2009 $1.00 Lincoln Proof Coin

90% Silver Commemorative Lincoln Coin

In 2009, the U.S. mint in Philadelphia issued a silver dollar to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. A very small number of these were made from 90% silver. Not only is this struck from a precious metal, it is also a Proof coin. Proof coins are special, minted to check the coin dies and for archival purposes. Just looking at the image of the Lincoln Silver Proof coin (weighing just under an ounce), you can tell it’s of the highest quality. You’ll notice the area of the coin surrounding Lincoln’s head is smooth. That’s because the dies used to create this coin were treated with a special polish to make the un-engraved areas shine like a mirror. Plus, the coin was struck at least twice (the coin was impressed onto the die), so the image of Lincoln features extremely fine detail that brings his likeness to life.

The design for the front (obverse) of the coin comes from the statue of the President inside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The back (reverse) of the silver dollar states the last 43 words of the Gettysburg Address along with a facsimile of Lincoln’s signature.

Each coin comes with a certificate of authenticity from the U.S. Mint. The dollar is encapsulated to keep it free from damage, and comes in a navy velvet display box that really makes the details on the coin stand out.