The 1915 Lincoln penny is an iconic part of American numismatic history. It’s a classic example of the United States’ first circulating one-cent coin, and it holds special significance for many collectors.
This article will examine its features in detail, offering insight into why this particular penny is so beloved by numismatists everywhere.
First issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Lincoln cent was designed by Victor David Brenner.
The obverse side featured a portrait of a young Lincoln, while the reverse had two wheat stalks crossed at the center with ONE CENT written beneath them.
In 1915, the San Francisco Mint produced just over 28 million coins for circulation – making them some of the most widely available pennies ever minted.
History Of The Lincoln Penny
‘A penny saved is a penny earned,’ and the same can be said of the Lincoln Penny.
First struck in 1909, this small piece of metal has become one of the most iconic coins in American history. As numismatists know, it was created to honor President Abraham Lincoln on his 100th birthday.
The coin featured an image of the 16th president facing right on its obverse side, which would later become known as ‘the profile view.’
The reverse side contained two branches – an ear of wheat and an oak branch – representing agriculture and strength respectively; these were designed by U.S Mint Chief Engraver Victor David Brenner.
This design remained intact for over fifty years until 1959, when it was replaced with a depiction of the Lincoln Memorial due to increased production costs.
Since then, many changes have been made to the coin’s appearance and composition: from copper-plated steel during World War II and after, to zinc-coated planchets starting in 1982.
Despite all these alterations, however, the original spirit behind Abe’s likeness remains alive today – commemorating not only our nation’s past but also its future.
Design Of The 1915 Lincoln Penny
The minting process of the 1915 Lincoln Penny was quite a feat; it was the first year the penny was issued and it was the first year the Lincoln penny was minted.
On the reverse, a wheat head design was used, while the obverse featured a portrait of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The detail on the portrait was remarkable, especially for a coin of that time period.
On the reverse, the design was a tribute to the country’s agricultural heritage, with two wheat heads and the words “One Cent” inscribed in between. This design has become iconic and is still used today on the current Lincoln penny.
It’s amazing to see the design and craftsmanship that went into creating the 1915 Lincoln penny.
Minting Process
The 1915 Lincoln Penny is an iconic coin that is highly sought after by numismatists. It’s minted process was unique for its time, with a detailed design crafted into the penny.
The obverse of the 1915 penny includes two inscriptions: ‘In God We Trust’ and ‘Liberty’, along with a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln wearing a top hat. For the reverse side, there are wheat ears surrounding the words ‘One Cent.’ This combination makes it one of the most popular coins to collect today.
To produce each piece, there were several steps involved in its production – first, dies had to be prepared which included designing, engraving and cutting them into steel blanks; then they would heat up these blanks before pressing them onto wax-coated copper planchets; this gave them their shape and size; next came the actual striking process, where pressure was applied to create impressions on both sides of the blank – this step combined all elements together to form what we now recognize as a 2015 Lincoln Penny.
Finally, post strike finishing operations such as edge lettering or reeding further enhanced these coins beauty, making them even more desirable among collectors around world.
Reverse Design
The design of the 1915 Lincoln Penny is iconic, and this extends to its reverse side. The wheat ears encircling ‘One Cent’ are an enduring symbol of prosperity and stability that can still be found on American coins today.
This unique feature was created by engraving a steel die with intricate details before pressing it onto wax-coated copper planchets – giving them their shape and size.
Finally, post strike finishing operations such as edge lettering or reeding further enhanced these coins beauty, making them even more desirable among collectors world wide.
Obverse Design
Turning to the obverse design of the 1915 Lincoln Penny, it is easy to see why this coin has remained so popular.
The head of President Abraham Lincoln facing right was designed by Victor David Brenner and remains an iconic representation of American history on coins today.
It also marked a change in US currency as prior coins had featured historical figures or allegorical images instead.
This new portrait style that focused on living individuals would continue throughout much of the 20th century.
As with other aspects of these coins, post strike operations were completed which included edge lettering and reeding that further enhanced their beauty.
Minting Of The 1915 Lincoln Penny
The 1915 Lincoln Penny was first minted in the United States in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It featured a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln on one side and two wheat stalks on the other.
This penny initially had an issue date of 1909 to celebrate the centennial anniversary of President Lincoln’s birth. However, due it its popularity and demand, production continued through 1915.
The physical characteristics of this coin are quite distinct from earlier issues; for example, the size is slightly larger than previous pennies with a diameter measuring 19mm as opposed to 17.9mm for prior versions. In terms of composition, the original version contained 95% copper, 3% tin and 2% zinc while later years included additional metals such as manganese or nickel depending on availability and cost at that time.
Furthermore, some minor design changes were made throughout production including differences in hair detail, eye shape and beard length which allowed numismatists to easily identify coins based on their year of mintage.
Given its long period of circulation without interruption since its initial release over 100 years ago, combined with its simplistic yet iconic design elements featuring America’s 16th president has resulted in a vast array of collection options available to hobbyists today ranging from complete sets spanning all dates/mint marks to individual specimens encapsulated by third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC according to condition. With so many different varieties out there, it’s no wonder why the 1915 Lincoln Penny continues to remain popular amongst collectors today!
Value Of The 1915 Lincoln Penny
Ah, the Lincoln penny. A trinket of such great worth that even a beggar on the street would treasure it more than life itself! Little do we know, however, what these coins are truly worth—especially those from 1915.
Here’s why:
- The 1915 Lincoln penny was minted during World War I, giving it historic value in addition to its face value.
- The design of this coin features the profile image of Abraham Lincoln—the 16th president of the United States—and a reverse featuring two wheat stalks and ‘One Cent’ inscribed between them.
- As far as rarity goes, only 484 million were made, making it quite hard to come by for numismatists looking to add it to their collections.
This historical and collectible item has been highly sought after since its release due to both its metal composition (95% copper) and its date mark (1915). And while many have tried to obtain one with no success, few can boast having such a valuable piece in their possession!
Collecting The 1915 Lincoln Penny
The 1915 Lincoln Penny is a widely sought after item among numismatists. Its subtle design and low mintage have made it an attractive choice for collectors ever since its release in 1909.
The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, along with his name and the year of minting. On the reverse side, two wheat stalks flank the words ‘One Cent’ at the top of the coin, while below them sits a wreath composed of oak and laurel leaves.
Due to its age and scarcity, many examples are heavily worn or corroded. Thus, finding an uncirculated example can be difficult but well worth the effort! For instance, one such specimen was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2019 for over $50,000 – a testament to how prized these coins are amongst enthusiasts.
Furthermore, unlike other early U.S cents that were struck from copper-nickel alloys; this particular penny was produced using 95% pure copper which makes it even more desirable.
For those interested in acquiring a 1915 Lincoln Penny, there are several avenues available ranging from online auction sites to brick & mortar dealerships across the country. Of course when buying any piece of history like this one; be sure that you obtain proper certification guaranteeing authenticity as well as grade assessment if applicable.
In short – before making your purchase do some research so you make an informed decision!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Purchase A 1915 Lincoln Penny?
The cost of purchasing a Lincoln penny can vary greatly depending on the year and condition.
For example, a 1915 Lincoln penny in good condition can range from around $2 to upwards of $15 or more for an especially well-preserved specimen.
Numismatists will often look at factors such as the coin’s mintmark, grade, luster and strike when determining its value.
Are 1915 Lincoln Pennies Still In Circulation?
As a numismatist, I can tell you that the Lincoln penny has been in circulation since 1909.
The 1915 Lincoln penny is no exception – it is still in use today!
These coins were minted between 1914-1916 and are considered to be quite valuable due to their age.
Despite this, they may still appear in your pocket change as they remain legal tender.
Is The 1915 Lincoln Penny Rare?
The coinage world is littered with rarities, and a few stand out as particularly special for numismatists. One such item is the Lincoln penny, a treasured piece of monetary history that has been in circulation since 1909.
It’s highly sought after by collectors due to its scarcity-making it quite the rare find! The 1915 edition is no exception, with only a handful remaining in existence today.
Its rarity makes it an invaluable addition to any collection, so if you’re lucky enough to come across one, consider yourself fortunate!
What Is The Best Way To Store A 1915 Lincoln Penny?
When it comes to storing coins, numismatists recommend taking extra precautions with rare and valuable specimens.
This is especially true for the 1915 Lincoln Penny, one of the most sought-after collectible coins in circulation today.
The best way to store such a coin is by using an airtight container or capsule to prevent oxidation, while also keeping out dust and other environmental pollutants that might damage its condition.
Keep in mind that extreme temperatures should be avoided, so make sure to store your penny somewhere cool and dry at all times!
Are There Any Other Coins Similar To The 1915 Lincoln Penny?
The 1915 Lincoln penny is a widely collected coin due to its historical significance and beautiful design.
Though the 1915 Lincoln penny remains an iconic cent, there are other coins that have similar traits.
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny, for example, carries the same obverse image of President Abraham Lincoln as well as a wheat stalk reverse.
Another option is the 1943 steel penny which was made from zinc-coated steel instead of copper during World War II shortages.
All three of these pennies share commonalities with each other and make great additions to any numismatist collection!
Conclusion
The 1915 Lincoln penny is a rare and valuable coin, so it’s important to take proper care of it.
As a numismatist, I can tell you that this coin is like a hidden gem in the world of coins – its value only grows over time.
Proper storage helps keep it safe from damage or loss; storing your penny in an acid-free holder or bag will ensure its longevity.
Overall, the 1915 Lincoln Penny stands out as one of the most sought after coins among collectors because of its rarity and historical significance.
It’s no wonder why people are willing to pay top dollar for these gems: with each passing day their worth increases exponentially, just like a snowball rolling down a hill.
