SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The United States Mint launched the third 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One–Cent Coin today on the grounds of Springfield’s historic Old State Capitol. The new coin, placed into circulation today, bears a reverse (tails side) design that honors Abraham Lincoln’s professional life in Illinois.
“The professional life design–Lincoln speaking in front of the Old State Capitol–sums up his Illinois experience,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. “Illinois is where Lincoln evolved into a successful lawyer and politician. His service in the state legislature and Congress, and his debates with Stephen Douglas, paved the way to his election as President.”
United States Senator Dick Durbin (D–Ill.), the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin joined in the ceremonial launch of the Lincoln professional life one–cent coin. To commemorate the event, children ages 18 and younger received a newly minted one–cent coin bearing the new design, while adults in the crowd exchanged their currency for a minimum of two rolls and up to six rolls of coins bearing the new design.
The coins, packaged in two–roll sets, also became available at noon Eastern Time today on the United States Mint Web site, www.usmint.gov, and at the toll–free number 1–800 USA–MINT (872–6468). The set contains one roll of 50 coins from the United States Mint at Philadelphia with no mint mark and one roll of 50 coins from the United States Mint at Denver bearing the “D” mint mark. There is an order limit of five sets per household.
The “professional life” design is the third of four new designs appearing on the reverse of the one–cent coin this year. The coin’s reverse–designed by United States Mint Artist Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Don Everhart–includes the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE CENT. The coin’s obverse will continue to feature sculptor Victor David Brenner’s familiar likeness of President Lincoln, which debuted in 1909. Inscriptions on the obverse are IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY and 2009.
The United States Mint also will issue numismatic versions of the four redesigned one–cent coins with the same metallic content as the 1909 coin (95 percent copper, five percent tin and zinc). These coins will be minted in proof and uncirculated condition, and will be included in the United States Mint’s annual sets and other product offerings. The fourth coin in the series, to be released in November, will feature a design emblematic of Lincoln’s presidency in Washington, D.C.
Created by Congress in 1792, the United States Mint is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and gold, silver and platinum bullion coins.
Free lesson plans about the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One–Cent Coin Program are available online at http://www.usmint.gov/kids/teachers/lessonPlans/.
Digital images of the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One–Cent Coins are available at http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2009LincolnOneCent.