New Penny Designs for 2009

The familiar portrait of Lincoln on the "heads" side of the penny has been there, essentially unchanged, for nearly 100 years. 2009 will be the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, and the 100th anniversary of the beloved Lincoln Cent. To celebrate these milestones, the U.S. Mint is releasing a special series of new penny designs for 2009. The new penny designs, which will appear on the reverse, or "tails" side, depict four different periods in the life of venerated U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. (The obverse, or "heads" side, will remain unchanged.) The new pennies will be released next year, one at a time, each about three months apart. The first penny is due on Feb. 12, 2009, the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.