If you have ever looked closely at a U.S. penny, you may have wondered who is on the penny and why that person was chosen to appear on the coin. The penny, also called the one-cent coin, is one of the most recognizable coins in the United States and has a long history.
Quick Answer
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is on the U.S. penny. His portrait has appeared on the coin since 1909, when the design was introduced to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
Lincoln became the first real person in American history to appear on a circulating U.S. coin.
Why Is Abraham Lincoln on the Penny?
Abraham Lincoln was chosen for the penny because of his enormous impact on American history. As president from 1861 to 1865, Lincoln led the country during the Civil War and played a major role in ending slavery.
In 1909, the United States Mint decided to honor Lincoln’s legacy by placing his portrait on the penny.
Several factors influenced this decision:
- The 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth
- His leadership during the Civil War
- His role in preserving the United States
- His contribution to ending slavery
The design was created by sculptor Victor David Brenner, whose initials “VDB” originally appeared on the coin.
History of the U.S. Penny
The penny has existed in the United States for more than two centuries. The design has changed many times since the first penny was minted.
Early American Pennies (1793)
The first U.S. penny was produced in 1793. Early designs featured symbols such as:
- Lady Liberty
- Wreath designs
- The Flying Eagle
These early coins were much larger than modern pennies.
The Lincoln Penny (1909)
In 1909, the Lincoln penny was introduced. This design became one of the most famous coins in U.S. history.
Key features included:
- Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the front (obverse)
- Two wheat stalks on the back
- The words “One Cent” and “United States of America”
Because of the wheat design, these coins are often called Wheat Pennies.
What Is on the Back of the Penny?
The back of the penny has changed several times over the years.
Wheat Penny (1909–1958)
The original Lincoln penny featured two wheat stalks on the reverse side.
Collectors often refer to these coins as wheat pennies.
Lincoln Memorial Penny (1959–2008)
In 1959, the U.S. Mint replaced the wheat design with the Lincoln Memorial.
This change honored the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
The Lincoln Memorial design remained on the penny for nearly 50 years.
Union Shield Design (2010–Present)
Today’s penny features a Union Shield design on the back.
The shield represents the strength and unity of the United States.
The design includes:
- A shield with vertical stripes
- A banner reading “One Cent”
- The phrase “E Pluribus Unum”
What Are Pennies Made Of?
The composition of pennies has changed throughout history.
Early Pennies
Early pennies were made mostly of pure copper.
Copper gave the coin its distinctive reddish color.
Pennies During World War II
During 1943, copper was needed for the war effort. Because of this, pennies were made from steel coated with zinc.
These rare coins are now collectible, and many collectors search for information about how much a 1943 steel penny is worth because some examples can be extremely valuable.
Steel coins also led to questions about metal properties. For example, people sometimes wonder whether certain metals behave like those discussed in guides explaining whether steel is magnetic.
Modern Pennies (After 1982)
Today, pennies are mostly made from zinc with a thin copper coating.
The modern composition is:
- 97.5% zinc
- 2.5% copper
This change was made because the price of copper increased.
Interesting Facts About the Penny
The penny may be a small coin, but it has a fascinating history.
Lincoln Was the First Real Person on a U.S. Coin
Before Lincoln appeared on the penny, American coins typically featured symbolic figures such as Lady Liberty.
Billions of Pennies Are Produced Every Year
The U.S. Mint produces billions of pennies annually to keep up with demand.
Some Pennies Are Extremely Valuable
Certain rare pennies are worth far more than one cent.
Examples include:
- 1909-S VDB penny
- 1943 copper penny
- 1955 doubled die penny
Collectors sometimes pay thousands of dollars for rare examples.
The Penny Is Sometimes Debated
Because it costs more than one cent to produce a penny, some economists have suggested removing it from circulation.
However, the coin remains widely used today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the face on the penny?
The face on the U.S. penny is Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. His portrait has been on the coin since 1909.
When did Abraham Lincoln appear on the penny?
Lincoln first appeared on the penny in 1909, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth.
What is the penny made of today?
Modern pennies are made from 97.5% zinc with a thin copper coating.
What is on the back of the penny?
Today’s penny features a Union Shield design, representing the unity of the United States.
Are old pennies valuable?
Some older pennies can be extremely valuable depending on rarity, condition, and minting errors. Certain rare coins are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts
Now you know who is on the penny and why Abraham Lincoln appears on the famous one-cent coin. Introduced in 1909 to honor Lincoln’s legacy, the penny has become one of the most recognizable coins in American history.
From early copper coins to wartime steel pennies and modern zinc versions, the penny reflects both American history and economic change over more than two centuries.
