The penny is the United States’ one-cent coin. Every penny you’ve ever spent probably had Abraham Lincoln on it. He’s been on the front (obverse) of the penny since 1909!
Why does Lincoln face left on the penny?
The Lincoln cent was the first United States regular issue coin to show a president. It replaced the “Indian” cent, an allegorical figure of Liberty, facing left. To follow the “tradition”, Lincoln’s head faces right.
Why is the word liberty on the penny?
The word “Liberty,” as mandated by a law passed by Congress, appears to the left of Lincoln, and the date is on his right. Brenner’s initials—VDB—appeared under the date on the first coins. Mint removed the initials. As a result, pennies made in 1909 are highly prized by rare coin collectors.
Why is Lincoln facing the other way on the Penny?
Abraham Lincoln is facing right on the penny based on the decision of Victor David Brenner, who designed the plaque on which the portrait is based.
When did they stop using the Lincoln Memorial on the Penny?
From 1909 to 1958 the reverse featured two sheaves of wheat. From 1959 to 2008, the reverse was an image of the Lincoln Memorial designed by Frank Gasparro to commemorate Lincoln’s 150th birthday. In 2009, the Mint issued four different pennies throughout the year as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Program.
Who was the first president to be on a penny?
In 1909, Abraham Lincoln became the first president featured on our coins in honor of his 100th birthday. The Lincoln penny obverse showed the image of Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner that is still used today.
When did they start making the Lincoln penny?
The United States Mint first made the Lincoln penny in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. The coin has a reverse design that features two ears of wheat.
