Collectors Guide to Lincoln Head Cents - Littleton Coin Company

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On June 5, 1974, the mint launched a program offering a special signedcitation of thanks to anyone who exchanged $25 worth of cents at theirbank. The appeal to patriotism worked – by 1975, the cent shortage was over.The citizen response and record-breaking high-volume coin production at allthree mints, brought things back to normal.Bicentennial designs and beyond...In 2009, to celebrate both the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth, and 100 yearsof the Lincoln cent, the U.S. Mint issued four new reverse designsrepresenting four major areas of the 16th president’s life...2009 Lincoln Bicentennial DesignsWhile the familiar obverse portrait of Lincolnwas continued for 2009 cents, four all-new reversedesigns were released about every 3 months,each honoring a different aspect of his life.Birthplace – This design depicts a log cabin,representing Lincoln’s place of birth in 1809.Formative Years – The second cent design depicts ayouthful Lincoln taking a break from rail splittingto read and learn.Professional Life – Here, Lincoln as a lawyerand representative stands before the Illinoiscapitol building.Presidency – Depicts a partially-completed U.S.Capitol dome, which was built during the Civil War.This design is also symbolic of a nation dividedduring Lincoln’s presidency.14
Bicentennial Lincoln CentsStandard (Circulating Issues) Special Collectible IssuesIssued: 2009Issued: 2009Weight: 2.5 gmsWeight: 3.11 gmsDiameter: 24.3 mm Diameter: 24.3 mmComposition:Composition:99.2% zinc,.8% copperThese four commemorative designs had versions minted for circulation aswell as special collectible issues, minted in the same metallic content asBrenner’s original 1909 cent. Weighing 3.11 grams apiece (slightly heavierthan today’s cent, which weighs 2.5 grams), each remarkable coin iscomprised of 95% copper, with the remaining 5% constituted of tin and zinc.Union Shield reverseThe series’ Union Shield reverse debuted in 2010. Datingback to the 1870s, the union shield features13 vertical stripes for the original states,and is seen on frescoes throughout theU.S. Capitol. The shield was widelyused during the Civil War era, with itsinscription E PLURIBUS UNUM (“out ofmany, one”) signifying unity.“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”~ Abraham Lincoln ~95% copper,5% tin/zincThe next 100 years...Who knows what lies ahead for America’s favorite “little” coin? Risingproduction costs and lack of use in everyday commerce have caused someto begin calling for the discontinuation of this tiny denomination. But onething will never change: our 16th president’s memorable profile will alwaysbe remembered thanks to Victor D. Brenner and his Lincoln cent.15
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Collectors Guide to Lincoln Head Cents - Littleton Coin Company

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