Lincoln And Kennedy Penny: Unveiling Their Mysterious Connection

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy share more than just the unfortunate distinction of being American presidents assassinated in office? There's a curious, almost uncanny connection between their faces and those found on U.S. pennies. Let's dive into this mysterious link that has captured the interest of historians, conspiracy theorists, and coin collectors alike.

The Presidents on the Penny

The penny, as we know it, hasn't always featured these two iconic figures. Here's a brief look at when and how they came to be associated with this coin:

• Abraham Lincoln:

  • The Lincoln cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Lincoln's birth.
  • His image, sculpted by Victor David Brenner, depicted Lincoln's bust facing to the right, highlighting his iconic beard and stovepipe hat.

• John F. Kennedy:

  • While Kennedy's face isn't directly associated with the penny, his connection to Lincoln can be traced back to a design change in the 1960s.

A Coin with Two Names

In 1964, the penny underwent a significant change with the introduction of the Kennedy Memorial Half-Dollar. Although this half-dollar coin was created to honor President Kennedy, the penny indirectly linked the two men through the following changes:

• Design Changes: The penny's reverse was altered to reflect a newer, more modern design for the Kennedy commemorative half-dollar.

• Appearance on Coins:

  • Both Lincoln and Kennedy are portrayed on U.S. coinage within a few years of each other.

Table: Penny Designs Over Time

<table> <tr> <th>Year</th> <th>Design</th> <th>Notable Features</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1909-1958</td> <td>Lincoln Wheat Cent</td> <td>Wheat stalks on the reverse side</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1959-2008</td> <td>Lincoln Memorial Cent</td> <td>Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2009-</td> <td>Lincoln Bicentennial Cents</td> <td>Four different reverse designs commemorating Lincoln's life</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1964-</td> <td>Kennedy Half-Dollar</td> <td>John F. Kennedy's image on the obverse side</td> </tr> </table>

The Mysterious Connection

The intriguing connection between Lincoln and Kennedy isn't merely about their representation on coinage. Here are some of the intriguing facts and theories:

• Bicentennial Influence: In 2009, as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial, the reverse designs of the penny were altered to highlight different facets of Lincoln's life, from his log cabin birth to his days as a lawyer. Coincidentally, this occurred around the time when interest in Kennedy was high due to anniversaries of his presidency.

• Nostalgia and Tribute: Both presidents are often celebrated for their leadership during challenging times, which might partly explain why their images resonate on coins as symbols of unity and resilience.

Coincidences and Curiosities

Here are some of the curious coincidences between Lincoln and Kennedy:

1. Both Presidents Were Assassinated:

   • Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, while Kennedy was killed on November 22, 1963.

2. Elected to Congress in '46:

   • Lincoln was elected in 1846, while Kennedy in 1946.

3. Born a Century Apart:

   • Lincoln was born in 1809, and Kennedy in 1917.

4. Booth and Oswald:

   • Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth, was born in 1838. Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, was born in 1939, 101 years after Booth.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: While fascinating, many of these coincidences might be more due to chance than to some underlying cosmic connection.</p>

Collecting Lincoln and Kennedy Coins

For collectors and enthusiasts, here are some insights into collecting coins related to these two presidents:

• Lincoln Cents:

  • There are numerous key dates for collectors, such as the 1909 VDB Lincoln cent, which initially had the designer's initials on the reverse side.
  • Series like the Lincoln Memorial Cent are highly collectable due to variations in design and mint marks.

• Kennedy Half-Dollars:

  • The 1964 issue, the first year of the series, is especially sought after due to its 90% silver content.
  • There are also special collector sets and proofs.

Tips for Collectors:

• Focus on Key Dates: Prioritize coins from significant or historical events, like the inaugural issues of Lincoln cents or the first Kennedy half-dollars.

• Error Coins: Look out for errors, as these can be particularly valuable. Examples include double die obverse or off-center strikes.

• Understand Grading: Familiarize yourself with coin grading scales like the Sheldon Scale to assess condition and value.

• Be Patient: Coin collecting requires patience; valuable finds often take time to discover.

<p class="pro-note">⚙️ Pro Tip: Always store your coins in protective holders or capsules to prevent damage or tarnishing.</p>

Advanced Collecting Techniques

Here are some advanced strategies for those deeply invested in this hobby:

1. Set Registry: Join competitive registries where you can compare your collection against others.

2. Special Collections: Consider thematic collections, such as those related to significant events in Lincoln or Kennedy's lives.

3. Invest in Gold: Look into gold versions of these commemorative coins, which can appreciate in value over time.

4. Numismatic Research: Attend coin shows, read numismatic literature, and network with other collectors to learn more about the intricacies of the hobby.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Always keep meticulous records of your collection. Note dates, mint marks, grades, and provenance to enhance value and for insurance purposes.</p>

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For those new to collecting, here are common pitfalls:

• Overpaying: Be wary of prices for rare coins; sometimes, a fair market value is obscured by overzealous sellers.

• Faking: Learn to spot counterfeit coins or altered pieces, especially for high-value items.

• Neglecting Research: Don't skip the research phase before buying; understanding the market can prevent poor investments.

• Poor Storage: Coins stored improperly can quickly lose value or get damaged.

Wrapping Up the Penny's Tale

The connection between Lincoln and Kennedy, as etched in U.S. coinage, is a curious blend of history, serendipity, and national pride. Whether you're a collector or simply intrigued by these coincidences, the penny offers a fascinating lens through which to explore the lives of these two extraordinary leaders. Next time you handle a penny, consider the stories it tells, beyond the simple act of exchange.

Take a moment to browse related tutorials on coin collecting or delve deeper into the lives of these iconic figures. And remember:

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: When buying rare coins, opt for trusted dealers and always request a third-party grading report to ensure authenticity.</p>

FAQs

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why was Abraham Lincoln chosen for the penny?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Abraham Lincoln was chosen to honor his centennial birth anniversary in 1909. He's also celebrated for his role in unifying the nation during the Civil War and abolishing slavery.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What's the significance of the Kennedy Half-Dollar?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>It was created to honor President John F. Kennedy shortly after his assassination in 1963. The design aimed to preserve his image and contributions to the nation on a piece of everyday currency.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are there any other U.S. coins that feature both Lincoln and Kennedy?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While neither appears directly on the same coin, their connections are often cited in discussions about U.S. currency, especially during significant anniversaries.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>