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.
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
Lines begin to form outside the Old State Capitol building prior to the penny unveiling
Pallet of $25 boxes of new 2009 Lincoln Penny Rolls
Public begins to gather within the grounds of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois
Fritz Klein as Abe Lincoln
Lincoln Troubadours sing during penny launch ceremony
Timothy J. Davlin, Mayor, City of Springfield; Edmund Moy, Director, United States Mint; Richard J. Durbin, United States Senator, State of Illinois
United States Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois speaks during Professional Life cent ceremony event
United States Mint Director Edmund Moy speaking during Illinois cent ceremony event
Sen. Dick Durbin and US Mint Director Edmund Moy unveil new Lincoln Professional Life cent
US Mint Director Edmund Moy hands out new Lincoln pennies to children at ceremony
US Mint Director Edmund Moy talks to media following ceremony
Chase Bank employees start to exchange rolls of Lincoln Professional Life in Illinois pennies
Stamped Illinois Lincoln Cent Rolls
Joel Iskowitz, Master Designer of the Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Cent, greets toddler and mom following release ceremony.
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.
Photo of the reverse would have been nice.