If you wondered what’s on the back of the penny, you ain’t the only one. The humble penny often goes unnoticed as it changes hands millions of times per day across the country. But this little coin has a fascinating history behind it, especially when it comes to the design on the back.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: the back of the penny features an image of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., honoring the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you ever wanted to know about the design on the reverse side of the penny. You’ll learn about the different stages of the coin’s evolution over the past 100+ years, why Lincoln was chosen to be on the penny, the artists who designed the various renditions, and much more.
A Brief History of the Penny
The penny, also known as the one-cent coin, has a long and fascinating history. It has undergone several design changes throughout the years, each reflecting a different era in American history. Let’s take a closer look at the three main variations of the penny: The Indian Head Penny, The Lincoln Wheat Penny, and The Lincoln Memorial Penny.
The Indian Head Penny (1859-1909)
The Indian Head Penny, also referred to as the Indian Head Cent, was first minted in 1859. Designed by James B. Longacre, the coin featured a profile of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse side.
The reverse side showcased a wreath encircling the words “ONE CENT” and an oak shield.
The Indian Head Penny was minted from 1859 to 1909, and during its production, it went through various changes. The composition of the coin changed from 88% copper and 12% nickel in 1859 to 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc in 1864 due to the high demand for copper during the Civil War.
It remained in this composition until the end of its production.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny (1909-1958)
In 1909, the penny underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of the Lincoln Wheat Penny. This new design featured a bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side and two wheat stalks flanking the words “ONE CENT” on the reverse side.
The coin was designed by Victor D. Brenner, and it quickly became a symbol of American pride.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958 and experienced various changes during its production. In 1943, due to the scarcity of copper during World War II, the penny was temporarily minted in steel coated with zinc to conserve copper for military use.
These steel pennies are highly sought after by collectors today.
The Lincoln Memorial Penny (1959-Present)
In 1959, the Lincoln Memorial Penny was introduced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The new design featured a profile of Lincoln on the obverse side and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side.
The coin was designed by Frank Gasparro and has remained relatively unchanged since its introduction.
The Lincoln Memorial Penny has been minted from 1959 to the present day. Over the years, there have been a few minor modifications, such as changes to the composition of the coin. From 1959 to 1982, the penny was composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc.
However, in 1982, due to rising copper prices, the composition was changed to 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, with a thin copper plating.
For more information about the history of the penny, you can visit the United States Mint’s official website.
Why Abraham Lincoln is on the Penny
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, holds a place of great significance in American history. It is only fitting that he is honored on the penny, one of the most widely circulated coins in the country.
The decision to feature Lincoln on the penny was made for several compelling reasons.
Lincoln’s Historical Significance
Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history. His leadership during the Civil War and his efforts to preserve the Union and abolish slavery have cemented his place in the hearts and minds of Americans.
By featuring Lincoln on the penny, the United States Mint pays tribute to his legacy and reminds us of the values he stood for.
Lincoln’s face on the penny serves as a constant reminder of the principles of equality, freedom, and democracy that he fought to uphold. It is a symbol of the progress our nation has made and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve his vision of a united and inclusive America.
100th Anniversary of Lincoln’s Birth
In 1909, on the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the United States Mint decided to honor him by featuring his portrait on the new penny. This decision was not only a way to commemorate a significant historical milestone but also a way to pay tribute to a president who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.
The introduction of the Lincoln penny was met with great enthusiasm and quickly gained popularity among the American public. It became a symbol of national pride and a way for people to carry a piece of history in their pockets.
Beating out Other Candidate Designs
When it came to choosing a design for the new penny, the United States Mint considered several options. Many different designs were submitted, including portraits of other prominent American figures and various patriotic symbols.
However, Abraham Lincoln’s design ultimately won out. The combination of his historical significance, the timing of the 100th anniversary of his birth, and the public’s admiration for him made Lincoln the clear choice.
His image on the penny continues to be a source of inspiration and a reminder of the impact one person can have on a nation.
The Story Behind the Lincoln Memorial Design
When it comes to the design of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the penny, there is a fascinating story behind it. The design was chosen in 1959 after a nationwide competition was held to find a new image to replace the wheat ears that had been featured on the penny for over 50 years.
Choosing a New Design in 1959
In 1958, the United States Mint decided that it was time to update the design of the Lincoln Cent. They wanted to honor the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth with a new and more modern image.
As a result, they launched a competition open to sculptors and artists across the country to submit their designs.
The competition received over 5,000 submissions, which were then reviewed by a panel of judges. The judges were looking for a design that would capture the essence of Lincoln’s legacy and be visually appealing on such a small canvas.
After much deliberation, they finally settled on a design created by Frank Gasparro.
Frank Gasparro’s Winning Submission
Frank Gasparro, a talented sculptor and engraver, emerged as the winner of the competition with his design featuring the Lincoln Memorial. Gasparro’s submission depicted a detailed and accurate representation of the iconic monument, complete with the inscription “E Pluribus Unum” and the words “United States of America.”
Gasparro’s design was praised for its balance and simplicity, as well as its ability to convey the significance of Lincoln’s legacy. The Lincoln Memorial design has since become one of the most recognizable and enduring symbols of American coinage.
Artistic Details of the Design
The Lincoln Memorial design on the back of the penny is filled with artistic details that make it truly remarkable. Gasparro’s attention to detail is evident in the way he captured the columns, steps, and statues within the memorial.
The design also includes the year of minting and the mint mark, as well as the phrase “One Cent” and the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning “Out of many, one.”
Gasparro’s design has stood the test of time and remains unchanged since its introduction in 1959. Its enduring popularity is a testament to both the artistic skill of Gasparro and the lasting impact of Abraham Lincoln on American history.
Rare and Valuable Lincoln Pennies
While most pennies may not hold much value, certain rare and valuable Lincoln pennies can be worth a significant amount of money. These pennies are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable rare varieties.
1909 VDB Pennies
One of the most coveted Lincoln pennies is the 1909 VDB penny. The VDB stands for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln cent. These pennies were minted in limited quantities, making them quite rare. A 1909 VDB penny in pristine condition can be worth thousands of dollars.
The initials “VDB” can be found on the reverse side of the coin, near the bottom.
1943 Steel Pennies
During World War II, there was a shortage of copper, which led to the production of steel pennies. These 1943 steel pennies are unique because they are silver in color. Due to their limited production and distinct features, they have become highly sought after by collectors.
A 1943 steel penny in excellent condition can be worth over a few thousand dollars.
1955 Double Die Pennies
In 1955, a rare error occurred during the minting process, resulting in the creation of the 1955 double-die penny. This error caused the design to be slightly doubled, giving the coin a distinct appearance. These pennies are quite valuable, with some selling for thousands of dollars.
If you come across a 1955 penny with doubled features, hold on to it as it could be a hidden treasure!
Other Varieties and Errors
Aside from the mentioned varieties, there are numerous other rare and valuable Lincoln pennies to be on the lookout for. Some examples include the 1922 “No D” penny, where the “D” mintmark is missing, and the 1969-S doubled die penny, which has a doubled image of Lincoln’s profile.
These varieties and errors can command high prices in the collector’s market.
It’s important to note that the value of these rare Lincoln pennies can vary greatly depending on their condition, scarcity, and demand. If you think you may have a rare penny in your possession, consider consulting a reputable coin dealer or expert to get a proper appraisal.
What’s On The Back Of The Penny – Conclusion
Who knew the humble penny had such a rich history behind it? As one of the most frequently used coins, it’s easy to overlook the meaningful design on the reverse side. But as we’ve explored, the Lincoln cent has gone through an evolution over 100+ years, always keeping Abraham Lincoln’s lasting legacy front and center.
So next time you get a penny in change, take a moment to appreciate the detailed engraving of the Lincoln Memorial and remember the 16th president’s immense contributions that shaped America forever. The back of the penny serves as a small but important tribute to one of the nation’s greatest leaders.
