
U.S. Small Cents
History of the U.S. Penny
U.S. small cents, or pennies, first appeared in 1856 with the Flying Eagle design, a shift from the larger Large Cent.
The Indian Head cent followed in 1859, featuring Lady Liberty in a Native American headdress, and remained in circulation until 1909.
The Lincoln Wheat penny was introduced in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln's centennial, featuring his portrait which is still used today.
In 1959, the Lincoln Memorial design replaced the wheat ears, and this was updated in 2009 with the Lincoln Bicentennial series showcasing different stages of Lincoln's life.
Since 2010, the Union Shield has been the standard reverse design.
Throughout its history, the penny's composition has changed, most notably during World War II to a zinc coated steel in 1943, and then in 1982 when it switched from primarily copper to zinc with a copper plating.
Collectors value early editions, wartime steel cents, and the various commemorative reverses as part of American numismatic heritage.
There are 16 products.
1857 Flying Eagle
2009-D Early Childhood Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
1858 Large Letters Flying Eagle
2009-S Early Childhood Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
*Stock image shown.
1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle
2009-P Formative Years Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
Indian Head Cent Book Including Flying Eagles 1857-1909
2009-D Formative Years Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
2009-S Formative Years Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
*Stock image shown.
2009-P Professional Life Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
2009-D Professional Life Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
2009-S Professional Life Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
*Stock image shown.
2009-P Presidency Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
2009-D Presidency Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
2009-S Presidency Bicentennial Lincoln Cent
*Stock image shown.