2010 Lincoln Cent Launch Ceremony in Springfield, Illinois

On February 11, 2010, the United States Mint will host a launch ceremony for the newly designed 2010 Lincoln Cent in Springfield, Illinois. On the same day the Mint will also offer coin exchanges for the new penny in Washington, D.C.

The reverse design of the 2010 Lincoln Penny features the Union Shield, as designed by Lyndall Bass and engraved by Joseph Menna. The shield features thirteen vertical stripes bound by a single horizontal bar to represent the original thirteen states joined in support of the federal government. This design will be used on the reverse one cent coin for the foreseeable future. The obverse will continue to feature the bust of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor D. Brenner.

Related Story: Read a first hand account of the 2010 Lincoln Cent Launch Ceremony and Coin Exchange

The launch ceremony will be held at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum located at 212 N. Sixth Street in Springfield, Illinois, beginning at 9:30 AM Central Time. Attendees of the ceremony will include United States Mint Director Edmund Moy, Acting Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Jan Grimes, and curator of the Library and Museum Dr. James Cornelius.

Although some examples of the 2010 Lincoln Cent have already reached circulation, this event will mark the official presentation of the new design to the public.

Children in attendance will receive a free 2010 Lincoln "Union Shield" Cent. Others will have the opportunity to exchange currency for rolls of the new cents. A minimum of two rolls and a maximum of six rolls will be allowed at the exchange (subject to change).

The day before the launch on February 10 at 6:30 PM, the United States Mint will hold a Coin Forum. This will provide coin enthusiasts with the opportunity to meet Director Moy and ask him questions about U.S. coinage.  This event will be held at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library located at 112 N. Sixth Street in Springfield, Illinois.

Coin exchanges will be available at certain locations in Washington, D.C. on February 11, 2010. This will include the US Mint sales counter located at Union Station and the first floor of the US Mint's headquarters at 801 9th Street NW.