SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (February 11, 2010) - United States Mint Director Ed Moy launched the 2010 Lincoln “Preservation of the Union” One-Cent Coin during a special ceremony at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM).  The coin’s new reverse (tails side) design is emblematic of President Abraham Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a single and united country, as required by Title III of Public Law 109-145 (the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005).  Americans can expect to see the new coin in their change beginning this year.

“This one-cent coin honors the preservation of the union, which was Abraham Lincoln's ultimate achievement,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy.  “Because of his presidency, despite bitter regional enmity and a horrific civil war, we remained the United States of America.”

Guests at the event included Jan Grimes, ALPLM acting executive director, and Dr. James Cornelius, its curator.  Elizabeth Wooley, WICS-TV News anchor, served as master of ceremonies.  Following the ceremony, Director Moy and guests handed out new Lincoln cents to children 18 years and younger, while adults exchanged their currency for rolls of the new coin.

On the eve of the launch ceremony, Director Moy met with local coin enthusiasts at ALPLM, where he answered their questions and shared information about the United States Mint and its coin programs. 

The reverse of the 2010 and beyond Lincoln cent was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Lyndall Bass and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.  The design depicts a union shield with a scroll draped across and the inscription ONE CENT.  The 13 vertical stripes of the shield represent the states joined in one compact union to support the federal government, represented by the horizontal bar above.  The horizontal bar features the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM — “out of many, one” — while the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is depicted along the upper rim of the coin.

The obverse (heads) continues to bear Victor David Brenner’s likeness of President Lincoln that has appeared on the coin since 1909.

A digital image of the 2010 Lincoln cent is available at:  http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=photo#2010LincolnPenny

The 2010 Lincoln cent has a metallic content of 2.5 percent copper, with the balance being zinc.  The coin will be issued for circulation in quantities to meet the demands of commerce.  Numismatic (proof and uncirculated) versions will be included in the United States Mint's annual product offerings.  The coin will also be available for sale in two-roll sets this spring.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage.  Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.