The Lincoln Penny: A Century of American History in Your Pocket
The Lincoln penny is an American icon that has been in use for over a century. This coin's design has evolved over time, and many variations have been released, making it a very popular coin among collectors.
In this blog post, we will look at the history of the Lincoln penny, the evolution of its design, and why it is so valuable to collectors.
Where it All Began
The first Lincoln penny was issued in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday. Victor D. Brenner designed the coin, which features a bust of Lincoln on the obverse and the words "In God We Trust" on the reverse. Commonly referred to as the "V.D.B". The Lincoln penny was the first coin in the United States to depict a historical figure, and it was a huge success. More than 100 million pennies were struck in the first year of production.
The Lincoln penny's design has evolved over time. The coin's design was changed in 1959 to commemorate Lincoln's 150th birthday. The reverse of the penny was altered to depict the Lincoln Memorial, with the words "E Pluribus Unum" added above the structure. This design is still in use today and is one of the world's most recognizable coins.
The Lincoln penny's many variations are one of the reasons it is so popular among collectors. The penny has been released in a number of different editions over the years, each with its own distinct design. The Steel Penny, Wheat Penny, and Memorial Penny are three of the most popular variations.
Popular Variants of the Lincoln Penny
The Steel Penny was a variation of the Lincoln penny that was issued in 1943 due to a copper shortage during WWII. The coin was made of steel and zinc, and it was only available for one year. Collectors now prize the Steel Penny for its scarcity and one-of-a-kind composition.
Another popular variant of the Lincoln penny is the Wheat Penny, which was produced from 1909 to 1958. The Wheat Penny is named after the reverse of the coin, which depicts two stalks of wheat. This penny variant is popular among collectors because it is one of the oldest designs in American coinage.
The Memorial Penny was introduced in 1959 to commemorate Lincoln's 150th birthday. The reverse of the coin depicts the Lincoln Memorial, which is popular among collectors due to its association with one of America's greatest presidents.
The Lincoln penny's value is another reason why it is so popular among collectors. A number of extremely valuable editions of the penny are worth thousands of dollars. For example, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny, the first to bear the designer's initials, Victor D. Brenner, is now worth more than $50,000. Collectors also prize the 1943-S Steel Penny, which can quite a bit as well in pristine condition.
Summary
The Lincoln penny is a coin with a long history that is steeped in American tradition. It is no surprise that it is so popular among collectors, given its design evolution, numerous variations, and ultra-valuable editions. Whether you are an experienced collector or just starting out, the Lincoln penny will capture your attention and imagination. Check out some of the pennies we have on hand to get started today!
