What is a 1987 penny?
The 1897 penny is a one-cent coin minted by the United States Mint in 1897. It is made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, and weighs 4.67 grams. The obverse (heads) of the coin features the Lincoln Memorial, while the reverse (tails) features the wheat stalks and the motto "In God We Trust." The 1897 penny was the first coin to feature the Lincoln Memorial on its obverse, and it is one of the most popular and widely collected pennies in the United States.
The 1897 penny was designed by Victor David Brenner, a Russian-born immigrant who also designed the Indian Head nickel and the Buffalo nickel. Brenner's design for the 1897 penny was selected in a competition held by the United States Mint, and it was first struck on February 12, 1897.
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The 1897 penny was a major departure from the previous design of the penny, which featured a Liberty head on the obverse and a shield on the reverse. Brenner's design was more modern and realistic, and it quickly became one of the most popular coins in the United States. The 1897 penny was minted for only one year, and it is now a valuable collector's item.
1897 penny
The 1897 penny is a one-cent coin minted by the United States Mint in 1897. It is made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, and weighs 4.67 grams. The obverse (heads) of the coin features the Lincoln Memorial, while the reverse (tails) features the wheat stalks and the motto "In God We Trust." The 1897 penny was the first coin to feature the Lincoln Memorial on its obverse, and it is one of the most popular and widely collected pennies in the United States.
- Obverse: Lincoln Memorial
- Reverse: Wheat stalks, "In God We Trust"
- Year: 1897
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: 4.67 grams
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Mintage: 239,280,000
- Value: $0.01 (face value), $1-$100 (collector value)
The 1897 penny is a significant coin in American history. It was the first coin to feature the Lincoln Memorial on its obverse, and it is one of the most popular and widely collected pennies in the United States. The 1897 penny is also a valuable collector's item, with some examples selling for over $100.
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1. Obverse
The obverse of the 1897 penny features the Lincoln Memorial, a national monument in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The memorial was designed by architect Henry Bacon and sculptor Daniel Chester French, and was completed in 1922. The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington, D.C., and is visited by millions of people each year.
- Historical Significance: The Lincoln Memorial is a symbol of the United States' commitment to freedom and equality. It was built on the site where Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address in 1863, and it is a reminder of his perjuangan for the abolition of slavery.
- Architectural Significance: The Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. It is made of white marble and features a large chamber with a 19-foot statue of Lincoln seated in a chair. The memorial is surrounded by 36 columns, representing the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death.
- Cultural Significance: The Lincoln Memorial is a popular gathering place for protests and demonstrations. It has been the site of many important speeches, including Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.
The Lincoln Memorial is a significant national landmark and a powerful symbol of American history and culture. Its placement on the obverse of the 1897 penny is a testament to the importance of Lincoln's legacy and the enduring power of his ideals.
2. Reverse
The reverse of the 1897 penny features two important symbols: wheat stalks and the motto "In God We Trust." These symbols have a long and rich history in American coinage, and their placement on the 1897 penny is a reflection of the values and beliefs of the United States at the time.
Wheat stalks have been a symbol of agriculture and prosperity in the United States since the country's founding. The first coins to feature wheat stalks were minted in 1849, and they have appeared on pennies, nickels, and dimes ever since. The wheat stalks on the 1897 penny represent the importance of agriculture to the American economy and the nation's reliance on God for its bounty.
The motto "In God We Trust" was first placed on American coins in 1864, during the Civil War. The motto was added to coins as a way to express the nation's trust in God and its reliance on divine providence. The motto has remained on American coins ever since, and it is now a familiar part of the nation's currency.
The combination of wheat stalks and the motto "In God We Trust" on the reverse of the 1897 penny is a powerful symbol of the values and beliefs of the United States at the time. The wheat stalks represent the nation's agricultural prosperity, while the motto "In God We Trust" expresses the nation's trust in God and its reliance on divine providence. These symbols are a reminder of the importance of agriculture to the American economy and the nation's deep faith in God.
3. Year
The year 1897 is significant in the history of the penny because it was the year that the first penny featuring the Lincoln Memorial on its obverse was minted. This new design was the result of a competition held by the United States Mint, and it was designed by Victor David Brenner. The Lincoln Memorial penny was an immediate success, and it remains one of the most popular and widely collected pennies in the United States today.
There are several reasons why the year 1897 is important in the context of the 1897 penny. First, it was the year that the new Lincoln Memorial design was introduced. This design was a major departure from the previous design of the penny, which featured a Liberty head on the obverse and a shield on the reverse. Brenner's design was more modern and realistic, and it quickly became one of the most popular coins in the United States.
Second, the year 1897 was a time of great change in the United States. The country was rapidly industrializing, and the population was growing rapidly. The penny was a small but important part of this changing landscape, and it reflected the new spirit of the times.
Finally, the year 1897 is important because it marked the beginning of a new era in American coinage. The Lincoln Memorial penny was the first coin to feature a president on its obverse, and it set a precedent for future coin designs. The penny has continued to evolve over the years, but the Lincoln Memorial design remains one of the most iconic and recognizable coins in the United States today.
4. Composition
The 1897 penny is composed of 95% copper, 5% tin, and zinc. This composition was chosen because it is durable, affordable, and easy to work with. Copper is a relatively soft metal, so the addition of tin and zinc helps to harden the coin and make it more resistant to wear and tear. This composition has been used for pennies since 1856, and it remains the standard composition for pennies today.
- Durability: The composition of the 1897 penny makes it very durable. Copper is a relatively soft metal, but the addition of tin and zinc helps to harden the coin and make it more resistant to wear and tear. This is important because pennies are frequently handled and circulated, so they need to be able to withstand a lot of abuse.
- Affordability: Copper, tin, and zinc are all relatively inexpensive metals, which makes the 1897 penny affordable to produce. This is important because pennies are a low-denomination coin, so they need to be able to be produced at a low cost.
- Workability: The composition of the 1897 penny makes it easy to work with. Copper is a relatively soft metal, so it can be easily stamped and shaped. This is important because pennies are mass-produced, so they need to be able to be produced quickly and efficiently.
The composition of the 1897 penny is a key factor in its durability, affordability, and workability. These factors have made the 1897 penny one of the most popular and widely collected pennies in the United States.
5. Weight
The weight of the 1897 penny is 4.67 grams. This is a significant detail because it provides insights into the composition, value, and history of the coin.
- Composition: The weight of the 1897 penny indicates that it is made of copper. Copper is a relatively soft metal, so the addition of tin and zinc helps to harden the coin and make it more resistant to wear and tear.
- Value: The weight of the 1897 penny also provides clues about its value. Pennies are typically made of inexpensive metals, such as copper, zinc, and aluminum. The weight of the 1897 penny indicates that it is made of a relatively large amount of copper, which gives it a higher value than pennies made of other metals.
- History: The weight of the 1897 penny can also be used to determine its history. The weight of the 1897 penny is the same as the weight of the Indian Head penny, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This suggests that the 1897 penny was minted using the same dies as the Indian Head penny.
The weight of the 1897 penny is a small detail, but it provides valuable insights into the composition, value, and history of the coin. This information can be useful for collectors, historians, and anyone else who is interested in learning more about this iconic American coin.
6. Designer
Victor David Brenner was a Russian-born immigrant who designed the 1897 penny. He was a talented sculptor and engraver, and his design for the 1897 penny is considered to be one of the most beautiful and iconic coin designs in American history.
- Artistic Vision: Brenner's design for the 1897 penny is a masterpiece of American art. The obverse of the coin features a left-facing bust of Lincoln, while the reverse features the Lincoln Memorial. Brenner's design is both realistic and symbolic, and it perfectly captures the spirit of Lincoln and his legacy.
- Historical Significance: The 1897 penny was the first coin to feature the Lincoln Memorial on its obverse. This was a significant event, as it marked the first time that a president had been depicted on an American coin. Brenner's design helped to popularize the Lincoln Memorial and make it one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States.
- Technical Skill: Brenner was a master engraver, and his technical skill is evident in the design of the 1897 penny. The coin is beautifully detailed, and the dies that Brenner created were used to strike millions of coins. Brenner's skill as an engraver ensured that the 1897 penny is a work of art that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
- Legacy: Brenner's design for the 1897 penny is one of the most enduring and popular coin designs in American history. The coin has been in circulation for over 100 years, and it is still one of the most recognizable coins in the world. Brenner's legacy as a coin designer is secure, and his work will continue to be admired for generations to come.
Victor David Brenner was a talented artist and engraver, and his design for the 1897 penny is a masterpiece of American art. The coin is a beautiful and iconic symbol of Lincoln and his legacy, and it is a testament to Brenner's skill as an artist and engraver.
7. Mintage
The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins that were produced in a particular year. The mintage of the 1897 penny was 239,280,000. This means that 239,280,000 pennies were struck in 1897.
The mintage of a coin is an important factor in determining its value. The lower the mintage, the more valuable the coin is likely to be. This is because coins with a lower mintage are rarer, and therefore more desirable to collectors.
The mintage of the 1897 penny is relatively high, which means that it is not a particularly valuable coin. However, there are some 1897 pennies that are worth more than others. For example, pennies that were struck in the early part of the year are worth more than pennies that were struck later in the year. This is because the dies that were used to strike the coins wore down over time, which resulted in less detail on the coins.
The mintage of a coin is an important factor to consider when collecting coins. By understanding the mintage of a coin, collectors can make more informed decisions about which coins to buy.
FAQs on "1897 penny"
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding the 1897 penny, providing clear and informative answers.
Question 1: What is the significance of the year 1897 for the penny?
Answer: The year 1897 marks the introduction of the first penny featuring the Lincoln Memorial on its obverse, a design that remains popular and widely collected today.
Question 2: What is the composition of the 1897 penny?
Answer: The 1897 penny is composed of 95% copper, 5% tin, and zinc, a durable and cost-effective composition used for pennies since 1856.
Question 3: Who designed the 1897 penny?
Answer: The 1897 penny was designed by Victor David Brenner, a talented Russian-born immigrant and engraver whose artistic vision and technical skill are evident in the coin's design.
Question 4: How many 1897 pennies were minted?
Answer: The mintage of the 1897 penny was 239,280,000, a relatively high mintage that affects its value in coin collecting.
Question 5: What factors determine the value of an 1897 penny?
Answer: The value of an 1897 penny is influenced by its condition, rarity, and variety, with variations in strike quality and early-year production affecting its worth among collectors.
Summary: The 1897 penny is a significant coin in American history, featuring the Lincoln Memorial on its obverse and a durable composition. Its design, mintage, and value are important considerations for collectors and enthusiasts.
Transition: To delve deeper into the captivating world of numismatics, explore the fascinating history and diverse designs of other iconic coins throughout the ages.
Conclusion
The 1897 penny, featuring the Lincoln Memorial on its obverse, stands as a testament to American history, artistic expression, and enduring value. Its design, composition, mintage, and significance have fascinated collectors and enthusiasts for over a century.
Beyond its numismatic appeal, the 1897 penny serves as a reminder of the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and the nation's commitment to its founding principles. As we reflect on the journey of this iconic coin, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage and the enduring power of symbols that unite us.
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