Lincoln Steel Cents

The World War II effort needed all available copper for ammunition and other military equipment so zinc-coated steel pennies were made.

According to the U.S. Mint Website, "The copper released for the war effort was enough to meet the combined needs of 2 cruisers, 2 destroyers, 1,243 flying fortresses, 120 field guns and 120 howitzers, or enough for 1.25 million shells for our big field guns."

Lincoln Penny Bronze Resumed

After complaints that the steel pennies looked too much like a dime with its gray color, the metal used was changed again.

In early 1944, the mint began making the Lincoln head pennies from spent shell casings which was an alloy very similar to the original except that it had less tin.

Lincoln Memorial Cents

Lincoln Bicentennial Cents

In 2009, the Lincoln Penny was changed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln and the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the Lincoln Cent.

Four different coins were made, each showing a different scene from his life.

• his birth and early childhood in Kentucky
• his formative years in Indiana
• his professional life in Illinois
• his presidency in Washington, D.C.