A small History

In 1909, the design of the penny was updated to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This update marked the first time a real person was featured on a U.S. coin. Prior to this, U.S. coins typically featured symbolic figures or allegorical representations.

Here are the key details of the 1909 penny design change:

Introduction of the Lincoln Cent
– The new penny featured a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse (front) side of the coin. The design was created by Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian-born sculptor.
– The reverse (back) of the coin initially featured two wheat ears, which is why this version of the penny is often referred to as the “Wheat Cent” or “Wheat Penny.”

Controversy Over the Designer’s Initials
– The original design included Brenner’s initials, “V.D.B.,” prominently on the reverse of the coin, at the bottom between the two wheat ears.
– This led to some controversy and criticism, with some feeling that the initials were too prominent.
– As a result, the initials were removed from the coin later in 1909. They were eventually restored in 1918, but in a much smaller size and placed on the obverse, just below Lincoln’s shoulder.

Production and Popularity
– The 1909 Lincoln cent was produced in two varieties: with the “V.D.B.” initials (known as the 1909 VDB) and without the initials.
– The coin was very popular with the public, and its introduction marked the beginning of a long tradition of featuring Lincoln on the penny, a practice that continues to this day.

What You Get

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