President Abraham Lincoln holds the distinction of being the first coin to feature a president on United States coinage. This significant numismatic event occurred in 1909, coinciding with the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. The issuance of the Lincoln Cent, widely known as the Lincoln Penny, represented a marked departure from established U.S. coin design traditions. Prior to this, U.S. coins predominantly showcased allegorical figures, such as Lady Liberty, or Native American profiles, rather than portraits of actual individuals. The introduction of Lincoln’s likeness on a widely circulated coin reflected a growing sentiment to honor national heroes and marked a new era in American coinage.
The Genesis of the Lincoln Cent
The decision to place Abraham Lincoln on a U.S. coin was a culmination of several factors, including public sentiment, political will, and artistic innovation. The year 1909 was a momentous occasion for Lincoln enthusiasts and the nation as a whole, marking 100 years since his birth. Public reverence for Lincoln, particularly his role in preserving the Union and abolishing slavery, had only grown in the decades following his assassination.
President Theodore Roosevelt played a pivotal role in the creation of the Lincoln Cent. A great admirer of Lincoln, Roosevelt sought to modernize American coinage and believed that the new designs should reflect the nation’s progress and honor its most revered figures. He was particularly keen on improving the aesthetic quality of U.S. coins, which he felt had become stagnant. Roosevelt championed the idea of placing Lincoln on a coin, recognizing the immense public appeal and historical significance such a design would carry.
The task of designing the new cent was entrusted to Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian-born sculptor and medalist. Brenner had previously created a plaque and a medal featuring Lincoln’s portrait, which had caught Roosevelt’s attention. Brenner’s design for the cent incorporated a dignified and recognizable bust of Lincoln on the obverse (front) and two wheat stalks flanking the denomination “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the reverse (back). This “wheat cent” design would become iconic and remain in circulation for decades.
Victor David Brenner and the Lincoln Design
Victor David Brenner’s artistic vision was central to the success of the Lincoln Cent. His previous work on Lincoln, particularly a bronze plaque from 1907, provided the foundation for the coin’s design. Roosevelt had seen this plaque and was impressed by Brenner’s ability to capture Lincoln’s essence. When the opportunity arose to design a new cent, Roosevelt personally selected Brenner for the commission.
Brenner’s design for the obverse of the Lincoln Cent is a close-up profile of Lincoln facing right. The portrait is renowned for its realism and dignity, capturing the solemnity and wisdom associated with Lincoln. The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” was placed above Lincoln’s head, and “LIBERTY” to his left, with the date “1909” to his right.
The reverse design, featuring two stalks of wheat, symbolized agricultural prosperity and growth. This simple yet elegant design provided a clean counterpoint to the detailed portrait of Lincoln on the obverse. Brenner’s initials, “V.D.B.,” were initially placed prominently on the reverse, below the wheat stalks. This placement, however, sparked a controversy.
The V.D.B. Controversy of 1909
The initial release of the 1909 Lincoln Cent with Brenner’s prominent “V.D.B.” initials on the reverse led to a public outcry. Some critics viewed the initials as an inappropriate form of self-promotion by the artist on government coinage. While it was common practice for artists to sign their work, the visibility of Brenner’s initials on a widely circulated coin was unprecedented for U.S. currency.
Despite arguments that other coin designers had included their initials on previous coins, the Treasury Department, under pressure from public opinion and some members of Congress, ordered the removal of Brenner’s initials from the coin’s reverse shortly after its initial release. This decision led to two distinct varieties of the 1909 Lincoln Cent: the 1909 V.D.B. and the 1909 No V.D.B. The sudden halt in production of the V.D.B. variety made it scarcer and, consequently, more valuable to collectors.
Later, in 1918, Brenner’s initials were restored to the Lincoln Cent, albeit in a much less conspicuous location: on Lincoln’s shoulder, near the bottom edge of the bust. This placement satisfied both the artistic desire for attribution and the public’s demand for subtlety. The controversy surrounding the V.D.B. initials only added to the coin’s legend and collectibility.
Impact on Coin Collecting
The 1909 Lincoln Cent, especially the V.D.B. variety, immediately became a sought-after item for coin collectors. The sudden withdrawal of the V.D.B. design created instant rarity, driving up its value. This event highlighted the dynamic nature of coin production and the potential for variations to emerge, fueling the hobby of numismatics. The Lincoln Cent’s debut solidified the idea that U.S. coinage could be a canvas for both historical commemoration and artistic expression.
The Significance of the Lincoln Cent
The Lincoln Cent’s introduction marked a profound shift in American coinage policy and design philosophy. It was the first coin to feature a president, setting a precedent for future U.S. coins.
Departure from Allegorical Figures
Prior to 1909, U.S. coins primarily featured allegorical representations of Liberty, often depicted as a classical female figure, or Native American profiles, as seen on the Indian Head Cent and the Buffalo Nickel. While these designs carried symbolic meaning, they did not directly honor specific historical figures. The decision to place Abraham Lincoln, a real person and a revered national leader, on a circulating coin was a significant departure. It signaled a move towards recognizing and honoring the individuals who shaped American history.
This change reflected a broader cultural trend towards hero worship and national identity building in the early 20th century. Lincoln, having guided the nation through the Civil War and abolished slavery, was an ideal candidate to inaugurate this new era of portrait coinage.
Longest-Running Coin Design
The Lincoln Cent’s original “wheat cent” reverse design, though modified, remained largely unchanged from 1909 until 1958. In 1959, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, the reverse was redesigned to feature the Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro. This design persisted for nearly 50 years, until 2009.
In 2009, for the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent, four new reverse designs were issued, each depicting a different stage of Lincoln’s life. These designs were temporary, and in 2010, a new permanent reverse design, the Union Shield, was introduced. Despite these changes to the reverse, the obverse portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner, has remained largely consistent since its inception. This longevity makes the Lincoln Cent one of the longest-running coin designs in U.S. history, a testament to its enduring popularity and the iconic nature of Lincoln’s image.
Paving the Way for Other Presidential Coins
The success and public acceptance of the Lincoln Cent paved the way for other U.S. coins to feature presidents. Over time, other revered presidents would appear on circulating coinage:
- Washington Quarter (1932): George Washington became the second president to appear on a regular-issue circulating coin.
- Jefferson Nickel (1938): Thomas Jefferson followed, appearing on the nickel.
- Roosevelt Dime (1946): Franklin D. Roosevelt was honored on the dime shortly after his death.
- Kennedy Half Dollar (1964): John F. Kennedy was placed on the half dollar after his assassination.
The Lincoln Cent established a precedent that has continued to the present day, with presidential portraits now a standard feature of U.S. circulating coinage. The decision to make Abraham Lincoln the first coin to feature a president fundamentally altered the landscape of American numismatics.
Technical Aspects and Production
The Lincoln Cent was initially composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. During World War II, due to copper shortages, the composition was temporarily changed in 1943 to zinc-coated steel. This “steel cent” is a notable anomaly in the series and is easily identifiable due to its silver-like appearance. The composition reverted to bronze (copper, tin, zinc) in 1944. In 1982, due to rising copper prices, the composition was changed to a copper-plated zinc core (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper plating), a composition that remains in use today.
The production of the Lincoln Cent began at the Philadelphia Mint, followed by the San Francisco Mint and the Denver Mint. Coins struck at the San Francisco Mint bear an “S” mint mark, while those from the Denver Mint bear a “D” mint mark. Coins from the Philadelphia Mint typically have no mint mark (until 1980, when a “P” mint mark was added). The presence or absence of a mint mark, along with the date and any design variations (like the V.D.B. initials), are critical factors for collectors.
Mintage Figures and Rarity
Millions, and later billions, of Lincoln Cents have been minted over the decades, making it one of the most widely produced coins in U.S. history. However, certain dates and mint marks are significantly rarer than others, contributing to their collectible value. Key dates and varieties include:
- 1909-S V.D.B.: The most famous and valuable of the Lincoln Cents due to its low mintage and the V.D.B. controversy.
- 1909-S: The “No V.D.B.” variety from San Francisco is also scarce.
- 1914-D: A low mintage coin from the Denver Mint.
- 1922-D “No D”: An error coin where the “D” mint mark is missing due to a filled die.
- 1931-S: Another low mintage coin from San Francisco.
- 1943 Steel Cent: While common, certain errors or specific conditions can make them valuable.
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse: A prominent and highly sought-after error coin with a clear doubling of the date and inscriptions.
The study of these variations and their mintage figures forms a core part of collecting Lincoln Cents.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Lincoln Cent is more than just a piece of currency; it is a cultural icon. For generations of Americans, it has been the most common coin encountered in daily life. Its ubiquity has made Lincoln’s image instantly recognizable to millions, further cementing his place in the national consciousness.
The penny, regardless of its changing reverse designs, has consistently featured Abraham Lincoln since 1909. This continuous presence has ensured that the memory and legacy of the 16th president remain ever-present in the hands and pockets of Americans. The decision to make Abraham Lincoln the first coin to feature a president was a resounding success, both artistically and symbolically. It honored a beloved figure, modernized American coinage, and established a tradition that continues to shape the visual identity of U.S. currency. The Lincoln Cent stands as a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in American history and numismatics.
Who was the first president to be featured on a coin?
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.
Who is the only president to appear on a coin while still alive?
Thanks for asking. Calvin Coolidge was the first and only President to have his portrait appear on a coin minted while he was still alive, the Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar, minted in 1926.
What was the first U.S. coin to bear the likeness of a president?
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.