The Penny’s Evolution: A Look Back at the Coin’s Changing Design and Values
The Penny’s Evolution: A Look Back at the Coin’s Changing Design and Values
The penny, one of the most iconic and widely used coins in the world, has undergone many changes throughout its history. From its humble beginnings as a token used in the 1700s to the modern-day Lincoln cent, the penny has evolved significantly over the years. In this article, we’ll take a journey through time to explore the evolution of the penny’s design and values.
Early Days (1793-1837)
The first penny, designed by British engraver Joseph Kean, was introduced in 1793 and featured a bust of Britannia, the mythological goddess of Britain, on the obverse (front) side and an image of a British shield on the reverse (back) side. The coin was used in the young United States as a token, equivalent to a one-cent piece, and was struck by the United States Mint. The design was relatively simple, with a plain border and no inscriptions other than the British crown’s motto, "Dei Donum ", which translates to "Gift of God."
Civil War and the 1860s
During the American Civil War, the penny underwent significant changes. The design was updated to feature a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, on the obverse side. The reverse side changed to feature a shield with the words "ONE CENT" written in large letters. This design was meant to pay homage to Lincoln, who was assassinated in 1865. The penny’s value also changed, pegged to the value of the wheat penny, which had been used in the United States since 1793.
The Indian Head Penny (1859-1909)
In 1859, the design of the penny was updated again, this time featuring a portrait of Lady Liberty, recognizable from the Indian Head nickel, on the obverse side. The reverse side showed a wreath of laurel and oak leaves, symbolizing the union of the states. This design was used for nearly 50 years, until the introduction of the Lincoln cent in 1909.
The Lincoln Cent (1909-1958)
The Lincoln cent, designed by Victor David Brenner, was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. The obverse side featured a portrait of Lincoln, while the reverse side showed a shield with the inscription "ONE CENT" in large letters. The design was simplified in 1943, when the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added to the reverse side. This cent was used for nearly 50 years, until its replacement by the new design in 1959.
The New Penny (1959-present)
In 1959, the United States Mint introduced a new design, which has been used ever since. The obverse side features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, while the reverse side shows a shield with the inscription "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" in large letters. This design has undergone several slight modifications over the years, including the addition of the presidential motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" (Latin for "One out of many") and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" in smaller letters.
Values and Use
Throughout its history, the penny has always been a useful denomination, with the U.S. Mint producing millions of pennies each year. Despite its humble value, the penny has played a significant role in the U.S. economy, serving as a symbol of American currency and commerce. Today, the penny is no longer a widely used denomination in transactions, but it remains an important part of American culture and history.
In conclusion, the penny’s evolution reflects the changing values and design preferences of the United States over the years. From its humble beginnings as a token to the modern-day Lincoln cent, the penny has adapted to new designs, materials, and values. As the United States continues to evolve, it is interesting to look back at the development of this beloved coin and the values it represents.
