Well, OK by now you have probably seen one of these bicentennial pennies in your change. They came to mind for me because I recently got three for the first time a few weeks ago. But anyone with their finger on the pulse will tell you that these fascinating commemoratives have been in circulation since February. In fact, given that the log cabin reverse is only the first of 4 to be released this year, the 2nd reverse is probably circulating too.
The name Bicentennial threw me for a loop at first, since everyone knows bicentennial coins are from 1976. In this case, though, the penny commemorates Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday. Incidentally the first issue of the Lincoln penny in 1909 commemorated his 100th birthday. The four reverses of the series show his stages of life, from childhood in Kentucky in the log cabin, to teaching himself to read, to practicing law in DC, to presidency. The final reverse is especially interesting because it shows the capitol dome under construction, capturing a moment in time forever.
Like the state quarters and the bicentennials of 1976, these pennies will be minted in such large numbers that they will be worth only face value for the next 50 years at least. But also like their predecessors, I’m going to keep 1 or 2 around because they are cool.
Won’t you?