This year the Nation will celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. To commemorate the occasion, the United States Mint is releasing the 2009 Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar on February 12, Lincoln’s 200th birthday, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time (ET). Public Law 109-285, the “Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Coin Act,” authorizes the United States Mint to pay qualifying surcharges collected from the sale of these commemorative coins to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission to further its work.

Mintage for the 2009 Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar is set at 500,000 coins across all product options. Available options include proof and uncirculated versions of the coin, struck in 90 percent silver. A special set containing a proof silver dollar and proof versions of four 2009 Lincoln one-cent coins-each bearing a design representative of a different aspect of Lincoln’s life-is expected to be available in the spring. The special set will be limited to 50,000 units.

Pricing for the 2009 Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar is as follows:

Proof Silver Dollar: Introductory Price – $37.95 Regular Price – $41.95
Unc Silver Dollar: Introductory Price – $31.95 Regular Price – $33.95

The introductory sales period ends on March 16, 2009, at 5:00 pm ET, when regular prices will go into effect.

The designs of the Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar are emblematic of the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. The obverse (heads side) features an image symbolic of Lincoln’s strength and resolve. The image was inspired by Daniel Chester French’s famous sculpture of the President that sits inside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The design-created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Justin Kunz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart-includes the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2009.

The reverse (tails side) was designed and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. The design features the following inscription: 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. These immortal words-the last 43 words of the Gettysburg Address-appear within a laurel wreath. Above the wreath is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and below it, on a curling banner, is Lincoln’s signature between the inscriptions ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

The United States Mint will accept orders for the Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar at www.usmint.gov or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). All domestic orders will be assessed a $4.95 shipping and handling fee.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, any order placed prior to the official on-sale date and time (February 12, 2009, 12:00 Noon ET) shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.

Contact: Press inquiries: Michael White (202) 354-7222
Customer Service information: (800) USA MINT (872-6468)

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