The Disappearance of the Indian Head Cent

The Indian Head cent, a long-lasting coin in U.S. currency, was indeed discontinued. It came to an end in 1909, replaced by the iconic Lincoln Head cent to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday. This article explores the details behind the discontinuation, the replacement coin, and its lasting impact on U.S. currency.

Discontinued in 1909

The U.S. Mint officially discontinued the Indian Head cent in 1909. By then, the coin had been in circulation for about 50 years, from 1859 to 1909. Only about 300,000 Indian Head cents were minted in 1909, which is a minuscule number when you consider the massive population of the time.

The Lincoln Cent: A Centennial Tribute

The Indian Head cent was replaced by the Lincoln cent in the same year. This coin was designed to mark the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth in 1809. Notably, the design was created by artist Victor David Brenner, who included his initials, “VDB,” on the reverse of the coin beneath the phrase "ONE CENT" written between twin sheaves of wheat.

Design Details and Trivia

During the initial years, only a small number of coins bore Brenner’s initials due to their miniature size. They can be difficult to spot without a magnifier or jeweler's loupe. On the reverse of the coin, Brenner’s initials can be found at the base of Lincoln’s portrait, right where his right arm would end.

From 1909 to 1958, the wheat design was standard, with coins made entirely of copper. However, in 1943, due to wartime efforts, the composition changed to exclusively steel. This decision was made to conserve copper for military purposes, specifically for bullets and weaponry.

The Legacy of the Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln cent remained in circulation well beyond its introduction. It continues to be minted to this day, making it one of the longest-used designs in U.S. history. In 1959, the reverse side was updated to include a design celebrating the Lincoln Memorial, which was erected in 1922. This design has remained as the standard until recent years, when a few year-specific designs have been released as special editions.

Yet, the Lincoln memorial design remains the default reverse side of the U.S. penny.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Indian Head cent, a beautiful and historically significant coin, ceased production in 1909, marking the beginning of a new era in U.S. currency with the introduction of the Lincoln cent. This change not only honored a historic figure but also marked a shift in the coinage system, setting the stage for a piece of history that continues to play a vital role in U.S. economy to this day.