National One Cent Day celebrates the history and significance of the U.S. penny, America’s one-cent coin that has been an integral part of the nation’s currency system since 1793.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: April 1st annually
- Tagged as: Currency, History, American Heritage
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalOneCentDay #PennyDay
- When was it founded?: The exact founding date is unclear
- Who founded it?: Origin not officially documented
History
The penny’s journey began with Benjamin Franklin’s design in 1787. The first one-cent coin featured “Mind Your Business” on one side and “We Are One” on the other. Initially made entirely of copper and larger than today’s penny, it evolved significantly over time. The most notable change came in 1909 when Abraham Lincoln became the first real person to appear on U.S. circulating currency.
Timeline
- 1787: First one-cent coin issued
- 1857: Penny size reduced and composition changed
- 1909: Lincoln’s portrait added to the penny
- 1943: Temporary switch to steel during WWII
- 2010: Union Shield design added to reverse side
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Apr 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | Apr 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | Apr 1 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by collecting pennies, making penny art, playing penny games, or donating pennies to charity. Some businesses offer penny sales or special one-cent promotions.
Fun Facts About Pennies
- The term “penny” comes from British currency
- During WWII, pennies were made from steel to save copper
- Lincoln’s face has appeared on the penny for over 100 years
- The shield on the reverse represents the 13 original states
Quiz
- What year did Lincoln first appear on the penny?
- What metal was temporarily used for pennies during WWII?
- What’s on the current reverse side of the penny?
-(Answers: 1909, Steel, Union Shield)
FAQs
Q: Why is Lincoln on the penny?
A: President Roosevelt chose Lincoln to enhance the artistic merit of American currency.
Q: Are steel pennies valuable?
A: Yes, 1943 steel pennies are considered collectible.
Importance of National One Cent Day
This day reminds us of our monetary history and the penny’s role in American commerce. It celebrates both technological advancement in currency production and cultural heritage preservation.
Related
- National Coin Week
- Abraham Lincoln Day
- National Currency Day
- U.S. Mint Anniversary