2009 Bicentennial Lincoln Penny
2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Program
For any coin collector, the release of new coins, is a mouth watering event. I mean, even with the release of the 1999 - 2008 commemorative state quarters, there were many coin collectors running out, collecting the state quarters, I want to say that the Lincoln pennies will be just the same.
If you haven't heard, throughout 2009, the United States Mint will be minting and issuing four one cent coins in recognition of the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln penny.
These bicentennial pennies will be released throughout the year, and will definitely add a little spark to any coin collection.
The Design:
On one side of the coin, the designs will each represent a stage, theme, or aspect of Lincoln's life, and the other will feature Lincoln's portrait and the inscription, "United States of America," "E Pluribus Unum" and "One Cent."
The four stages, or themes will include:
- Birth and early childhood in Kentucky (1809-1816)
- Formative years in Indiana (1816-1830)
- Professional Life in Illinois (1830-1861)
- Presidency in Washington, DC (1861-1865)
Unveiling the Penny:
The new Lincoln pennies will be unveiled on September 22 at Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and as outlined in the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, the pennies will be released throughout the year at three month intervals.
The pennies will start to circulate February 12, 2009.
What Metal Will Comprise the New Penny:
The coins will still be minted of the same metal content (2.5% copper, zinc balance) with a few other specifications. But, the Secretary of the Treasury will also mint and issue a numismatic one-cent coin in 2009 that will be composed of the same metal as the 1909 penny, which is 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc; these pennies will be offered at United State's Mint annual product offerings.
Theme: Birth and early childhood in Kentucky (1809-1816)
Design: A log cabin that represents Lincoln’s humble beginnings in Kentucky.
Theme: Formative years in Indiana (1816-1830)
Design: A young Lincoln educating himself while working as a rail splitter in Indiana.
Theme: Professional Life in Illinois (1830-1861)
Design: The young professional Abraham Lincoln in front of the State Capitol in Illinois.
Theme: Presidency in Washington, DC (1861-1865)
Design: The half finished United States Capitol dome.
