From Wheat to Monument: Anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial Reverse
On December 21st, 1958, President Eisenhower’s secretary James Hagerty announced to the nation that the Lincoln Cent would be receiving a new reverse design. This design change came as a complete surprise to the numismatic community, as no word of the new design had leaked from the U.S. Mint or the Eisenhower administration. The timing, however, could not have been better, since 1959 would mark the 150th year since Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the 50th year since the release of the Lincoln Cent series.
The Lincoln Cent was originally struck in 1909 to commemorate one of America’s greatest leaders, the sixteenth President of the United States Abraham Lincoln. The biggest achievements of Lincoln’s presidency include leading the Union through the Civil War, reuniting the United States of America, and ultimately ending slavery. With such an impressive repertoire of accomplishments, Lincoln is remembered as one of the premier leaders in both United States and world history.
The Lincoln Cent, designed by Victor David Brenner, marked a pivotal point in American numismatics, as it was the first circulation coin to feature the likeness of a real individual. Prior to the Lincoln Cent, all circulating coinage featured symbolic figures such as Lady Liberty. This stood in stark contrast to the currency of other nations, which frequently depicted kings, emperors, and other leaders. Originally, the United States chose not to depict historical figureheads on their coinage, as it was associated with monarchs and tyranny. However, by 1909, Americans felt that President Abraham Lincoln was the ideal figure to place on a coin.
The original reverse of the Lincoln Cent depicts a pair of wheat ears with the denomination displayed prominently between them. Over time, the Lincoln Cents that bear this design have become known as “wheat cents” in the numismatic community. From 1909 to 1958, all Lincoln Cents showcased Brenner’s wheat ears design.
Beginning on February 12, 1959, however, a new reverse was exhibited on the Lincoln Cent. Designed by tenth Chief Mint Engraver Frank Gasparro, this reverse depicts the iconic Lincoln Memorial. Situated in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Memorial is dedicated to the fallen president, and is one of the most popular destinations in the capitol. Ever since its dedication in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has played host to many pivotal events in American history, including Martin Luther King Jr’s legendary “I Have A Dream” speech in 1963.
Gasparro’s design shows the front of the Lincoln Memorial along with the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The fine detailing of this design is so intricate that the steps in front of the memorial are each distinguishable from one another. Additionally, the iconic statue of Lincoln situated inside of the memorial is easily discernable in this design. Gasparro was known for both his tremendous work ethic and his unique character. Oftentimes, when asked where his work could be found, Gasparro would cleverly reply, “it’s in your pocket” without further explanation.
While Frank Gasparro was a prolific coin designer known for producing the reverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar, the Eisenhower Dollar, and the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, his Lincoln Memorial Cent remains his most popular design. By the time Gasparro passed away in 2001, his Memorial Cent reverse had appeared on more than 100 billion cents, making it one of the most circulated coins designed in U.S. history.
Like its predecessor, the Lincoln Memorial Cent was struck for fifty years before being replaced with a variety of designs created to celebrate the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth in 2009. While the Memorial Cent is no longer in production, it is still remembered as a beautiful celebration of Lincoln’s achievements and sacrifices. Even today, the Lincoln Memorial Cent remains one of the most recognizable and collectible designs produced by the United States Mint.
