“That will be two dollars, ninety-nine cents, please.” For American consumers, this is a phrase heard quite often. The purchaser will proceed to pull three dollars out of their wallet to receive a shiny penny back. Although currently the lowest denomination coin of the U.S. currency, the penny has a long and illustrious history. With this in mind, one cannot help but wonder why anyone would even consider eliminating the penny. It may seem that the penny is worthless, a waste of time, and occupies space and weight with little value, but the penny is vital to America in the role it plays in the job industry by supporting the zinc industry and the U.S. Mint, and remains popular due to its representation of an American historical symbol, Abraham
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His image reminds people of the movement towards equality and his efforts in encouraging people to hold themselves to the new standard of America, which exemplifies the fair and equal treatment of all people. Lincoln’s image on the penny represents a strong and moral character that Americans look up to. The first image of Lincoln appeared on the penny in 1909. It was “deemed as rock-solid as the presidential jaw of Abraham Lincoln” (Source B), which emphasizes the penny’s practicality and dependability. The penny was also “feted as the first currency authorized by the United States” (Source B). It holds history that no other U.S. coin can claim. The penny laid the foundation of coinage in America, and removing the foundation could possibly weaken the economy. The penny is a traditional form of currency which celebrates a strong and sensible president. To honor Lincoln’s 200th anniversary of his birth, “After 2009, the ‘tails’ side of the coin [featured] ‘an image emblematic of the President Lincoln’s preservation of the United States of America as a single and unified country’” (Source F). This image represents Lincoln and symbolizes his importance on the history of America. Without his image on the penny, the American people would not be reminded of his impact on America. Therefore, the penny deserves to be commemorated. The penny should not be discontinued due to its role in representing an important historical figure, Abraham Lincoln and its symbol of the U.S. as a single and unified
His image reminds people of the movement towards equality and his efforts in encouraging people to hold themselves to the new standard of America, which exemplifies the fair and equal treatment of all people. Lincoln’s image on the penny represents a strong and moral character that Americans look up to. The first image of Lincoln appeared on the penny in 1909. It was “deemed as rock-solid as the presidential jaw of Abraham Lincoln” (Source B), which emphasizes the penny’s practicality and dependability. The penny was also “feted as the first currency authorized by the United States” (Source B). It holds history that no other U.S. coin can claim. The penny laid the foundation of coinage in America, and removing the foundation could possibly weaken the economy. The penny is a traditional form of currency which celebrates a strong and sensible president. To honor Lincoln’s 200th anniversary of his birth, “After 2009, the ‘tails’ side of the coin [featured] ‘an image emblematic of the President Lincoln’s preservation of the United States of America as a single and unified country’” (Source F). This image represents Lincoln and symbolizes his importance on the history of America. Without his image on the penny, the American people would not be reminded of his impact on America. Therefore, the penny deserves to be commemorated. The penny should not be discontinued due to its role in representing an important historical figure, Abraham Lincoln and its symbol of the U.S. as a single and unified