The United States one-cent coin, commonly known as the penny, features the profile of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse (heads) side . This design was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, marking the first time a real person’s likeness appeared on a regular issue US coin.
The reverse (tails) side of the penny currently features a Union Shield, which was introduced in 2010. This shield symbolizes Lincoln’s efforts to preserve the United States as a single and united country, [according to the U.S. Mint].
Before 2010, the reverse of the penny featured the Lincoln Memorial from 1959 to 2008. In 2009, in honor of Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the Mint issued four different pennies throughout the year, each with a different reverse design representing aspects of Lincoln’s life.
Who is the person on the penny coin?
Great question! The person on the obverse (heads) of the penny is Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president. He’s been on the penny since 1909. The current design on the reverse (tails) is a Union Shield.
Who is on the penny and nickel?
The process begun in 1909 was complete in 1964, when American Presidents were featured on every regular issue circulating coin; Abraham Lincoln on the cent, Thomas Jefferson on the nickel, Franklin Roosevelt on the dime, George Washington on the quarter-dollar and John F. Kennedy on the half-dollar.
What president is on the $2 coin?
Thomas Jefferson on the Nickel
In 1869, his likeness appeared on the $2 bill.