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The Penny: Complete History and Evolution of the U.S. Coins

The Penny: Complete History and Evolution of the U.S. Coins

The Evolution of The Penny

The concept of The Penny took place back over 1,200 years ago. To understand it better we’ll have to go back in time to 790 A.D when the first penny came into existence. The word ‘’Penny’’ means any sort of coin or a type of money. In the U.S, people know the coins by the name of pennies whose value is ‘’one cent’’ for centuries. However, the American penny was inspired by the British coin. Additionally, Penny is just a slang name for a coin or cent. Cent is the official name of the American coin currency. Since 1787, over 300 Billion coins were made with eleven different designs by the U.S mint. 

In 1792, George Washington signed and authorized the first penny from the mint act of the United States. Benjamin Franklin was the designer of the first one-cent coin in America. His designed coin circulated the country for more than 2 centuries. The design of the Penny symbolized the true spirit of the nation.

1793 Flowing hair chain cent

Flowing Hair Large Cent
1793 Chain 1C AMERI., BN (Regular Strike) Flowing Hair Large Cent – PCGS CoinFacts

The 1793 Flowing hair chain cent coin was the very first penny made by the US government. It was the first mass-production coin in any metal that the federal government produced with its machinery and with its building. There was a 1792 dime (small amount of money) that was produced before the Flowing chain cent, but then there is also something interesting about the penny over here. It was supposed to symbolize freedom and liberty but instead, people thought that it was like savagery, and madness and that the person was kind of uncontrolled. So, the coin was criticized, and the chain was supposed to be something symbolizing strength but instead, people thought that it was associated with slavery and also complained about that.

The 1/100 fraction was a commitment to the decimal system because at that time they were breaking away from the British pound sterling system which was not out of a hundred. They also wanted to be aware of the people who were not literate which was a big problem at that time, but a lot of people would still be able to recognize some numbers. So, the one over 100 was preferred there in terms of some of the values they may not always be great values in the sense. The approximate values are still pretty high, very circulated refers to a coin that is like a good 4 or about a good 3.

Price of the 1793 Flowing hair chain cent

Although, that’s better than the type of culls that you might see in a coin shop but very circulated one is going to be $5000, light circulation is what I’ll call an X f40 coin or an E f40  where there’s a little bit of wear but it’s still really nice details that’s a 50 thousand dollar coin. There were three different varieties one of which says a merry, one where it’s America and one where there is a period after liberty. 

1793 Flowing hair wreath cent

hair wreath cent
1793 Wreath 1C Lettered Edge, BN (Regular Strike) Flowing Hair Large Cent – PCGS CoinFacts

We have then 1793 flowing hair wreath Cent. In this coin, the bust was a little bit more refined. While there are some nice details on the back that make it a little bit better. One over a hundred (1/100) to shift it down, they also removed the chain which made it just a better crisper coin, and answered the criticisms. But, the most interesting thing is that it’s tough to figure out what plant is designed on the back of the coin. There are three different plants, there’s the vine in bars edge lettered edge, and then the strawberry leaf which is more obvious.

Another interesting thing about this series is that a few times when the mint rolling mills broke down they produced a lot less coinage. Then, today about 2400 to 2800 of them are surviving while there were $63,000 originally made. Thirty of those remain in mint State today. In terms of the circulated values, these are for the vine and bars or lettered edge which is about 2,000 when circulated, $20,000 for light circulated, and $300,000 for the uncirculated.

There’s one mint state that sold 69 vine edge bar pennies for $550,000. After that, the leaf coin was sold for $250,000 and then the best-known example is the fine twelve and which sold for a little bit under $900 thousand. So, a lot more valuable. Nonetheless, the coins are a lot worse now than in their condition back in 1793.

1793 Liberty Cap – beaded border Penny

beaded border Penny
1793 1C Liberty Cap, BN (Regular Strike) Flowing Hair Large Cent – PCGS CoinFacts

The Liberty Cap with beaded border coins portrays a young Liberty with the cap. At that time the cap was something that was given to slaves once they were free. In other words, the cap shows freedom and Liberty. That’s what this coin shows. However, the coin weighs 208 grains which was the weight specified but they cut that to 168 in 1796. Later on, the 1793 coins became a lot rarer than some of the other ones.

The average worth of these coins is about $8,000 nowadays for very circulated, and for the light circulated, the worth was $100,000.

1794-1796 Liberty Cap – Denticled border

Liberty Cap - Denticles border
1796 1C Liberty Cap, BN (Regular Strike) Flowing Hair Large Cent – PCGS CoinFacts

The Liberty Cap, also known as the Phrygian cap, is a brimless, conical hat that is hemispherical with a pointed apex. The Liberty Cap was originally worn by the ancient Phrygians, inhabitants of Phrygia, a region in Anatolia, Asia Minor. The Phrygians were a mountainous people, and the Liberty Cap was often depicted on Phrygian coins. The Phrygian cap was also adopted by the Romans, and it is this Roman version of the Liberty Cap that is most often associated with the Liberty Cap’s use in the United States.

The Liberty Cap became a symbol of freedom during the American Revolution, and it was also used as a symbol of the French Revolution. This cap was worn by many famous personalities of the time, such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Marquis de Lafayette. Additionally, the Liberty Cap was also displayed on the Great Seal of the United States.

However, the Liberty Cap is believed to have first been used as a symbol of liberty in the United States during the American Revolution. There are several reasons why the Liberty Cap became a symbol of liberty during this time. Firstly, the Liberty Cap was already a well-established symbol of liberty and freedom dating back to ancient times. Secondly, the Liberty Cap was easily recognizable and could be easily made. Thirdly, the Liberty Cap was an inexpensive way to show support for the cause of liberty. Lastly, the Liberty Cap represented the ideals of the American Revolution, such as liberty, equality, and democracy.

Physical Details of the Liberty Cap Penny

The Liberty Cap is slightly redesigned especially with these denticle borders. There are a ton of varieties of these coins outside of the fact that they switched around the border. A lot of people focus since they’re still pretty expensive on the different varieties within a specific date. The prices of these coins dropped quite a bit. The worth of this coin is about $200 for a really circulated one, $3500 for an X f40, and about 100,000$ for a really really well-preserved mint state coin. 

The Liberty – Decticled Border Coin holds a great deal of historical significance. The coin is a reminder of the establishment of the United States Mint, and the inauguration of George Washington. The coin is also a reminder of the early years of the United States Mint, and the early coins that were minted by the United States Mint.

The Liberty – Decticled Border Coin is a valuable coin, and is highly sought after by collectors. The coin is rare and is seldom seen in circulation. The coin is considered to be a valuable piece of American history and is a great addition to any collection.

1796-1807 draped bust cent

draped bust cent
Draped Bust Large Cent Coin-One Cent US Coin Image, Facts 1796-1807

The Draped Bust Cent is a one-penny coin minted by the United States Mint from 1796 to 1807. The designer of the coin was engraver Robert Scot. The obverse of the coin features a bust of Liberty with the legend “LIBERTY” and the date. The reverse of the coin features the legend “ONE CENT” within a wreath of wheat, tobacco, and maple leaves. The Draped Bust penny was the first small denomination coin minted by the United States Mint. The coin was designed to be similar in size and weight to the Spanish dollar, which was the most widely used coin in the United States at the time. The Draped Bust Cent was produced at the mints in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York, Boston, and Massachusetts.

A total of 16,069,270 coins were minted. The coin was minted in two different designs. The first design, known as the “Type I” cent, was minted from 1796 to 1797. The second design, known as the “Type II” cent, was minted from 1797 to 1807. The Type II cent was slightly larger than the Type I cent and featured a different reverse design.

Varieties

There are several varieties of the Draped Bust Cent. The most common variety is the “Log Cabin” cent, which was minted in 1796. This variety is so named because the reverse design resembles a log cabin. Other varieties include the “Bust Left” cent, which was minted in 1796; the “Bust Right” cent, which was minted in 1797; and the “5 over 0” penny, which was minted in 1800. The Draped Bust Cent was minted in copper. However, a small number of “essays” or “trial strikes” were minted in silver. These coins are very rare and valuable. The Draped Bust Cent was replaced by the Classic Head Cent in 1808. The Classic Head Cent was minted until 1814 when it was replaced by the Coronet Cent. The Coronet penny was minted until 1857 when it was replaced by the Flying Eagle Cent.

The Draped Bust Cent is a popular coin with collectors. The coin is usually found in circulated conditions. However, a small number of uncirculated coins have been found. These coins are very valuable. The Draped Bust Cent is a popular and valuable coin. This coin was the first small denomination coin minted by the United States Mint. The coin was minted in copper, but a small number of silver coins were also minted. The coin was replaced by the Classic Head Cent in 1808. The Draped Bust penny is a popular coin with collectors. The coin is usually found in circulated conditions. However, a small number of uncirculated coins have been found. These coins are very valuable.

1808-1814 Classic head cent

Classic head cent
1814 1C Plain 4, BN (Regular Strike) Classic Head Cent – PCGS CoinFacts

The Classic Head cent was produced by the U.S. Mint from 1808 to 1814. John Reich was the designer of the Classic Head penny. It was the first U.S. one-cent coin to feature the portrait of Liberty on the obverse. Head cent was also the first U.S. coin to feature the date on the obverse. The Classic Head cent was struck in the purity of .8924 silver and .1076 copper.  Plus, the Classic Head cent was slightly larger than the Half Cent and weighed 4.67 grams. The Classic Head cent was produced at the following mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Charlotte. A total of 36,103,714 Classic Head cents were produced. The Classic Head cent was succeeded by the Matron Head cent in 1814.

The cent was an attempt to improve the design of the earlier Liberty Cap cent, which was minted from 1793 to 1797. The obverse of the Classic Head cent featured a portrait of Liberty, facing left, with the date below. The reverse featured the denominational value within a wreath. The Classic Head penny was minted from 1808 to 1814 when production was stopped due to the Napoleonic Wars.

The Napoleonic Wars

The Napoleonic Wars were a series of wars fought between France and a number of European countries, including Great Britain, Austria, Russia, and Prussia. The wars began in 1803, when Napoleon Bonaparte, the French Emperor, invaded Great Britain. In 1805, Napoleon defeated a combined British and Austrian army at the Battle of Austerlitz. In 1806, Napoleon defeated the Prussian army at the Battle of Jena. Napoleon defeated the Russian army at the Battle of Friedland In 1807. The Napoleonic Wars had a significant impact on the United States, even though the United States was not involved in the wars.

In 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain, in response to British policies that were seen as disrespectful to American sovereignty. They were at war with Great Britain from 1812 to 1814. The United States and Great Britain signed a peace treaty in 1814 after Napoleon had been defeated and forced to abdicate the throne. The Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815, with the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

The Classic Head cent is a popular type of coin among collectors. Values for the Classic Head cent range from $1000 for a circulated coin to over $100,000 for a coin in mint condition. The Classic Head cent was reintroduced in 1816 after the Napoleonic Wars had ended. The cent was minted until 1839 when it was replaced by the Braided Hair cent.

1839-1857 Braided Hair Penny

Braided Hair Penny
1 Cent 1839-1857 USA (1776 – ) Copper | Prices & Values KM-67

When one thinks of early United States coins, the first images that come to mind are probably the Liberty Cap penny and the Flowing Hair cent. However, there is another early American coin that is just as important, if not more so: the Braided Hair cent. Although it was only minted for a relatively short time, from 1839 to 1857, the Braided Hair cent played a crucial role in the history of American coinage. The Braided Hair cent was introduced in 1839, at a time when the nation was still reeling from the economic panic of 1837. In an effort to reduce the amount of copper in circulation and combat inflation, the Mint reduced the weight of the large cent from 1 ounce to just under 1/100 of an ounce.

The new coins were also made smaller but retained the same diameter as the old ones. This change was not well received by the public, who dubbed the new coins “Fleetwood Cents”.

Strategy to Improve the Coin’s Reputation

In an effort to improve the coin’s popularity, the Mint Director commissioned a new design from engraver James Barton Longacre. The result was the Braided Hair cent, which featured a portrait of Liberty on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. The coin was an instant hit, and Longacre’s design remained unchanged for the next 18 years. The Braided Hair cent was minted in large quantities during the 1840s and 1850s, and as a result, many different varieties exist. The most common variety is the 1839 “Matron Head” penny, so named for the matronly portrait of Liberty on the obverse. Other common varieties include the 1849 “Young Head” cent, the 1850 ” Rifleman” cent, and the 1851 “Backed” cent.

The Braided Hair cent was finally replaced by the Indian Head cent in 1858. The new coin was very similar in design but featured a smaller portrait of Liberty on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. The change was most likely made in an effort to reduce the coin’s production costs. It was also an interesting and important coin in American numismatic history. Although it was only minted for a short time, the coin played a crucial role in the development of American coinage. For these reasons, the Braided Hair cent is a must-have for any serious collector of early United States coins.

1859 No shield Indian Head Cent

No shield Indian Head Cent
1859 1C (Regular Strike) Indian Cent – PCGS CoinFacts

In 1859, the United States Mint released a new one-cent coin. The coin was made of bronze and featured an Indian head design on the front. The Indian head cent was minted for nearly 60 years until it was replaced by the Lincoln penny in 1909. Although, the Indian head cent was popular with the public, and circulation of the coin was high. The Indian head cent was made of a copper-nickel alloy, which made it resistant to wear and tear. It was easy to distinguish this penny from other coins because of its unique design. It was initially met with some criticism because of its unconventional design. The Indian head cent was designed by James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Head cent was based on Longacre’s design for the Indian Princess penny. 

The Indian head penny was released at a time when the United States was transitioning from the gold standard to the silver standard. This Indian head cent was minted in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans. The Indian head cent was replaced by the Lincoln cent in 1909. The Lincoln penny was made of a cheaper alloy and was smaller in size. The Lincoln cent was also minted in higher quantities than the Indian head cent.

1909-1958 Lincoln Wheat Penny

Lincoln Wheat Penny
Lincoln Wheat Penny (1909–1958): Values & Key Dates

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a United States one-penny coin produced from 1909 to 1958. The coin’s obverse design features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, while the reverse features two wheat stalks. The coin is made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first produced in 1909, the first year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth centennial. The coin was designed by Victor D. Brenner, who also designed the VDB initials on the reverse of the coin. The coin was released into circulation on Lincoln’s birthday, February 12, 1909.

The coin was produced at four different mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and New York. The original design of the coin was changed in 1916 to add the words “In God We Trust” to the reverse, following the passage of the 1916 Coinage Act. This coin was minted sporadically from 1917 to 1958, with production halting during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The wheat penny was last minted in 1958, the year of Lincoln’s 100th birthday. The coin was minted in large quantities in its early years, but its production declined in later years. The coin is now a collector’s item, with some examples selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a reminder of America’s history and of the man who led the country through its greatest crisis. The coin is a tangible connection to our past and a reminder of the values that have made America great.

The Lincoln memorial Penny

The Lincoln memorial Penny
Collecting Lincoln Memorial Cents – Numismatic News

The Lincoln Memorial Cent is a coin that was released by the United States Mint to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Lincoln based on a bust by sculptor Daniel Chester French. The reverse of the coin bears the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial Cent was first struck in 1959 and has been struck every year since then. The coin is hit in both copper and bronze, with the copper version being more common. The coin is also struck in a proof version for collectors.

Lincoln memorial coin has a diameter of 19mm and a mass of 3.11 grams. The coin is legal tender in the United States for one penny. This coin is often collected by people who are interested in Lincoln or in American history. The coin is also popular with people who collect coins from all over the world.

2009 Lincoln bicentennial reverses  

Lincoln bicentennial reverses 
Today’s Deal – 2009 Lincoln Cent Bicentennial 8-Coin Set – USCoinNews

In 2009, America celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of its 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Bicentennial was a year-long celebration that commemorated Lincoln’s life and accomplishments. The bicentennial celebrations began on February 12, 2009, Lincoln’s birthday, and ended on February 12, 2010, the anniversary of his death. The significance of the Lincoln Bicentennial cannot be understated because Lincoln is one of the most influential people in American history. He led the country through its greatest crisis, the Civil War, and helped to preserve the Union. Abraham Lincoln also played a major role in the abolishment of human slavery. Lincoln’s heritage continues to encourage Americans today. The Lincoln Bicentennial was planned and coordinated by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, a federal agency established by Congress in 2000. The commission was tasked with planning, coordinating, and executing activities to commemorate Lincoln’s 200th birthday.

The commission worked with partners at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that the Lincoln Bicentennial was a truly national celebration. Thousands of events were held across the country, from small community gatherings to large-scale events in Washington, D.C. The Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration began on February 12, 2009, Lincoln’s birthday. President Barack Obama led the country in a day of service, encouraging Americans to honor Lincoln’s legacy by giving back to their communities. Lincoln’s birthday was also designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Throughout the year, there were many other events and activities to commemorate Lincoln’s life and legacy. In May, the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, opened a major exhibition on Lincoln’s life and times. The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., was also rededicated on Lincoln’s birthday.

Abraham Lincoln’s Tribute

In August 2009, a new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum opened in Springfield, Illinois. The library houses the world’s largest collection of Lincoln-related documents and artifacts.

On February 12, 2010, the anniversary of Lincoln’s death, Americans across the country paid tribute to the fallen president. In Washington, D.C., a candlelight vigil was held at the Lincoln Memorial. Springfield, Illinois, hosted a day-long symposium on Lincoln’s legacy. And at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., where Lincoln was assassinated, a special performance of “Threesome” was held. The impact of the Lincoln Bicentennial was far-reaching. The celebration helped to raise awareness of Lincoln’s legacy and inspire a new generation of Americans to learn about his life and accomplishments. The bicentennial also had a significant economic impact, generating millions of dollars in tourism revenue for communities across the country.

The legacy of the Lincoln Bicentennial continues today. The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission was dissolved in 2010, but its work is carried on by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and the Abraham Lincoln Association. These organizations are working to preserve Lincoln’s legacy and ensure that his story is told for generations to come.

Lincoln Bicentennial is also remembered through the many monuments and memorials that were dedicated during the celebration. These include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, and the Lincoln Memorial. The significance of the Lincoln Bicentennial is as relevant today as it was in 2009. Lincoln’s story is one of hope, resilience, and courage. It is a story that continues to inspire Americans of all ages. The Lincoln Bicentennial was an important moment in our country’s history, and its legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

2010-present Lincoln shield Penny

present Lincoln shield Penny
2010 P Lincoln Shield Cent Small Cents Copper Plated Zinc Penny: Personal Collections

As the first decimal coin of the United States, the one-cent coin, also known as the penny, has been in production for over two centuries. Fresh off the heels of the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent program which saw four different designs minted in 2009, the United States Mint released the new 2010 Lincoln Shield penny. The new Shield Cent was designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver, Joseph Menna. The coin’s obverse (heads) features a shield and an inscription of the word “LIBERTY”. The coin also includes “IN GOD WE TRUST”, “2010”, and “CENT”.

The metal composition of the 2010 Lincoln Shield Cent is 2.5% copper and 97.5% zinc. The coin has a mass of 2.500 grams and a diameter of 0.751 inches (19.05 mm). The edge of the coin is plain. The 2010 Lincoln Shield penny was minted at the United States Mint facilities in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver. A total of 3,141,460,000 coins were struck for circulation. Most of the coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint (2,558,000,000) and the rest were struck at the Denver (580,460,000) and San Francisco (3,000,000) Mints. As of July 2010, the 2010 Shield Cent has seen high demand from the public and is being stockpiled by many banks. This has caused the United States Mint to ration the release of new coins to banks.

The rationing is in addition to the Federal Reserve’s existing policy of shipping less than half of the newly minted pennies to banks. Many banks have been reporting Coinstar machines, which dispense coins for a fee, as being sold out of pennies. The new 2010 Lincoln Shield Cent is the first one-cent coin of the United States to feature the union shield.

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