On Friday, November 19, one media outlet titled their article New Dollar or Big Penny (paraphrasing). Of course, their title was to draw interest as the two coins do not look anything alike.
Let’s look at the obverse designs (the first two pictures courtesy of the US Mint’s picture library).
The new dollar coin:
The image includes the iconic version of Lincoln with his beard sans mustache and his bow tie. But, this coin’s design shows a frontal view.
Now, the penny:
The penny also uses the iconic Lincoln with his beard – less the mustache, the suit coat and the bow tie. The portrait shows a side view with President Lincoln looking to the right.
The only thing missing is Lincoln’s stove pipe hat, but that would be a challenge to get on the coin and still have his features large enough to be seen without a loupe.
The new Lincoln dollar was released for circulation on November 18th, but the ceremony was held on November 19th at President Lincoln’s Cottage which resides on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington DC.
On that date 147 years ago, Abraham Lincoln gave his famous speech in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Interestingly, the Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Dollar includes a portion of the Gettysburg address on the reverse.
And, similar to the new Lincoln dollar and the penny, the obverse of the Lincoln Commemorative dollar shows President Lincoln with the lower beard, the topcoat and the bow tie. But, this version shows a three quarters view rather than a side or front portrait. Though, in this design, he looks more weary, still impressive, just tired and worried.
President Lincoln was an impressive gentleman both in his endeavors to succeed as a young man and in his accomplishments as President.
He was an insightful man as the following quotes show:
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. “
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.”
“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
One wonders if the people of his era recognized and appreciated his wisdom and his bravery. History shows he was an amazing man, one from whom we could learn much today to help fix our problems.