Redesigned One-Cent Coin Launched at Lincoln’s Birthplace on February 12

The United States Mint will present to the Nation the first redesigned one-cent coin (penny) in 50 years at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on February 12, at the National Park Service’s Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, in Hodgenville, Kentucky.

The event-held on the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth-includes a coin exchange where the public can exchange their currency for pennies bearing the new design.  The media and the public are invited to attend the free event, hosted by the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

The United States Mint is mandated by Title III of Public Law 109-145-the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005-to put into circulation a series of four different pennies in recognition of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent.

The obverse (heads side) will continue to bear the likeness of President Lincoln currently on the penny.  The reverse (tails side) will reflect four different designs, each one representing a different aspect, or theme, of President Lincoln’s life.

The themes for the reverse designs represent the four major aspects of Abraham Lincoln’s life include his birth and early childhood in Kentucky; his formative years in Indiana; his professional life in Illinois; and his presidency in Washington, D.C.

The first redesigned penny will be put into circulation on February 12.  The remaining redesigned pennies will be released in each calendar quarter throughout 2009.

To download a digital images of the 2009 Lincoln one-cent coins, go to:
http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2009LincolnOneCent

[Coin Collecting News editor -  See also: Lincoln Silver Dollar Images, 2009 Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollars, and for large images of the four new cents, 2009 Lincoln Cent Images.]

WHAT: Presentation of the first redesigned 2009 Lincoln One-Cent Coin

WHO:  United States Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart
Governor Steve Beshear
Keith Pruitt, superintendent, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site

WHEN: Thursday, February 12, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. ET

WHERE: LaRue County High School, 925 S. Lincoln Blvd. Hodgenville, Kentucky, 42748, near the National Park Service’s Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site

United States Mint Pressroom