Lincoln Shield Cents (2010-Date)

Overview of the Lincoln Shield Cent

The Lincoln Shield Cent was introduced in 2010 as part of a broader initiative to modernize the design of the Lincoln penny. This coin replaced the previous designs that had been in circulation for decades. The introduction of the Shield design was a response to both aesthetic and practical considerations, reflecting a new era in coinage that sought to engage collectors and the general public alike.

In 2010, the United States Mint introduced the Lincoln Shield Cent, marking a significant design change. The new reverse features a stylized depiction of a shield, symbolizing Lincoln's preservation of the Union, along with the words “One Cent” and “United States of America.” This was a departure from the previous design that celebrated Lincoln's physical memorial.