1909 Lincoln Cent - 1st Year of Issue - Circulated

In the beginning of 1905 President Roosevelt started a plan to replace the long used Indian cent with a depiction of President Lincoln for the centennial of his birth. He commissioned a popular numismatist named Victor D. Brenner to design the bust and reverse of the coin. Some proposed ideas for the reverse was a single sprig in the center much like the French two-franc piece or a standing figure of Miss Liberty. They were both rejected and the reverse became two symmetrically arranged wheat stalks being stylistic and modern.

The coin was finally released on August 2, 1909 into circulation. The long anticipation for the coin made it a popular with the people and all available pieces were quickly scooped up. The demand for them in Philadelphia was so great that only a limited distribution was made to an individual.

Brenner's intentions for putting his initials on the coin thought it was essential for a student of history to trace environments and conditions of the time as said coin was produced. This caused quite the controversy leaving people feeling that he was a paid workman and no recognition was needed. Others felt the letters were too prominent and no one would know what the notation meant. After enough complaints the Mint started recalling them. This cent became the most publicized new coin since the 1883 Liberty Head nickel!