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In the year 2009, America celebrated Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. Born on February 12, 1809, Lincoln was one of the United State's most cherished presidents. Born in a humble cabin in the Kentucky Wild, Lincoln spent every spare moment reading books borrowed from neighbors and the local library. Abe rose through the political ranks and quickly became the 16th president of the United States. Lincoln believed that all men were created equal, and he did everything in his power to stop the ill treatment of African Americans. Abe Lincoln was assassinated just 6 short days after General Robert E. Lee and his troops surrendered ending the Civil War. John Wilkes Booth, famous actor and Confederate spy from Maryland, shot Abe in the back of the head in Ford's Theatre.

On September 27, 2006, a law was passed requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to have $1 silver coins minted in 2009 celebrating Lincoln's 200th birthday. The coin's release date was February 12, 2009, Abe Lincoln's 200th birthday, and the same day that the first of the four part one cent series was released. The coins were released at the Gettysburg National Cemetary. On the coin's obverse lies a beautiful portrait of Abe Lincoln. This coin really gives another glimpse at Abe if you are used to seeing him only on the one cent piece. On the reverse of this wonderful coin are the last 43 words of the Gettysburg Address, now remembered as a poetic and inspirational speech . These words read:

"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, FOR THE PEOPLE, SHALL NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH."

The Gettysburg Address was given in dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetary, where one of the bloodiest battles America participated in ever took place. Those 43 words are surrounded by a laurel wreath, with Abe Lincoln's signature directly below. The coin weighs a total of 26.73 grams, 90% of which is silver. The remaining 10% is copper. This breathtaking coin is 1.5 inches in diameter, and the mintage limit was set at only 500,000 pieces. When the coins were first put up for sale, the set price for the proof coin was $37.95, and the set price for the uncirculated specimens were being sold at the price of $31.95. It took only about one month for all of the silver coins to be sold. 50,000 Silver Lincoln Dollars will be put back to be placed in a special mint released set. This set will include 1 of each Lincoln Bicentennial coins in proof condition; 1 Silver Lincoln Dollar and also one of each 2009 one cent pieces. It only took several days for this set of coins to sell out. The United States Mint's profit on this coin was to be spent on researching Abe Lincoln's life even farther. This is a truly spectacular coin, but the price has gone up quite considerably, but most are still selling between $45-75 depending on the venue.

You can see how much this coin has been recently selling for on eBay here: Completed Lincolns and if you're thinking of getting one for yourself, check the Current Listings.

written by Nicholas