Whose face is on the penny? if you’ve ever closely examined a penny, you’ve probably noticed the profile of a bearded man with a striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln.
And if you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer to your question: The face on the penny is none other than Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the complete history behind Lincoln’s face gracing the front of the penny. We’ll discuss how Lincoln came to be on the coin, who was behind the original design, and how the penny has evolved over the years while maintaining Lincoln’s iconic profile.
The Origin of Lincoln on the Penny
The penny, also known as the one-cent coin, has undergone several transformations throughout its history. However, it wasn’t until 1909 that the face of Abraham Lincoln was first introduced on the penny, replacing the previous design.
This change was a significant moment in the history of American currency, as it marked the beginning of a new era for the penny.
The Penny’s Transition to the Lincoln Cent in 1909
Prior to 1909, the penny featured an image of Lady Liberty on the obverse side and a wreath on the reverse. However, in commemoration of Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the United States Mint decided to honor the influential president by featuring his portrait on the penny.
This change was met with great enthusiasm by the public, as Lincoln was widely revered and respected.
The transition from the old design to the new Lincoln penny was not without controversy. The initial design by Victor David Brenner, an accomplished sculptor, featured Lincoln’s head in a full profile.
However, due to concerns that the design resembled a medal rather than a coin, the United States Mint made alterations to the design. The final version of the penny showcased Lincoln’s bust, creating a more distinguished and iconic representation of the president.
Victor David Brenner’s Original Lincoln Penny Design
Victor David Brenner’s design for the Lincoln penny is considered a masterpiece of numismatic art. The portrait of Lincoln on the coin is highly detailed, capturing the essence of the president’s features and personality.
Brenner’s design showcased Lincoln with a beard and a bowtie, adding a touch of elegance to the coin.
The inclusion of Lincoln’s image on the penny was not only a tribute to the president but also a reflection of his lasting impact on American society. Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in American history, and his face on the penny serves as a reminder of his contributions to the nation.
To this day, the Lincoln penny remains in circulation and continues to be a symbol of American history and heritage. It is a small but significant piece of currency that carries the legacy of one of the most influential figures in American history.
Modifications to the Penny’s Design Over the Years
The design of the penny, which is the smallest denomination of United States currency, has undergone several modifications throughout its history. These changes not only reflect the evolving artistic tastes of the time but also the desire to honor and commemorate important figures and symbols.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the significant design variations that have graced the penny over the years.
The Wheat Ears Reverse Design (1909-1958)
From 1909 to 1958, the reverse side of the penny featured a design known as the “Wheat Ears.” This iconic design, created by Victor David Brenner, depicted two sheaves of wheat encircling the words “ONE CENT.”
The image symbolized the importance of agriculture in the United States and paid tribute to the country’s rich farming heritage.
The Wheat Ears design was highly popular among the public, and it remained unchanged for nearly five decades. This design is often associated with the penny and holds nostalgic value for many collectors and enthusiasts.
The Lincoln Memorial Reverse (1959-2008)
In 1959, the penny underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design. This new design, created by Frank Gasparro, replaced the Wheat Ears and showcased the iconic Lincoln Memorial building on the reverse side of the coin.
The Lincoln Memorial design was chosen to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The image depicted the memorial’s exterior, including the names of the 48 states existing at the time.
This design change allowed for a more detailed and intricate representation of an important historical landmark.
The Union Shield Reverse (2010-present)
In 2010, the penny underwent another design change, this time featuring the Union Shield reverse. The new design, created by Lyndall Bass, replaced the Lincoln Memorial and showcased a shield with 13 vertical stripes, representing the original 13 colonies.
The Union Shield design was chosen to symbolize the strength and unity of the United States. This design features a more modern and patriotic look, aligning with the values and ideals of the nation. It is still in use today and can be found on the reverse side of all pennies minted since 2010.
These modifications to the penny’s design over the years not only add visual interest to the coin but also serve as a reflection of the values and history of the United States. Whether it’s the classic Wheat Ears design or the modern Union Shield, the penny’s ever-changing appearance continues to captivate and inspire.
Lincoln Pennies and Key Variations
Throughout its long history, the penny has undergone several changes, with different designs and variations. One of the most iconic and well-known penny designs is that of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Let’s take a closer look at some key variations of the Lincoln penny.
1943 Steel Cents
During World War II, copper was in high demand for military purposes. As a result, the United States Mint decided to produce pennies using steel instead of copper in 1943. These steel cents are unique and can be easily identified by their silver appearance.
They were only minted for one year and are highly sought after by collectors and can be sold for premium prices. It’s interesting to note that due to their magnetic properties, these pennies were often used in magic tricks!
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
In 1955, a rare and valuable error occurred during the production of the Lincoln penny. The obverse die, which is used to imprint the design onto the coin, was doubled, resulting in a distinct doubling effect on the date and lettering.
This error was not caught during the minting process, and as a result, a small number of these doubled die pennies were released into circulation. Today, the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after coins by collectors.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Head Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Head Cent holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. It features the initials VDB on the reverse side, which stands for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln penny.
However, the inclusion of the designer’s initials caused controversy at the time, and the initials were quickly removed. As a result, the 1909-S VDB penny became highly sought after and is now considered a rare and valuable collectible.
For more information on the history of the Lincoln penny and other numismatic topics, you can visit the website of the American Numismatic Association.
The Significance of Lincoln on the Penny
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, holds a special place in American history. His image on the penny represents his lasting impact on the nation and its people. Let’s explore the significance of Lincoln’s presence on this iconic coin.
Lincoln’s Legacy as President
Abraham Lincoln’s presidency was marked by great challenges and profound achievements. Serving as president during the Civil War, Lincoln played a pivotal role in preserving the Union and abolishing slavery.
His Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 was a groundbreaking declaration that forever changed the course of American history. By placing Lincoln’s face on the penny, we honor his leadership and his commitment to equality and justice.
Lincoln’s presidency is often regarded as one of the most important in American history. His unwavering dedication to the principles of freedom and democracy has made him a revered figure, not only in the United States but around the world.
The inclusion of his image on the penny serves as a constant reminder of his enduring impact on our nation.
Lincoln’s Enduring Popularity and Recognition
Even more than 150 years after his assassination, Abraham Lincoln continues to be widely recognized and admired. His contributions to the United States have made him an iconic figure in American culture.
Lincoln’s face on the penny is a symbol of his enduring popularity and the admiration people have for his leadership and character.
The decision to feature Lincoln on the penny was made in 1909, on the centennial of his birth. Since then, his image has become synonymous with the coin itself. It is a testament to his lasting impact that his face has remained on the penny for over a century.
Lincoln’s presence on the penny also serves as a reminder of the values he stood for – honesty, integrity, and equality. These values are deeply ingrained in the fabric of American society and continue to resonate with people of all backgrounds.
Whose Face Is On The Penny – Conclusion
Abraham Lincoln’s legacy as one of the most admired presidents lives on through his representation on the penny. Since 1909, Lincoln’s profile has graced the front of the penny, reflecting his critical role in American history.
While the reverse design has changed over the years, Lincoln’s iconic image remains timeless. The next time you get a penny in change, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind our nation’s longest-running coin design.
