Say hello to the new 2010 Lincoln cent reverse, released by the Mint on February 11, 2010.
Gone is the Lincoln memorial which donned the reverse from 1959–2008, gone are the bicentennial commemorative reverses of 2009, this is it.
From the Mint:
The design depicts a union shield with a scroll draped across and the inscription ONE CENT. The 13 vertical stripes of the shield represent the states joined in one compact union to support the federal government, represented by the horizontal bar above. The horizontal bar features the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM — “out of many, one” — while the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is depicted along the upper rim of the coin.
In the spring, the United States Mint will offer 2010 Union Shield Cent two roll sets. — one roll from the Philadelphia Mint and one roll from the Denver Mint. The 2010-S Proof Union Shield Cent will be included in the 2010 Proof Set and 2010 Silver Proof Set. Satin finish 2010-P and 2010-D Union Shield Cents will be included in the 2010 Uncirculated Mint Set.
Some complain about the design, but few accept change initially. As for me, I’m a fan. I think that the design is modern and the large elements work especially well on a small coin like the one cent piece.
Specifications
Date: 2010
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco (proof only)
Designers: Victor David Brenner (obverse), Lyndall Bass (reverse)
Composition: 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper
Weight: 2.50 grams
Diameter: 19 mm
What do you think about the new design?