Although commonly referred to as a penny, the Lincoln cent is probably the most recognized United States coin. It is also the longest running minted U.S. coin to date. First minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth, it has been going strong for 99 years.
The Cent’s Historic Beginnings
The Lincoln cent’s obverse, or face, has remained unchanged since 1909. The designer, Victor David Brenner, adapted a portrait from a bronze plaque he designed to honor Lincoln. The Lincoln cent became the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, living or dead. Prior to 1909, the only person featured on American coins was a stylized portrait of “Miss Liberty.” The cent was also the first coin to bear the motto, “In God We Trust,” although, at the time, law did not require it
Reverse Designs
Brenner also designed the reverse of the Lincoln cent. He used a simple design of two ears of wheat, with the words “One Cent” and “United States of America” between them. Above the design was the motto “E Pluribus Unum,” Latin for “Out of the Many One.” Wheaties, as they are called, remained in circulation until 1959, when the reverse was changed to show the Lincoln Memorial. Frank Gasparro designed the new reverse. This design change not only coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Lincoln cent, but also the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. It is interesting to note that with the Lincoln Memorial reverse, the same person is found on both sides of a U.S. coin. If you look closely between the columns in the middle of the memorial, you can see a statue of President Lincoln.
What the Future Holds
Congress has authorized the minting of a commemorative series of Lincoln cents in 2009, to mark the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. The obverse will keep the familiar portrait of President Lincoln, while the reverse will feature four different designs based on Lincoln’s life. These will show:
- Lincoln’s early life in Kentucky
- His growing up in Indiana
- His years as a lawyer in Illinois
- His presidency in Washington D.C.
Another change in the cent for 2009 is for the cent to be minted in the original 95% copper alloy that the 1909 cent was minted in. Since 1982, the cent has been minted from 97.5% zinc, with a pure copper coating.
After 2009, the cent’s days may be numbered. The cost of making a cent has become greater than the face value of the coin. It costs about 1.25 cents to mint a Lincoln cent today. If the cent is to remain a circulating coin, the Mint will need to look at other materials that can be used to lower the cost of minting. However, no matter what happens to the cent, it will remain a favorite of everyone for many years to come.
Until next time, In Bocca Al Lupo!
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