The bronze Lincoln plaque was a base for the obverse design, and it has remained unchanged until these days. That way, this President forever changed coinage in the country, while the resistance to change was negligible thanks to Lincoln’s popularity. He wanted to make American coins more appealing and inspiring, and striking coins with the beloved Lincoln was an excellent decision. President Theodore Roosevelt decided to change the out-of-date attitude that putting a real person on coins was too monarchical and a bit unseemly. The Lincoln cent is historically significant as the first American coinage with a genuine man on the obverse. Since Lincoln is one of the most beloved American leaders, most collectors appreciate pennies struck from 1959 to 2008. This design was present on cents by 2008 when four reverse designs replaced it in honor of this great man’s 200th birthday. It honored the 16th President of the United States, who symbolized the fight for each man’s freedom and dignity. The model for the new reverse look was the Lincoln Memorial National Memorial, built in Washington, DC, from 1914 to 1922. The reason for replacing Wheat pennies with the Memorial building was the 150th of Lincoln’s birthday. Fifty years later, the US Mint decided to change the existing reverse. The first Lincoln pennies appeared in 1909 to commemorate the 100th Lincoln birthday.

History of the 1986 Memorial (Lincoln) Penny 1986 Memorial (Lincoln) penny value Chart Even though you may find these pieces cheap, the 1986 penny value is almost always higher than their face value. The goal was to celebrate the 150th Lincoln’s birthday properly. The first Memorial cents appeared in 1959 when replacing Wheat pennies. Collectors like them, thanks to the historical significance and sentiment Americans have toward everything connected with the President who abolished slavery. Pennies minted in 1986 are contemporary coins, but they are still collectible.

Us liberty coins 1986 coin set value