New Money

New Penny Shows Lincoln Reelin' in the Years

By Katy Marquardt

Posted: September 23, 2008

Get your penny loafers out. The U.S. Mint rolled out four new designs for the penny yesterday, in honor of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth (and the 100th anniversary of the production of the Lincoln cent).

Heads will still feature Lincoln's mug, but the tails side will capture four stages of Lincoln's life. The new coins will be issued in roughly three-month intervals throughout the year. The first, which will be put into circulation on Feb. 12, 2009, will represent Lincoln's birth and early childhood in Kentucky. The others will feature his formative years in Indiana, his professional life in Illinois, and his presidency. You can see the full lineup here.

The Los Angeles Times argues that it makes more sense to get rid of the penny than to redesign it, given that the cent can cost more than a cent to make. In other words, it has outlived its usefulness.

Do you agree?

Pennies

Where and when will the pennies be released. I have asked at the bank every week and still they are saying that they haven't heard anything about them. Please let me know what is going on.

Thank You

Brenda Wright of GA @ Feb 25, 2009 19:20:44 PM

New penny

Waste of money we don't have, especially right now.

amc of CA @ Feb 12, 2009 19:01:07 PM

Worthless penny.

I totally agree. Congress was upset with the automakers excessive spending and now they're doing the same. WHAT IS THE POINT? I understand the significance of Lincoln's role in American history, but why on earth would the Feds spend so much money during a recession. They were arguing way back at the beginning of the recession about whether or not to get rid of the penny, because it's WORTHLESS. It costs more to make it that it's worth, and now they're redesigining and making NEW WORTHLESS PENNIES!!! Who's idea was this anyway?

kristine of LA @ Feb 12, 2009 13:44:05 PM

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New Money

Katy Marquardt, a senior editor at U.S.News & World Report, takes a contemporary look at happenings in the financial world and aims to help young investors get going with their portfolios--or just sound cool at cocktail parties. Have a question? E-mail Katy at newmoney@usnews.com

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