Who Is On The Penny?
Who Is On The Penny?
Complete guide to Abraham Lincoln's legacy and the remarkable history of America's most collected coin
Quick Answer
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, has appeared on the U.S. penny since 1909.
Abraham Lincoln's portrait on the penny represents one of America's most enduring numismatic tributes. Since 1909, this coin has honored the president who preserved the Union during its greatest crisis and abolished slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln holds the distinction of being the first real person to appear on a regular-issue U.S. coin, breaking from the previous tradition of allegorical figures like Lady Liberty.
The Lincoln cent has become the most widely collected coin in American history, with over 115 years of continuous production creating countless varieties, key dates, and design changes. For collectors interested in both historical significance and precious metals, the penny's evolution includes fascinating connections to wartime material shortages and compositions that complement collections of gold and silver coins.
Table of Contents
Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) stands as perhaps America's most revered president, leading the nation through its greatest moral and constitutional crisis. His selection for the penny in 1909 commemorated the centennial of his birth and recognized his fundamental role in preserving American democracy.
Presidential Leadership
16th President (1861-1865)
- Led the nation through the Civil War
- Preserved the Union during its greatest crisis
- Exercised unprecedented wartime executive powers
- Rebuilt national identity and purpose
Emancipation Legacy
Abolished Slavery and Redefined Freedom
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
- Championed the 13th Amendment
- Transformed the war's moral purpose
- Redefined American concepts of equality
Humble Origins
From Log Cabin to White House
- Born in a one-room Kentucky log cabin
- Self-educated through voracious reading
- Rose from rail-splitter to lawyer to president
- Embodied American ideals of opportunity
Why Lincoln for the Penny?
President Theodore Roosevelt chose Lincoln for the penny to honor his centennial birthday and represent democratic ideals on the coin most Americans would handle daily. Lincoln's humble origins made him particularly appropriate for the lowest-denomination coin, symbolizing that greatness could emerge from any background.
History of Lincoln on the Penny
The Lincoln cent's introduction in 1909 marked a revolutionary moment in American coinage. For the first time, a real person rather than an allegorical figure would appear on regular-issue U.S. currency, establishing a precedent that continues today.
Lincoln Cent Introduction
Victor David Brenner's design replaced the Indian Head cent. Initial controversy arose over prominent "VDB" initials on the reverse, leading to their temporary removal after only months of production.
VDB Returns
Brenner's initials returned in smaller form below Lincoln's shoulder, where they remain today. This resolved the artistic credit controversy that had plagued the coin's early years.
Steel Penny Emergency
Wartime copper shortages led to zinc-coated steel pennies for one year only. These coins, often mistaken for dimes, created numerous collecting opportunities and historical significance.
Lincoln Memorial Reverse
Frank Gasparro's Lincoln Memorial design replaced wheat ears for Lincoln's 150th birthday, featuring the memorial where Lincoln's legacy is honored in stone.
Bicentennial Commemoration
Four special reverse designs honored Lincoln's 200th birthday and the penny's 100th anniversary, featuring scenes from his life: birth, childhood, professional life, and presidency.
Shield Design
The current shield reverse symbolizes Lincoln's preservation of the Union, representing the coin's modern era with updated artistic sensibilities.
Design Changes Through the Decades
While Lincoln's portrait has remained remarkably consistent, the penny's reverse designs tell the story of changing American values, artistic styles, and technological capabilities in coin production.
Wheat Ears Era (1909-1958)
Classic Agricultural Symbol
- Twin wheat stalks flanking "ONE CENT"
- Represented America's agricultural foundation
- Simple, elegant design that lasted 50 years
- Created the term "wheat penny" among collectors
The wheat design reflected early 20th-century America's strong agricultural identity and provided a timeless backdrop for Lincoln's profile.
Lincoln Memorial Era (1959-2008)
Architectural Tribute
- Detailed rendering of the Lincoln Memorial
- Tiny Lincoln statue visible inside the memorial
- Honored the president's lasting impact
- Spanned nearly 50 years of production
Frank Gasparro's memorial design created a "coin within a coin" effect, showing Lincoln both on the obverse and as a tiny statue within the memorial reverse.
Bicentennial Series (2009)
Life Journey Commemoration
- Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky
- Formative Years in Indiana
- Professional Life in Illinois
- Presidency in Washington, D.C.
These four designs celebrated both Lincoln's bicentennial and the penny's centennial, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to presidential greatness.
Shield Era (2010-Present)
Union Preservation Symbol
- Shield represents Lincoln's preservation of the Union
- Modern artistic interpretation
- E Pluribus Unum banner across the shield
- Symbolic rather than literal representation
The current shield design emphasizes Lincoln's greatest achievement—preserving the Union—through symbolic rather than architectural imagery.
Material Composition Evolution
The Lincoln cent's composition has changed multiple times, reflecting economic pressures, wartime needs, and the rising cost of raw materials. These changes create distinct collecting categories and affect coin values.
| Period | Composition | Weight | Reason for Change | Collector Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-1942 | 95% Copper, 5% Tin/Zinc | 3.11 grams | Original bronze alloy | High for key dates |
| 1943 | Zinc-coated Steel | 2.70 grams | Wartime copper conservation | Very High |
| 1944-1946 | 95% Copper (Shell Cases) | 3.11 grams | Recycled ammunition shells | Moderate |
| 1947-1982 | 95% Copper, 5% Zinc | 3.11 grams | Standardized composition | Moderate for key dates |
| 1982-Present | 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper | 2.50 grams | Rising copper costs | Low (except errors) |
Composition Impact on Value
Pre-1982 pennies contain significant copper content that often exceeds their face value, especially during periods of high copper prices. The 1943 steel pennies are particularly sought after, while copper pennies accidentally struck in 1943 are among the most valuable error coins in American numismatics.
Collecting Lincoln Cents: Key Dates and Values
Lincoln cents offer the most accessible entry point into coin collecting, with examples ranging from pocket change finds to rare varieties worth thousands of dollars. Understanding key dates and varieties helps collectors focus their efforts effectively.
Key Date Wheat Pennies
Most Valuable Standard Issues
- 1909-S VDB: $500-2,000+
- 1914-D: $150-1,500+
- 1922 No D: $400-2,000+
- 1931-S: $75-400+
These coins represent the most sought-after dates in the wheat penny series, with values heavily dependent on condition and authenticity.
Error and Variety Coins
Manufacturing Anomalies
- 1943 Copper Penny: $100,000+
- 1944 Steel Penny: $75,000+
- 1955 Doubled Die: $1,000-15,000+
- 1972 Doubled Die: $300-1,500+
Error coins represent some of the most valuable finds in penny collecting, with authentication being crucial for high-value specimens.
Modern Collectibles
Recent Issues with Value
- 2009 Bicentennial Set: $5-15
- 1995 Doubled Die: $15-50
- 1983 Doubled Die: $150-500
- Proof Sets and Special Mint Sets
Modern Lincoln cents offer collecting opportunities with reasonable investment levels, perfect for those building comprehensive sets.
Building Your Collection
Start with wheat pennies from the 1940s-1950s to learn grading and condition assessment. Many collectors use Lincoln cent collecting as a foundation before moving into silver coins or gold pieces. The skills learned evaluating penny varieties translate directly to more valuable coin categories.
Fascinating Penny Facts and Trivia
The Lincoln cent holds numerous records and distinctions that highlight its unique place in American numismatic history. These facts reveal the coin's cultural impact beyond its monetary function.
First Real Person on U.S. Coin
Lincoln broke the tradition of allegorical figures like Lady Liberty, establishing the precedent for presidential portraits on American currency. This decision was initially controversial but became standard practice.
VDB Controversy
Victor David Brenner's prominent initials on the 1909 reverse caused such public outcry that they were removed after only a few months of production, creating the famous 1909-S VDB rarity.
Most Produced Coin
More Lincoln cents have been minted than any other U.S. coin, with total production exceeding 500 billion pieces since 1909. Annual production often exceeds 4 billion coins.
Steel Penny Confusion
The 1943 steel pennies were often mistaken for dimes due to their silver color, causing transaction confusion. Many were copper-plated by entrepreneurs trying to "restore" their appearance.
Size Evolution
Before 1857, U.S. cents were much larger—nearly the size of modern half dollars. The Lincoln cent's diameter (19.05mm) has remained constant since 1909.
Production Cost Issues
Modern pennies cost more to produce than their face value, leading to ongoing debates about eliminating the denomination. Production costs often exceed 1.5 cents per coin.
Lincoln vs Other Presidential Coins
Lincoln's longevity on the penny is remarkable compared to other presidential representations on U.S. currency. This comparison highlights the enduring appeal of the 16th president's legacy.
| Coin | President | Years Featured | Total Years | Reason for Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penny | Abraham Lincoln | 1909-Present | 115+ years | Centennial birthday, preserved Union |
| Nickel | Thomas Jefferson | 1938-Present | 86+ years | Bicentennial birthday, democracy champion |
| Dime | Franklin D. Roosevelt | 1946-Present | 78+ years | March of Dimes support, New Deal legacy |
| Quarter | George Washington | 1932-Present | 92+ years | Bicentennial birthday, first president |
| Half Dollar | John F. Kennedy | 1964-Present | 60+ years | Assassination memorial |
Lincoln's Lasting Appeal
Lincoln's continuous presence on the penny for over 115 years reflects his unique position in American consciousness. His story of rising from poverty to preserve the Union during its greatest crisis resonates across generations, making him an enduring symbol for the nation's smallest denomination coin.
Conclusion
Abraham Lincoln's presence on the penny since 1909 represents more than numismatic tradition—it embodies American ideals of opportunity, sacrifice, and national unity. From his humble Kentucky origins to his preservation of the Union during the Civil War, Lincoln's life story mirrors the democratic principles that the United States strives to uphold.
The Lincoln cent's evolution through wheat ears, memorial, bicentennial, and shield designs reflects changing American values while maintaining Lincoln's central role. For collectors, these coins offer unparalleled accessibility to American history, with varieties ranging from common circulation finds to museum-quality rarities worth thousands of dollars.
Whether you're examining pocket change for valuable dates, building a comprehensive collection, or exploring the broader world of numismatics that includes gold and silver investments, the Lincoln penny provides an essential foundation. Understanding who is on the penny opens windows to American history, artistic evolution, and the fascinating intersection of politics, economics, and culture that shapes our currency.