Different Kinds of Pennies

Coins have always fascinated both casual collectors and serious numismatists. Pennies, being the smallest unit of currency in the United States, have a rich and diverse history. Over the years, the design, material, and production methods of the penny have undergone significant changes.

Early US Pennies

The earliest US pennies date back to the late 18th century. The first official one-cent coin, the Fugio Cent, was authorized by the Continental Congress in 1787. Designed by Benjamin Franklin, it featured a sun dial and the motto Mind Your Business on the obverse. The reverse side depicted 13 linked rings representing the original colonies.

Draped Bust and Liberty Head Pennies

In 1793, the US Mint released the Flowing Hair Cent. These coins were made of pure copper and featured a simple, elegant design. They were only minted for a year before the Liberty Cap Cent replaced them. This coin depicted Liberty wearing a soft cap. Next came the Draped Bust Cent (1796-1807) with a more refined image of Liberty. The final major design before the Civil War was the Classic Head Cent (1808-1814).

Large Cents to Small Cents

Initially, US pennies were quite large, nearly the size of modern half dollars. These so-called Large Cents were made of pure copper. In 1856, the Mint introduced the Flying Eagle Cent for a brief period. This marked the transition to the smaller one-cent coins that we are accustomed to today. Following that, the Indian Head Cent was minted from 1859 to 1909. This iconic coin featured Liberty adorned with a Native American headdress.

The Lincoln Cent

In 1909, the US Mint introduced the Lincoln Cent to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Designed by Victor David Brenner, this was the first US coin to feature a real person. The reverse side initially displayed two wheat stalks, earning it the nickname Wheat Penny. It was minted until 1958. In 1959, to mark Lincoln’s 150th birthday, the reverse design was changed to feature the Lincoln Memorial.

Modern Pennies

The Lincoln Memorial design remained in place until 2008. In 2009, the Mint released four different designs depicting scenes from Lincoln’s life in celebration of his 200th birthday. These included His Birth and Early Childhood in Kentucky, Formative Years in Indiana, Professional Life in Illinois, and Presidency in Washington, D.C. Starting in 2010, the reverse was redesigned once more to feature the Union Shield.

Material Changes and Composition

Over the years, the composition of pennies has changed. Early pennies were made of pure copper. During World War II, the need for copper for the war effort led to the production of Steel Cents in 1943. These steel pennies were coated with zinc to prevent rusting. After the war, the composition reverted to mostly copper. In 1982, to lower costs, the composition changed again to 97.5% zinc with a 2.5% copper plating.

Collectible Varieties and Errors

The world of penny collecting is filled with unique varieties and errors. Some of the most sought-after include the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, one of the first Lincoln pennies bearing Brenner’s initials. Another famous error coin is the 1955 Doubled Die Penny, where misalignment during the minting process caused a doubled image on the coin. Other notable errors include the 1922 No D Cent and the 1943 Copper Penny.

International Pennies

While this article focuses on US pennies, it’s worth noting that pennies exist in other countries as well. The United Kingdom has the Penny and the Large Penny, dating back to the early 18th century. Canada minted large copper pennies from the 19th century up until 2012. Each of these coins has its unique history and design elements that make them interesting for collectors worldwide.

The Future of the Penny

The relevancy and cost-effectiveness of the penny have been debated for years. Some argue for the elimination of the penny due to its declining value and the cost of production exceeding its face value. However, it remains a staple of American currency and a beloved item for collectors. Whether it remains in circulation or goes the way of the half-penny, the penny’s rich history will always be cherished.