Following the four different rotating reverse designs issued during 2009 to represent the different stages of the life of Abraham Lincoln, one final reverse design will be issued in 2010. This time the design is expected to remain in use for the foreseeable future. The topic of the redesign will be Lincoln’s preservation of the United States of America as a single country.
The subject of the redesigned reverse will be the Union Shield. This was viewed as a fitting representation of the legacy of Lincoln. The shield includes 13 stripes running horizontally, which are joined and bound together with a single stripe at the top. This arrangement illustrates the original states bound together in strength and support of the federal government.
In its depiction on the reverse of the new one cent coin, the shield carries the motto “E Pluribus Unum” on the horizontal bar. A banner is draped across the lower portion of the shield which contains the denomination “One Cent”. Finally, the inscription “United States of America” appears above the shield to complete the image. This was designed by US Mint Artistic Infusion Program Associate Director Lyndall Bass and sculpted by US Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.
The “heads side” of the Lincoln Cent will continue to carry the familiar portrait of Abraham Lincoln that has been in use for more than 100 years. The obverse was originally designed by Victor D. Brenner and paired with a reverse featuring two wheat stalks. The portrait will get a touch up, with the details of the original portrait restored by the US Mint.
Production of the new 2010 Lincoln Penny began in January 2010. The United States Mint strikes coins for circulation at the Philadelphia and Denver Mint facilities. To date, production has already exceeded 1.8 billion coins and many have been spotted in circulation. Later in the year, the US Mint will issue a proof version of the coin minted in San Francisco with a high quality finish.
Learn more about the newly issued 2010 Lincoln Cent. The site provides information on the release, design selection, and 2010 Lincoln cent mitnages.
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