Five coins - the cent and four gold coins - were scheduled for redesign in the first decade of the 20th century. People wanted to put Lincoln's portrait on a coin in honor of the centennial of his birth in 1909. By the time the decision was made, work on designs for the gold coins was already nearing completion so his image was placed on the cent.
The portrait chosen was based on a medal created by the famed sculptor Victor D. Brenner. As things turned out the lowly cent was a far better vehicle to honor Lincoln because everyone carried pennies. In addition production of gold coins ended in 1932 but cents of course continue to be minted, reminding us every day of the man considered to be one of the three greatest presidents.
Chat with our AI personalities
Abraham Lincoln's image is engraved on the penny because he is considered to be one of the most important presidents of the United States. His image has been on the penny since 1909.
Abraham Lincoln is on the penny as the Representative of the 16th president of the USA.
Lincoln's head replaced the traditional "Indian Head" on the one cent coin in 1909, on the one hundredth anniversary of Honest Abe's birth. Ron Signorino Basking Ridge, NJ
Equality of all races, that all men are created equal "and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth"
Serfs a type of peasant was paid around a farthing (a quarter a penny) to a penny
Abraham originates from the Hebrew language, which is originally from Canaan (modern-day Israel).
Ah, isn't that a lovely question? In the 14th century, a penny was worth quite a bit! It could buy you a loaf of bread or maybe even a small meal. Just imagine all the beautiful things you could create with that penny back then.
Abraham Gestner