The Lincoln Cent - Wheatie (1909-1959)
When the Lincoln cent made its initial appearance in 1909, it marked a radical departure from accepted styling, introducing as it did for the first time a portrait coin in the regular series. A strong feeling had prevailed against the use of portraits on the coins of the country but public sentiment stemming from the 100th anniversary celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birth proved stronger than the long-standing prejudice.
The only person invited to participate in the formulation of the new design was Victor David Brenner. President Theodore Roosevelt was so impressed with the talents of this outstanding sculptor that Brenner was singled out by the President for the commission.
The splendid likeness of our 16th President on the obverse is an adaptation of a plaque Brenner executed several years prior which had come to the attention of President Roosevelt. In addition to prescribed elements - LIBERTY and the date - the motto IN GOD WE TRUST appeared for the first time on a coin of this denomination. Of interest is the fact that the Congress passed the Act on March 3, 1865, authorizing the use of this expression on our coins during Lincoln's tenure of office. A study of three models for the reverse resulted in the approval of a very simple design bearing two wheatheads in memorial style. Between these, in the center of the coin, are the denomination and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, while curving around the upper border is the national motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, which means "One out of Many."
Even though no legislation was required for a new design, approval of the Secretary was necessary to make the change. Franklin MacVeagh gave his approval July 14, 1909, and not quite three weeks later, on August 2nd, the new cent was released to the public.
The original model bore Brenner's name. Prior to issuance, however, the initials VDB were substituted because Mint officials felt the name was too prominent. After the coin was released, many protested that even the initials were conspicuous and detracted from the design. Because the coin was in great demand, and due to the fact that to make a change would have required halting production, the decision was made to eliminate the initials entirely. They were restored in 1918, and are to be found in minute form on the rim, just under the shoulder of Lincoln.
1943 - Production of this wartime cent was provided for in the Act approved December 12, 1942, which also set as the expiration date of the authority December 18, 1946. Low grade carbon steel formed the base, to which a zinc coating .005 inches thick was deposited on each side electrolytically as a rust preventative. The same size was maintained but the weight was reduced from the standard 48 grains to 42 grains, due to the use of a lighter alloy. Operations commenced February 27, 1943, and by December 31st of that year the three Mints then functioning had put out an almost record breaking number of cents, with the total reaching 1,093,838,670 pieces. The copper released was enough to meet the combined needs of two cruisers, two destroyers, 1242 flying fortresses, 120 field guns and 120 howitzers; or enough for one and one-quarter million shells for our big field guns.
On January 1, 1944, the Mints were able to adopt a modified alloy, the supply being derived from expended shell casings which when melted furnished the composition similar to the original but with only faint trace of tin, the 6 grains dropped from the total weight was restored.
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