The New Penny
Penny Redesign…Coming in 2009!
In 2009, the United States Mint will mint and issue four different one-cent coins in recognition of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the production of the Lincoln cent. While the obverse will continue to bear the likeness of President Lincoln currently on the penny, the reverse will change to bear four different designs, each representing a different aspect of the life of Abraham Lincoln.
The themes for the reverse designs represent the four major aspects of Abraham Lincoln’s life;
- Lincoln's Birth in Kentucky (1809-1816)
- Formative Years in Indiana (1816-1830)
- Professional Life in Illinois (1830-1861)
- Presidency in Washington, DC (1861-1865)
A new design will be issued approximately every 3 months in 2009. The designs for the coins will be chosen by the Secretary of the Treasury after consultation with the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, and after review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
Reverse inscriptions will continue to include "United States of America," "E Pluribus Unum," and "One Cent." The 2009 Abraham Lincoln one-cent coins will maintain the same metal content (2.5% Copper, Balance Zinc) as the current penny.
