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Penny Wisdom

Penny History

Penny Details

The Mint estimates that it will issue 11.4 billion pennies in fiscal year 2007 .
The U.S. one-cent coin is 19 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.5 grams. (See also coin specifications via the U.S. Mint.)

The composition of the penny is 97.5% zinc and 2.5 % copper.

There have been 11 different designs featured on the penny.

Since its beginning, the U.S. Mint has produced over 288.7 billion pennies. Lined up edge to edge, these pennies would circle the earth 137 times. (Figures are est.)

According to the U.S. Treasury, a circulating coin (e.g., penny, nickel, dime) lasts nearly 30 years. (See also coin production and circulation data via the Treasury)

The most "expensive" penny is a rare one minted in 1793. Only four are known to exist today and their worth is estimated at more than $275,000.

An average of 1,040 pennies are produced every second, adding up to 30 million a day. (Figures are est.)

During its early penny-making years, the U.S. Mint was so short on copper that it accepted copper utensils, nails and scrap from the public to melt down for the coins.

The Lincoln penny was the first U.S. coin to feature a historic figure. President Abraham Lincoln has been on the penny since 1909, the 100th anniversary of his birth.

The Lincoln penny was the first cent on which appeared the words "In God We Trust."

About half of all coins produced by the U.S. Mint are pennies. (See also coin production figures via the U.S. Mint.

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How To Contact Us

Americans for Common Cents
1301 K Street NW
Suite 600, East Tower
Washington, D.C. 20005-3364
Phone (800) 561-7909
Fax (202) 408-6399
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Lincoln In His Own Words

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. - Abraham Lincoln

News from the US Mint

New 2009 Penny Designs

The Mint will issue different one-cent coins in 2009, in recognition of the 200th Anniversary of President Lincoln's birth

Lincoln Bicentennial

In celebration of Abraham Lincoln's upcoming birthday bicentennial in 2009, the United States Mint plans to issue four new versions of the penny, to be released on a rotating basis.

More information about the Lincoln Bicentennial is available here.

Penny Fundraising

Many corporations, national charities, schools, and local philanthropies have realized the worth of the penny. Through the use of point-of-sale collections and competitive penny fundraisers, these groups have turned thousands of idle pennies into real dollars for everything from college scholarships to housing for the homeless. These fundraisers clearly demonstrate the true value of the penny.

More information is available here

Our Kids Making a Difference With Pennies

How To Conduct a Penny Fundraising Drive

Penny Fundraising Handbook is available here

Penny Power Poster is available here