The Lincoln Cent has been printed by the United States Mint since 1909. The Mint engaged Victor David Brenner to design the new penny depicting the late president for the centennial year of his birth. Teddy Roosevelt expressed admiration for a Lincoln plaque Brenner had done in 1907, most experts believe it was Roosevelt who prodded the Mint to hire the artist. The new coins were issued to great public interest on August 2, 1909. Brenners initials (VDB), on the reverse at its base, were deemed too prominent once the coins were issued, and were removed within days of the release. Brenners wheat design on the “tail” side was replaced in 1959 by a depiction of the Lincoln Memorial designed by Frank Gasparro, for the sesquicentennial of his birth year. The Lincoln Memorial reverse was itself replaced in 2009 by commemorative designs marking the bicentennial of Lincolns birth. Beginning in 2010, Basss shield design was coined. Originally struck in 95% copper, the penny coin was changed for one year to steel in 1943 as copper was needed to aid in the war effort. The mint then reverted to 95% copper until 1982, when inflation made copper too expensive and the composition was changed to zinc with an outer copper layer.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:47:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015