The United States penny, officially known as the one-cent coin, has a rich and varied history that dates back to the early days of the U.S. Mint.
Early Years and Designs (Late 1700s – Mid 1800s):
1787: The Fugio Cent (Pre-Mint): While not officially from the U.S. Mint, the “Fugio Cent” was one of the first copper coins authorized by the United States. Designed by Benjamin Franklin, it featured a sundial and the motto “Mind Your Business” on the obverse, and 13 linked chains representing the original states with “We Are One” on the reverse. Source: Finest Known, A Brief History of the U.S. Cent
1793: First U.S. Mint Pennies: The U.S. Mint began producing circulating copper cents in February 1793. These early pennies were much larger than modern cents, about the size of a half-dollar. Source: U.S. Mint, Finest Known
Chain Cent (1793): The first official design featured a woman with flowing hair symbolizing liberty on the obverse, and 15 chain links (representing the states) on the reverse. This design was short-lived due to public dissatisfaction. Source: U.S. Mint, Finest Known
Wreath Cent (1793): Quickly replacing the Chain Cent, this design featured a wreath on the reverse instead of the chains. Source: U.S. Mint, Finest Known
Liberty Cap (1793-1796): This design depicted a more refined image of Liberty wearing a cap, inspired by a medal conceived by Benjamin Franklin. Source: Finest Known
Draped Bust (1796-1807), Classic Head (1808-1814), Coronet Head (1816-1839), Braided Hair (1839-1857): Over the next several decades, various iterations of Liberty were featured on the obverse, with a wreath on the reverse. Source: Finest Known, Penny (United States coin) – Wikipedia
Changes in Size and Composition (Mid 1800s – Early 1900s):
1857: Flying Eagle Cent: Due to rising copper costs, the penny was made smaller and its composition changed to 88% copper and 12% nickel. This design featured a flying eagle on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. Source: U.S. Mint, Design Life-Cycle
1859: Indian Head Cent: This iconic design, featuring a Native American profile wearing a headdress, was introduced and remained in circulation for 50 years until 1909. Its composition changed in 1864 to 95% copper and 5% zinc. Source: U.S. Mint, A Brief History of the U.S. Cent
The Lincoln Cent Era (1909 – Present):
1909: Lincoln Wheat Cent: To commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, he became the first president featured on a U.S. coin. The obverse showcased Victor David Brenner’s portrait of Lincoln, which is still used today. The reverse featured two sheaves of wheat, giving it the popular “wheat penny” nickname. Source: U.S. Mint, A Brief History of the Penny | New Tripoli Bank
1943: Steel Penny (WWII): During World War II, copper was needed for the war effort, so pennies were temporarily made of zinc-coated steel. These were often mistaken for dimes and prone to rusting. Source: U.S. Mint, Design Life-Cycle
1944-1946: Copper from Ammunition Shells: Copper was reintroduced, with some pennies minted from spent ammunition shells.
1959: Lincoln Memorial Cent: For Lincoln’s 150th birthday, the reverse design changed to an image of the Lincoln Memorial. This design remained for almost 50 years. Source: U.S. Mint
1982: Copper-Plated Zinc: Due to the rising cost of copper, the penny’s composition changed significantly to a zinc core with a thin copper plating (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper). This composition is still used today. Source: Design Life-Cycle, A Brief History of the Penny | New Tripoli Bank
2009: Lincoln Bicentennial Cents: In honor of Lincoln’s 200th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent, four different reverse designs were issued throughout the year, depicting different aspects of his life (birth and early childhood, formative years, professional life, and presidency). Source: U.S. Mint
2010: Union Shield Cent: The current reverse design features a Union Shield, symbolizing Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single, united country. Source: U.S. Mint
In May 2025, President Trump halted the production of the penny, stating it cost more than it is worth.