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Lincoln Rail Splitter Cents

Common, scarce and rare U.S. Lincoln Rail Splitter (or Formative Years in Indiana [1816-30) cents (2009) at Mintmark.com; includes links to other 2009 cents (Log Cabin; Lawyer; President). Also see the new Lincoln Shield cent.

2009 Lincoln Rail Splitter Cent
2.5 grams; zinc; 19 mm

In 2009, the U.S. Lincoln cent reverse design was changed once again; 2009 marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln¹ and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent. 2009 cents feature four different designs (coins); a new design was released approximately every three months during 2009. Each of the designs represents different stages in the life of Abraham Lincoln: (1) Birth in Kentucky (1809-16); q.v., Log Cabin; (2) Formative Years in Indiana (1816-30); q.v., Rail Splitter; (3) Professional Life in Illinois (1830-61); q.v., Lawyer; (4) Presidency in Washington DC (1861-65); q.v., President. The 2009 Rail Splitter cent reverse was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers². The new coin was released on May 14, 2009 at a ceremony in the Lincoln Amphitheatre in scenic Lincoln State Park, Indiana. Additionally, a brand new reverse design (and a modified obverse) for the Lincoln Cent debuted in 2010 (q.v., Lincoln Shield Cents). This design—which replaces the well-known Lincoln Memorial design—bears on the reverse the Union Shield (also, U.S. Shield; q.v., Great Seal of the United States at Wikipedia); an image emblematic of Lincoln’s preservation of the United States of America as a single and united country.

¹ In the fall of 1816, Thomas and Nancy Lincoln left Kentucky for southern Indiana, settling in Spencer County. As he grew older, young Abraham became skilled at using a plow and, especially, an axe. Although the demands of frontier life left little time for formal schooling, his parents instilled in him a love for books and Abraham educated himself by reading such works as Life of Washington, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Robinson Crusoe, and 1001 Arabian Nights, all by the age of 11. He could often be seen carrying a book along with his axe. In October 1818, the family suffered a terrible tragedy when Nancy died from drinking contaminated cow's milk. For Abraham, whose mother had encouraged him to read and explore the world through books, it was a devastating blow. Thomas later married Sarah Bush Johnston, a kind stepmother who helped raise Abraham as her own. The coin's design depicts a young Lincoln reading while taking a break from working as a rail splitter in Indiana. — usmint.gov lesson plan for teachers

² Charles Vickers was born and raised in Northeast Texas. After a tour of duty with the 101st Airborne Division, he went to New York to study at the Art Students League and Frank Reilly School of Art. He also attended the Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts. In 1976, Charles moved to Pennsylvania and began a successful career at the Franklin Mint. Since leaving as a Senior Sculptor in 1985 and establishing his own studio, Charles’ design work has earned him recognition throughout the world and he has been commissioned to work on many private collections. Charles joined the United States Mint’s sculptor-engraving staff in December 2003. Most of his work has been in bas-relief; medals, coins and design . . . — Charles L. Vickers, Sculptor-Engraver, United States Mint, usmint.gov

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