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Interesting Facts About the Lincoln Cent
-- The first Lincoln cent of 1909 was issued for the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It replaced the Indian Head cent, which had been struck since 1859, prior to the Civil War.
-- President Teddy Roosevelt had been very impressed by a Lincoln memorial plaque by the distinguished engraver Victor D. Brenner. Based on a Civil War portrait, it was recognized as the finest engraved depiction of Lincoln. Brenner adapted this engraving for the new Lincoln cent.
-- It was the first time in U.S. minting history that a portrait of an historical figure appeared on American coins intended for circulation. (The 1892-1893 Columbus commemorative half dollar was not minted for commerce.) The Lincoln cent established the U.S. presidential coin sequence continued in 1938 with the Jefferson nickel and completed in 1971 with the Eisenhower dollar.
-- On the Lincoln penny's 50th anniversary in 1959, the Lincoln Memorial reverse replaced the long-standing Wheatie design.
Learn more about America's "Longevity Champion" Lincoln Cent.
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