U.S. Mint Releases Fourth Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Coin November 12

WASHINGTON D.C. -- The United States Mint will be releasing the fourth and final design of the Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Program on November 12, 2009. The new Lincoln Bicentennial cent shows an image of the U.S. Capitol under construction on the reverse (tail's side). This 2009 one-cent coin marks the end of a year-long series of designs which honor the life and career of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, reports a United States Mint press release.

The new design is called "Presidency," and marks the four years during which Lincoln served as president, overseeing a nation torn in half during the Civil War but eventually restored to a Union while under his leadership.

The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Program

The past three 2009 Lincoln cents have each honored various times in Lincoln's life. The first design, released during the winter of 2009, showed an image of Lincoln's log cabin, which he spent his early life living in. The second design, which was released during the spring, shows Lincoln in his formative years reading a book during his time working as a log splitter. The third Lincoln Bicentennial design entered circulation over the summer and shows Lincoln during the early years of his professional career.

History of the Lincoln One-Cent Coin

The Lincoln cent was first struck in 1909. At the time, the reverse design showed two stalks of wheat, signifying national prosperity.

In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched the one-cent coin's metal composition from 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc to a zinc-coated steel format in an effort to save copper for the World War II effort. In 1944, the U.S. Mint resumed to using copper in the one-cent coin.

In 1959, the U.S. Mint marked the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth with the placement of an image of Washington D.C.'s Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

In 1982, with copper prices rising, the U.S. Mint was authorized to change the composition of the Lincoln cent to a copper-plated zinc composition, giving the Lincoln cent a lighter weight and lighter color than the earlier copper-based one-cent coins.

During 2008, the last Lincoln cents with the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse were minted.

The Lincoln Cent's Future

The future of the Lincoln cent includes a much-anticipated redesign of the reverse for 2010 and beyond. This new design is to honor Lincoln's restoration of the Union. Word as to what the new design will be is expected to be released on November 12. Mentioned possibilities for the new reverse include a design of a completed U.S. Capitol building, an eagle, and a shield. Abraham Lincoln's portrait will be left untouched for the new one-cent coins of 2010.

How To Buy The New 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Coins

The U.S. Mint is releasing the fourth design of the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial one-cent coins to the public on November 12. If you wish to order any examples straight from the U.S. Mint, you may do so by visiting the U.S. Mint's web site or calling 1-800-USA-MINT. The U.S. Mint also has examples of the other three Lincoln Bicentennial one-cent coins on sale; these can be ordered in roll and bag quantities and also in sets.

Resources

Personal and First-Hand Knowledge

United States Mint. "Fourth Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Coin Available November 12." November 6, 2009. http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=press_release&ID=1077