Photos: Illinois 2009 Lincoln Cent Event Launch

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The US Mint ceremoniously launched the ‘Professional Life’ cent in Illinois on Thursday, August 13, at the Old State Capitol in Springfield. US Senator Dick Durbin and US Mint Director Ed Moy unveiled the penny following a short program that included speeches and songs from the Lincoln Troubadours.

2009 Lincoln Cent Professional Life Illinois Event Photo Collage

While children received a free cent, adults waited in line for the opportunity to exchange $3 cash for 6 rolls of the new design. Many followed their exchange experience with a trip to the US Post Office to wait in another line for the chance to get their new rolls marked with a cancellation stamp, officiating the date.

United States Mint Artist Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz, who designed the reverse or tails side of the Illinois cent, was also in attendance for the ceremony. Mr. Iskowitz took time out for some meet and greets as well, and hosted an informational program later in the day followed by a Q&A session.

The following photos recap some of the day’s events:

Illinois Lincoln Cent Launch Photos

Old State Capitol Building
Lines begin to form outside the Old State Capitol building prior to the penny unveiling

2009 Lincoln Penny Roll Boxes
Pallet of $25 boxes of new 2009 Lincoln Penny Rolls

Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois
Public begins to gather within the grounds of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois

Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois
Fritz Klein as Abe Lincoln

Lincoln Troubadours
Lincoln Troubadours sing during penny launch ceremony

Lincoln Troubadours
Timothy J. Davlin, Mayor, City of Springfield; Edmund Moy, Director, United States Mint; Richard J. Durbin, United States Senator, State of Illinois

Dick Durbin, United States Senator
United States Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois speaks during Professional Life cent ceremony event

United States Mint Director Edmund Moy
United States Mint Director Edmund Moy speaking during Illinois cent ceremony event

Sen. Dick Durbin and US Mint Director Edmund Moy
Sen. Dick Durbin and US Mint Director Edmund Moy unveil new Lincoln Professional Life cent

Sen. Dick Durbin and US Mint Director Edmund Moy
US Mint Director Edmund Moy hands out new Lincoln pennies to children at ceremony

US Mint Director Edmund Moy
US Mint Director Edmund Moy talks to media following ceremony

Chase Bank staff

Chase Bank employees start to exchange rolls of Lincoln Professional Life in Illinois pennies

Stamped Illinois Lincoln Cent Rolls
Stamped Illinois Lincoln Cent Rolls

Joel Iskowitz

Joel Iskowitz, Master Designer of the Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Cent, greets toddler and mom following release ceremony.

Joel Iskowitz

Joel Iskowitz, Master Designer of the Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Cent, discusses his design and history with the US Mint.

 

For more photos, follow Penny Launch in Springfield, Illinois.

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Charles K Miller

Photo of the reverse would have been nice.