If you were wondering where Susan Gamble got the inspiration for her 2009 Lincoln Cent design, this photo will give you a hint. This amazing image, from the Library of Congress, was taken the day Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated for his first term of office, on March 4, 1861. It is very important to the U.S. Mint that coin designs are as historically accurate as possible, and great care is taken to make sure the littlest details are as correct as we can know them. Fortunately, Lincoln's presidency happened shortly after photography became widespread and inexpensive enough that many important things were documented. The next image in this gallery shows how two different 2009 penny artists depicted Lincoln's face.
The U.S. Capitol During Lincoln's Inauguration
Capitol is Shown Under Construction
From Susan Headley, About.com
The U.S. Capitol building during Abraham Lincoln's inauguration, shown in its unfinished state.
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress.The History of the Lincoln Cent
The Story Behind the Lincoln CentLife and Times of the Wheat PennyChanges in the Lincoln Memorial Cent Series
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