6 Decades of Proof Pennies

The Lincoln Penny was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The obverse shows a portrait of Lincoln by sculptor Victor D. Brenner. This was the first circulating coin to feature a real person instead of Lady Liberty.
The reverse depicts the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. A small statue of Lincoln can be seen in the Lincoln Memorial. This was the first U.S. coin to show the same person on both sides. In 2009 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Mint issued four different pennies. In 2010, the Mint introduced the “Preservation of the Union” reverse.
In addition to regular coins for circulation, the U.S. Mint makes a small number of Proof coins each year. Proof coins are made for collectors and are not released into circulation.
Proofs are highly sought-after because they are the highest quality U.S. coins. Each coin is struck multiple times under high pressure to bring out the three-dimensional designs and mirror-like background. Due to the painstaking minting process, Proofs are limited editions. The coins are not available individually from the Mint but only in official U.S. Proof Sets.
This collection includes 6 decades of Proof Lincoln Pennies – from the 1960’s through 2010’s.