The first U.S. coin to feature a president in general circulation was the Lincoln Cent (penny) , which debuted in 1909 . This coin was released in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
While some earlier pattern coins featured George Washington, they weren’t intended for general circulation. The [Lafayette dollar] issued in 1900, also featured George Washington, and was the first U.S. coin to depict a U.S. citizen. However, it was primarily a commemorative coin and not for everyday use.
The Lincoln Cent marked a departure from the tradition of featuring symbolic representations of Liberty on circulating coinage . Following its success, portraits of other deceased presidents were added to various denominations, including George Washington on the quarter in 1932, Thomas Jefferson on the nickel in 1938 , and Franklin D. Roosevelt on the dime in 1946.
What was the first U.S. coin to feature a president?
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 was the first president to have their face on a coin?
Nearly two decades later, in April 1792, the U.S. dollar was created as the official American currency. The fictional Lady Liberty was the main symbol on U.S. coins at the time, but in 1909, Abraham Lincoln became the first U.S. president to appear on American money.
What is the rarest president coin?
The most expensive Presidential Dollar coin is the 2009 SMS William Henry Harrison with missing edge lettering, graded 69/70, which can sell for up to $2,450. The least expensive among the top valuable coins is the 2007 SMS Jefferson dollar with missing edge lettering, graded 67, valued at $600.
Which U.S. coin features a picture of a president on the front?
Or the front side of the coin. This made Lincoln the first real person to be honored on a US circulating coin.