The Lincoln penny is one of the most recognized and widely circulated coins in the United States. While most people see it daily, few realize the hidden history, rare errors, and unique details that make this small coin so special. Whether you’re a coin collector or just curious, here are seven fascinating facts about the Lincoln penny that might surprise you!
1. It Was the First U.S. Coin to Feature a Real Person
Before the Lincoln penny debuted in 1909, all U.S. coins featured Lady Liberty or other symbolic designs. President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to honor Abraham Lincoln on the centennial of his birth, making the penny the first U.S. coin to display a real historical figure.
2. The Designer’s Initials Were Removed—Then Brought Back
The first 1909 pennies featured the initials “V.D.B.” (for designer Victor David Brenner) on the reverse (tails side). However, they were removed soon after due to complaints that they were too prominent. They returned in 1918, but much smaller, appearing under Lincoln’s shoulder instead.
3. There’s a Rare 1943 Copper Penny Worth Over $1 Million
During World War II, pennies were made from zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on copper planchets instead. These rare coins are worth over $1 million today!
How to check if you have one? Use a magnet—if it doesn’t stick, you might have a valuable 1943 copper penny!
4. The 1955 Double Die Penny Is a Collector’s Dream
One of the most famous penny errors is the 1955 Double Die Obverse. Due to a misalignment during the minting process, these pennies show a noticeable doubling effect on the date and inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Some sell for thousands of dollars today!
5. Lincoln Pennies Once Contained Real Wheat Stalks
From 1909 to 1958, the reverse of the penny featured two wheat stalks. Known as “wheat pennies,” these coins are beloved by collectors. In 1959, the design changed to the Lincoln Memorial, followed by the Union Shield design in 2010.
6. A 1974 Penny Was Made from Aluminum—And It’s Illegal to Own
The U.S. Mint experimented with aluminum pennies in 1974 to cut costs, producing about 1.5 million test coins. However, they were never released to the public, and almost all were destroyed. A few escaped, but they are considered government property and cannot be legally owned.
7. The Lincoln Penny Is the Most Produced Coin in U.S. History
With over 1 trillion pennies minted, the Lincoln penny holds the record as the most produced coin in the country. Despite rising costs, the U.S. Mint continues to produce them—even though it costs more than one cent to make each penny!
Conclusion
The Lincoln penny is more than just spare change—it’s a piece of American history filled with rare varieties, valuable errors, and fascinating stories. Whether you’re hunting for a million-dollar copper penny or just appreciating its long history, these facts prove that this tiny coin is worth more than its face value!