Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cent, introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, was the first U.S. coin to feature a president's portrait. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the obverse depicts Lincoln's profile, while the reverse initially showcased two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity, before transitioning to the current Lincoln Memorial design in 1959. Struck in bronze for most of its history, the composition changed during certain periods, such as the steel cents of 1943 and the copper-plated zinc cents introduced in 1982. The Lincoln Cent remains a widely collected and enduring piece of U.S. numismatic history, celebrated for its design and historical significance.