The Lincoln Cent Part 3 The Many Changes
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Hobbies.
The Lincoln Cent: Part 3 ?" The Many Changes
Summary:
This four-part series explores the history and upcoming changes of the Lincoln Cent, focusing on the various transformations it has undergone over the years.
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The Lincoln Cent saw no significant changes from 1918 until 1942. However, in 1943, a major shift occurred, not in design, but due to World War II copper shortages. Originally composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, the Mint had to find an alternative material for the penny. After considering several options, they settled on zinc-coated steel.
On December 18, 1942, Congress approved the production of the wartime cent, allowing it until December 31, 1946. The pennies were made from low-grade carbon steel, coated with zinc to prevent rust. Although the size remained the same, the weight reduced from 48 to 42 grains. By the end of 1943, over a billion of these "silver pennies" were produced. The copper saved contributed significantly to the war effort, supplying enough material for numerous military needs.
On January 1, 1944, the Mint returned to a modified alloy similar to the original, sourced from melted shell casings. This also restored the coin's weight to 48 grains. These are often referred to as "war pennies."
In 1955, the final S mint-marked wheat pennies were produced. The San Francisco Mint halted production of these coins for general circulation, not resuming until 1968.
The Lincoln Cent's reverse design changed in 1959, marking its 50th anniversary. A new Lincoln Memorial design was introduced during the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. Created by Frank Gasparro, the design features the Lincoln Memorial and the inscriptions "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
In 1962, the penny underwent a minor change by removing tin, favoring a more cost-effective stable alloy. This alteration went largely unnoticed as the penny transitioned from bronze to brass.
Due to a silver shortage in 1964, mint marks were omitted from coins for three years to discourage hoarding, even though Lincoln cents weren’t directly affected. Mint marks returned in 1968, bringing back the popular S mint, producing over three billion S-mint coins from 1968 to 1974.
The 1980s saw soaring precious metal prices, impacting copper. In 1982, the penny's composition changed to an alloy of 99.2% zinc and 0.8% copper, plated with pure copper, resulting in a composition of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper.
In the next part, we'll explore upcoming changes to our cherished Lincoln Cent.
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