The introduction of the Lincoln Cent in 1909 marked a pivotal moment in American numismatic history. This penny holds the distinction of being the first coin to feature a US president, a significant departure from established coinage traditions. Issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, its design initiated a new era for American currency, setting a precedent for the portrayal of deceased presidents on circulating coinage.
The Precedent: Allegorical Figures and Liberty
Before 1909, the aesthetic of U.S. coinage predominantly showcased allegorical figures, most notably Lady Liberty, or other symbolic representations. These designs, while artistically diverse and often beautiful, did not depict specific historical individuals.
Early American Coinage Designs
- Flowing Hair Liberty (1793-1795): Early cents and half cents featured a depiction of Liberty with flowing hair.
- Draped Bust Liberty (1796-1807/1808): This design presented Liberty with a more classical, draped appearance.
- Capped Bust Liberty (1807-1839): Liberty was shown wearing a cap, often associated with freedom.
- Seated Liberty (1836-1891): A long-running series featuring Liberty seated, holding various objects like a pole with a cap or a shield.
- Indian Head Cent (1859-1909): Prior to the Lincoln Cent, the penny featured a stylized depiction of Liberty wearing a Native American headdress. This was a popular design for half a century.
These designs reflected the nation’s ideals and aspirations, rather than its historical figures. The concept of portraying a president, even one as revered as Abraham Lincoln, was a radical idea that required presidential approval and significant public support. The shift signaled a growing national identity that began to honor its past leaders through tangible symbols.
The Genesis of the Lincoln Cent: A Centennial Celebration
The decision to feature Abraham Lincoln on the penny was deeply rooted in the national sentiment surrounding the centennial of his birth in 1909. Lincoln, assassinated in 1865, remained a powerful symbol of national unity, perseverance, and emancipation.
Theodore Roosevelt’s Vision
President Theodore Roosevelt, a great admirer of Lincoln, played a crucial role in advocating for the new design. Roosevelt was known for his interest in improving the artistic quality of American coinage. He had previously commissioned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign several U.S. coins, resulting in iconic pieces like the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Roosevelt saw the Lincoln centennial as an opportune moment to honor the former president and introduce a new, aesthetically pleasing design to the lowest denomination coin. This initiative solidified the Lincoln Cent as the first coin to feature a US president.
Victor David Brenner: The Sculptor
The task of designing the new penny fell to Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian-born sculptor and engraver. Brenner had previously created a plaque of Lincoln, which had caught Roosevelt’s attention. He was commissioned to design the obverse (front) and reverse (back) of the new cent.
- Obverse Design: Brenner’s design for the obverse features a right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln. This portrait is widely considered one of the most accurate and dignified representations of Lincoln on coinage. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” are inscribed above Lincoln’s head, “LIBERTY” to his left, and the date “1909” to his right.
- Reverse Design: The original reverse design, known as the “Wheat Cent” reverse, featured two stalks of wheat flanking the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of many, one) is inscribed above the denomination.
Brenner’s initial designs included his full surname, “BRENNER,” at the bottom of the reverse. However, this was deemed too prominent by Treasury officials, leading to its reduction to his initials, “VDB,” on early issues. This minor controversy briefly halted production but ultimately made the 1909-VDB Lincoln Cent a highly sought-after collectible.
The Impact and Legacy of the Lincoln Cent
The release of the Lincoln Cent was met with immense public enthusiasm. It quickly became the first coin to feature a US president and a tangible symbol of American history in the hands of ordinary citizens. Its longevity is remarkable; the Lincoln Cent has been in continuous production for over a century, undergoing only minor design changes.
Design Changes Over Time
- 1909-1958: The Wheat Cent: The original reverse design, featuring the wheat stalks, was used for nearly 50 years.
- 1959-2008: The Lincoln Memorial Cent: In 1959, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and the 50th anniversary of the cent’s introduction, the reverse was redesigned to feature the Lincoln Memorial. This design, created by Frank Gasparro, became another iconic representation on U.S. coinage.
- 2009: Lincoln Bicentennial Cents: For the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, four different reverse designs were issued, depicting various stages of Lincoln’s life:
- Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky (log cabin)
- Formative Years in Indiana (young Lincoln reading)
- Professional Life in Illinois (Lincoln as a young politician)
- Presidency in Washington, D.C. (unfinished U.S. Capitol dome)
- 2010-Present: Union Shield Cent: Since 2010, the reverse features a Union Shield, symbolizing Lincoln’s role in preserving the United States. This design, by Lyndall Bass, aims to be more emblematic of Lincoln’s legacy.
Throughout these changes, the obverse portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner, has remained largely consistent, solidifying its status as the first coin to feature a US president and a permanent fixture in American currency.
The Precedent Set: Presidents on Coinage
The success and public acceptance of the Lincoln Cent paved the way for other deceased presidents to appear on U.S. coinage. This established a new tradition, shifting the focus from idealized allegories to historical figures who shaped the nation.
Subsequent Presidential Coinage
- Washington Quarter (1932): George Washington became the second president to appear on a circulating coin, the quarter, in 1932, commemorating the 200th anniversary of his birth.
- Jefferson Nickel (1938): Thomas Jefferson was featured on the nickel starting in 1938.
- Roosevelt Dime (1946): Franklin D. Roosevelt, honored shortly after his death, appeared on the dime beginning in 1946.
- Kennedy Half Dollar (1964): John F. Kennedy was rapidly honored on the half dollar following his assassination in 1963.
- Eisenhower Dollar (1971): Dwight D. Eisenhower was featured on the dollar coin.
- Presidential Dollar Coin Program (2007-2016): This series honored all deceased U.S. presidents in the order of their service, issuing four new dollar coins each year. While not as widely circulated as other denominations, this program further cemented the tradition of presidential coinage.
The shift to featuring presidents on coins reflects a nation’s desire to commemorate its history and honor its leaders. The Lincoln Cent, as the first coin to feature a US president, initiated this significant change, transforming pocket change into miniature monuments to national heritage.
Conclusion: A Lasting Numismatic Legacy
The Lincoln Cent’s introduction in 1909 was more than just a change in currency design; it was a cultural milestone. By featuring Abraham Lincoln, it became the first coin to feature a US president, breaking from over a century of tradition. This decision not only honored one of America’s most revered figures but also established a powerful precedent that continues to shape U.S. coinage to this day. The penny, often overlooked, holds a profound historical significance as the pioneering piece that brought the faces of American leadership directly into the hands of its citizens, making history tangible and ever-present.
What was the first U.S. coin to feature a president?
(See Symbols on Our Coins below.) In 1909, Abraham Lincoln replaced Liberty on the penny. Presidents then appeared on other denominations: the quarter in 1932; the nickel in 1938; the dime in 1946; the half dollar in 1964; and finally, the dollar in 1971.
What was the first U.S. coin to bear the likeness of a president?
I can help with that. Abraham Lincoln on the Penny
The profile view of President Abraham “Abe” Lincoln first showed up on the front of the one-cent piece in 1909—nearly 120 years after the first U.S. penny was minted, and 44 years after Lincoln’s death.
Who was the first real person to be put on a U.S. coin?
In 1909, Abraham Lincoln became the first real person on a U.S. circulating coin. While the Lincoln portrait has remained the same since then, several different designs have been used on the reverse: Ears of wheat (1909 to 1958)