

Born into poverty on the Kentucky frontier, Lincoln’s early years were defined by hardship. After losing his mother at a young age and witnessing his father’s legal battles over land titles, Lincoln became a self-taught, inquisitive youth. These early struggles likely sparked his lifelong interest in the legal profession.

After a varied career as a militiaman, postmaster, and store partner, Lincoln entered the Illinois State Legislature in 1834. Over the following decades, he rose to national prominence, eventually leading the Union through the American Civil War.

A defining moment of his presidency occurred at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg (now the Gettysburg National Cemetery). Standing at the site of one of the war's fiercest battles, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, reminding the world of the war's true purpose:

"…we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Lincoln secured victory with Robert E. Lee’s surrender on April 9, 1865, but was assassinated six days later. Martyred for the cause of freedom, he was elevated to the pantheon of America’s greatest leaders, his loss giving permanence to the political goals of the Republican party.

Coin Specifications and Design

As a commemorative program, this coin was created by an act of Congress and struck as numismatic collectible. The coin is legal tender for $1, but its silver composition ensures that the coin will not circulate as money.

Surcharges from each sale were paid to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission to fund the celebration of his 200th anniversary and the continued study of his life. Legislation set a maximum mintage of 500,000 coins across all product options. The 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Dollar went on sale February 12, 2009, with an initial pre-issue price of $37.95 for Proofs and $31.95 for Uncirculated finishes and sold through 450,000 coins within six weeks. The Mint held back 50,000 Proof examples for the 2009 Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set, which is launched on October 15. This set sold out within a few days.

The coin's obverse features a likeness of Lincoln symbolic of his strength and resolve, adapted from Daniel Chester French’s famous statue in the Lincoln Memorial. Inscriptions: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2009. Artist Justin Kunz is credited with the design; Don Everhart executed the sculpt. The reverse features the final 43 words of the Gettysburg Address inscribed within a laurel wreath, with Lincoln’s signature displayed on a central ribbon. Inscriptions: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM. This design and sculpt was the work of Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

Coin Specifications and Design

As a commemorative program, the 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar was authorized by an act of Congress and struck specifically as a numismatic collectible. While it remains legal tender for $1, its silver composition ensures it is held by collectors rather than circulated as currency.

Design and Artistry

The coin’s obverse features a likeness of Lincoln intended to symbolize his strength and resolve. The image was adapted from Daniel Chester French’s iconic statue at the Lincoln Memorial by artist Justin Kunz and sculpted by Don Everhart. It bears the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 2009.

The reverse features the final 43 words of the Gettysburg Address framed within a laurel wreath, with Lincoln’s signature displayed on a central ribbon. This side was both designed and sculpted by Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill and includes the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Mintage Limts and Sales Figures

Federal legislation set a maximum mintage of 500,000 coins across all product options. To support the legacy of the 16th president, surcharges from each sale were paid to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission to fund the celebration of his 200th anniversary and the continued study of his life. Release History and Sell-Out The 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Dollar went on sale on February 12, 2009. Initial pre-issue prices were set at $37.95 for Proofs and $31.95 for Uncirculated finishes. Public demand was immediate; the Mint sold through 450,000 coins within just six weeks.

The remaining 50,000 Proof examples were reserved for the 2009 Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set. Launched on October 15, this specialized set sold out within a few days, bringing the program to its full authorized mintage.

Collecting PCGS Certified 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Silver Dollars

Consistent with the Mint's high production standards, well-preserved 2009-P Abraham Lincoln Silver Dollars in their original government packaging typically grade PCGS MS69 or PCGS MS70., for business strikes, and PCGS PR69DCAM or PCGS PR70DCAM for Proofs.

Discerning the difference between these two premium grades can be challenging for the untrained eye. PCGS graders look for fully struck, lustrous coins that are entirely free of distracting marks. Our standards allow for minor "as minted" defects, provided these flaws are inconspicuous and do not negatively impact the coin's overall eye appeal. To learn more about PCGS' grading standards, click here.

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