1908 Penny: A Historic Numismatic Rarity

Kory Harris 20 Jun 2025

What is a 1908 penny? It is a one-cent coin struck by the United States Mint in 1908. The coin features the Lincoln Memorial on the obverse (heads) and the words "In God We Trust" on the reverse (tails).

The 1908 penny is made of 95% copper and 5% zinc. It weighs 3.11 grams and has a diameter of 19.05 millimeters. The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner.

The 1908 penny is a common coin, but it is still collected by many people. The coin is worth about $0.10 in circulated condition and $1.00 in uncirculated condition.

The 1908 penny is a reminder of the early days of the United States. The coin is a symbol of the country's history and heritage.

Here are some additional facts about the 1908 penny:

The 1908 penny was the first coin to feature the Lincoln Memorial.
The coin was originally designed by James Earle Fraser, but his design was rejected by the Treasury Department.
The 1908 penny is the only penny that was struck with a matte finish.
The 1908 penny is one of the most popular coins among collectors.

1908 Penny

The 1908 penny is a one-cent coin struck by the United States Mint in 1908. It is a significant coin in American history and is still collected by many people today.

Obverse: Lincoln Memorial
Reverse: "In God We Trust"
Designer: Victor David Brenner
Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19.05 millimeters
Mintage: 300,528,000
Value: $0.10 in circulated condition, $1.00 in uncirculated condition

The 1908 penny is a reminder of the early days of the United States. It is a symbol of the country's history and heritage. The coin is also a popular collector's item. The key aspects of the 1908 penny make it a unique and interesting coin.

1. Obverse

The obverse of the 1908 penny features the Lincoln Memorial, a monument in Washington, D.C., that commemorates President Abraham Lincoln. The memorial was designed by architect Henry Bacon and sculptor Daniel Chester French, and was completed in 1922. The penny's depiction of the memorial is a reminder of Lincoln's legacy and his role in the preservation of the Union during the American Civil War.

Symbolism: The Lincoln Memorial is a powerful symbol of American democracy and unity. It is a reminder of Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War, and his commitment to the preservation of the Union. The penny's depiction of the memorial reinforces these themes, and serves as a reminder of the importance of these ideals.
Historical significance: The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. It is a popular tourist destination, and has been the site of many important events, including Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. The penny's depiction of the memorial helps to commemorate its historical significance, and ensures that it will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
Artistic merit: The Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful work of architecture and sculpture. The penny's depiction of the memorial captures the beauty of the monument, and helps to make it accessible to a wider audience. The coin's design is a testament to the skill of Victor David Brenner, the artist who designed it.

The Lincoln Memorial is a fitting symbol for the 1908 penny. It is a reminder of Lincoln's legacy, the importance of American democracy, and the beauty of American art.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the 1908 penny features the motto "In God We Trust." This motto was first used on American coins in 1864, during the Civil War. It was added to coins as a way to express the nation's trust in God during a time of great turmoil. The motto has been on all U.S. coins ever since, except for a brief period during the early 1900s.

The inclusion of "In God We Trust" on the 1908 penny is significant for several reasons. First, it reflects the religious beliefs of the American people at the time. In the early 1900s, the United States was a predominantly Christian nation, and many people believed that the nation's success was due to God's favor. The motto "In God We Trust" was a way to express this belief.

Second, the inclusion of "In God We Trust" on the 1908 penny was a way to unite the country during a time of division. The Civil War had left the nation divided, and many people were still struggling to come to terms with the war's outcome. The motto "In God We Trust" was a way to remind Americans that they were all part of one nation, and that they could overcome their differences through their shared faith in God.

Today, the motto "In God We Trust" continues to be an important part of American coinage. It is a reminder of the nation's religious heritage, and it is a symbol of the unity of the American people.

3. Designer

Victor David Brenner was a Lithuanian-born American sculptor and engraver who designed the Lincoln penny, one of the most iconic and recognizable coins in the world. Brenner's design was selected in a competition held by the United States Mint in 1909, and the Lincoln penny was first struck in 1909.

Artistic style: Brenner's design for the Lincoln penny is characterized by its realism and simplicity. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Lincoln that is both dignified and . The reverse of the coin features the Lincoln Memorial, which is rendered in a simple but effective manner. Brenner's design for the Lincoln penny is a classic example of American coin design, and it has been praised for its beauty and timelessness.
Technical skill: Brenner was a master engraver, and his technical skill is evident in the Lincoln penny. The coin is well-struck, and the details are sharp and clear. Brenner's skill as an engraver is also evident in his other works, such as the Buffalo nickel and the Standing Liberty quarter.
Historical significance: The Lincoln penny is one of the most significant coins in American history. It was the first coin to feature a president of the United States, and it has been in circulation for over 100 years. The Lincoln penny is a reminder of Lincoln's legacy and his role in the preservation of the Union during the American Civil War.

Victor David Brenner was a talented artist and engraver, and his design for the Lincoln penny is a masterpiece of American coin design. The Lincoln penny is a reminder of Brenner's skill and artistry, and it is a symbol of American history and heritage.

4. Composition

The 1908 penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc. This composition was chosen because it is durable, affordable, and easy to work with. Copper is a relatively soft metal, but the addition of zinc makes it harder and more resistant to wear and tear. This makes the penny less likely to become damaged or scratched, even after years of circulation.

Durability: The composition of the 1908 penny makes it very durable. The copper-zinc alloy is resistant to corrosion and wear, which means that pennies can last for many years without becoming damaged. This is important because pennies are often used in everyday transactions, and they need to be able to withstand the rigors of circulation.
Affordability: Copper and zinc are relatively inexpensive metals, which makes the 1908 penny an affordable coin to produce. This is important because pennies are a low-denomination coin, and they need to be produced in large quantities. The low cost of production helps to keep the penny affordable for the government and for consumers.
Workability: Copper and zinc are both easy to work with, which makes the 1908 penny easy to produce. The metals can be easily melted and formed, which allows the penny to be struck with a variety of designs. This makes the penny a versatile coin that can be used for a variety of purposes.

The composition of the 1908 penny is an important factor in its durability, affordability, and workability. These factors have made the penny a popular coin for over 100 years.

5. Weight

The weight of a 1908 penny is 3.11 grams. This weight is significant for several reasons.

Composition: The weight of a 1908 penny is due to its composition. The coin is made of 95% copper and 5% zinc. Copper is a relatively heavy metal, and zinc is a lighter metal. The combination of these two metals results in a coin that weighs 3.11 grams.
Durability: The weight of a 1908 penny also contributes to its durability. The heavier weight of the coin makes it more resistant to wear and tear. This means that pennies can last for many years without becoming damaged.
Value: The weight of a 1908 penny can also affect its value. Pennies that are heavier than 3.11 grams may be worth more to collectors. This is because heavier pennies are less common, and they may be made of a different metal alloy.
History: The weight of a 1908 penny can also provide insight into its history. Pennies that were minted in different years may have different weights. This is because the composition of the penny has changed over time. By studying the weight of a penny, it is possible to determine when it was minted.

The weight of a 1908 penny is a significant factor that can tell us about its composition, durability, value, and history. By understanding the weight of a penny, we can learn more about this iconic American coin.

6. Diameter

The diameter of a 1908 penny is 19.05 millimeters. This measurement is significant for several reasons.

First, the diameter of a penny is important because it helps to determine the coin's weight. The larger the diameter of a coin, the heavier it will be. This is because the volume of a coin is proportional to the cube of its diameter. As a result, a penny with a diameter of 19.05 millimeters will weigh more than a penny with a diameter of 18.00 millimeters, even if the two pennies are made of the same material.

Second, the diameter of a penny is important because it helps to determine the coin's value. In general, the larger the diameter of a coin, the more valuable it will be. This is because larger coins are more difficult to produce, and they require more metal to make. As a result, a penny with a diameter of 19.05 millimeters will be worth more than a penny with a diameter of 18.00 millimeters, even if the two pennies are made of the same material and weigh the same amount.

Finally, the diameter of a penny is important because it helps to determine the coin's durability. The larger the diameter of a coin, the more durable it will be. This is because larger coins are less likely to be damaged or bent. As a result, a penny with a diameter of 19.05 millimeters will be more durable than a penny with a diameter of 18.00 millimeters, even if the two pennies are made of the same material and weigh the same amount.

In conclusion, the diameter of a 1908 penny is an important measurement that affects the coin's weight, value, and durability. By understanding the diameter of a penny, we can learn more about the coin's history, production, and use.

7. Mintage

The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins that were produced in a particular year. The mintage of the 1908 penny was 300,528,000. This means that 300,528,000 pennies were produced in 1908.

Rarity: The mintage of a coin can affect its rarity. Coins with a lower mintage are generally rarer than coins with a higher mintage. The 1908 penny has a relatively high mintage, which means that it is not a particularly rare coin.
Value: The mintage of a coin can also affect its value. Coins with a lower mintage are generally more valuable than coins with a higher mintage. However, the value of a coin is also affected by other factors, such as its condition and desirability. The 1908 penny is not a particularly valuable coin, but it can still be worth a small premium over its face value.
History: The mintage of a coin can provide insight into its history. For example, a coin with a high mintage may have been produced to meet a specific demand, such as a new law or a major event. The 1908 penny was produced during a time of economic growth in the United States. The high mintage of the coin may have been due to the increased demand for coinage during this time.
Collecting: The mintage of a coin can be important to collectors. Collectors often seek out coins with a low mintage or a specific mint mark. The 1908 penny is not a particularly rare coin, but it is still collected by some people. Collectors may be interested in finding pennies with a specific mint mark or in completing a set of pennies from a particular year.

The mintage of the 1908 penny is a significant factor that can affect its rarity, value, history, and collecting potential. By understanding the mintage of a coin, we can learn more about the coin's production, use, and history.

8. Value

The value of a 1908 penny can vary depending on its condition. A circulated penny is one that has been in circulation for a period of time and shows signs of wear and tear. An uncirculated penny is one that has not been in circulation and is in mint condition.

Circulated pennies are worth around $0.10 each. This is because they are common and have been in circulation for a long time. Circulated pennies may have scratches, dents, or other signs of wear and tear.
Uncirculated pennies are worth around $1.00 each. This is because they are rare and have not been in circulation. Uncirculated pennies are typically in mint condition and have no signs of wear and tear.
Other factors that can affect the value of a 1908 penny include the mint mark and the year of mintage. Pennies with a rare mint mark or year of mintage may be worth more than pennies with a common mint mark or year of mintage.

Ultimately, the value of a 1908 penny is determined by its condition, rarity, and desirability. Collectors are willing to pay more for pennies that are in good condition, are rare, and are in high demand.

FAQs about the 1908 Penny

The 1908 penny is a one-cent coin struck by the United States Mint in 1908. It is a common coin, but it is still collected by many people. Here are some frequently asked questions about the 1908 penny:

Question 1: What is the value of a 1908 penny?

Answer: The value of a 1908 penny can vary depending on its condition. A circulated penny is worth around $0.10 each, while an uncirculated penny is worth around $1.00 each.

Question 2: What is the composition of a 1908 penny?

Answer: A 1908 penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

Question 3: What is the weight of a 1908 penny?

Answer: The weight of a 1908 penny is 3.11 grams.

Question 4: What is the diameter of a 1908 penny?

Answer: The diameter of a 1908 penny is 19.05 millimeters.

Question 5: How many 1908 pennies were minted?

Answer: The mintage of the 1908 penny was 300,528,000.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1908 penny. For more information, please consult a reputable source on coin collecting.

Transition to the next article section: The 1908 penny is a reminder of the early days of the United States. It is a symbol of the country's history and heritage.

Conclusion

The 1908 penny is a reminder of the early days of the United States. It is a symbol of the country's history and heritage. The coin is a reminder of President Abraham Lincoln and his role in the preservation of the Union during the American Civil War. It is also a reminder of the importance of American democracy and the beauty of American art.

The 1908 penny is a reminder that even the smallest things can have a big impact. The penny is a symbol of the American people and their values. It is a reminder of the country's past and a symbol of its future.

Coins / United Kingdom / Penny 1908 Online Coin Club

Penny 1908, Coin from United Kingdom Online Coin Club

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