U.S. Penny Coins
On November 12, 2025 the U.S. Mint officially struck the last pennies for circulation, and retired the denomination due to rising production costs. Since then, collector interest has only grown, so add some cents to your collection today!
While the U.S. Mint has struck a wide variety of coins in its history, the one cent coin and half cent coin hold a special place as the first pieces struck by the fledgling mint! Back then, coin dies were cut by hand, and each die cutter would add his own touches. A screw press was used to squeeze the planchets between the obverse and reverse dies. Horses or strong men powered the press, and the mint's security system was a ferocious dog named Nero!
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Both technology and security have changed in the past two centuries. And though the half cent vanished into the annals of history, the cent was not retired until 2025 – making it the longest-running denomination of U.S. coins to date!
The First U.S. Penny Coins
Our first cents were much larger than the ones we know today. Nearly as large as a half dollar, these coins depicted Liberty on the obverse and the denomination within a wreath on the reverse. There were several design variations during their years of issue until 1857. In that year, the rising cost of copper brought a major reduction in the size of American one cent coins, and the Large Cent also passed into history.
A Reduction in Size
With the passing of the Large Cent, America's Small Cent was introduced. The first small-size US Cent design was the Flying Eagle, which was issued for general circulation in just two years, 1857 and 1858 (Flying Eagle cents of 1856 were pattern pieces).
Because of problems with the striking process, the design was soon discontinued. It was replaced by the Indian Head Cent in 1859. This beautiful design portrays Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse, while a laurel wreath adorns the reverse. After 50 years of issue, in 1909 it was time for a new cent design.
Debut of the Lincoln Cent
In 1909, to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, the Lincoln Cent was released. Featuring the 16th U.S. President's portrait on the obverse, and the denomination surrounded by ears of wheat on the reverse, the Lincoln Wheat penny was immediately popular. Struck for more than 115 years, the Lincoln cent holds the honor of being the longest-running series in America's history to date.
After 50 years, the long-running Wheat Ears reverse was replaced by a design featuring the Lincoln Memorial in 1959. This reverse design took the Lincoln cent through its next 50 years. Then, in 2009, to honor both the centennial of the Lincoln cent and the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, four unique 2009 penny reverse designs were issued honoring milestones in his life. Finally, in 2010, the current "Shield penny" reverse was unveiled. It depicts a Union Shield, made popular during the Civil War era. Issued until the denomination was retired in 2025, Shield cents were the final U.S. cents.
During its storied past, the Lincoln Cent series had its share of key dates and popular issues. At Littleton Coin, we have a wide selection of pennies for sale, each with a 45-day Money Back Guarantee of Satisfaction! Don't miss this chance to add them to your collection!
