Redesign of Lincoln cent obverse in 1969

[mikediamond]

I need help to refresh my memory regarding the rather significant modifications made to the Lincoln cent obverse in 1969. I vaguely recall reading that the modifications were undertaken after the master hub that had been used up to that point became too distorted. Certainly the peripheral letters on the obverse of 1968 cents are usually merged with the rim, especially on late die state specimens. Is this story correct? If so, why didn't the folks at the mint simply make a new master hub using existing plaster models of the old design? Thanks, in advance, for clueing me in on the real story.

[Robert]

I believe you're correct. My limited understanding is just that the obverse master hub used in 1968 was the same one used since 1909 and it had simply worn out.

My baseless speculation is that a new hub was made (instead of "recycling" the old design) because either that minor modifications were needed (to increase die life) or there was something keeping them from doing so (lost plaster models, different equipment, etc). But like I say that is speculation.

Chuck could probably tell you more.

[coppercoins]

Actually the design went through a number of changes and modifications through the years, most recently in 2000, which has a slightly different bust than 1999 cents.

The change that took place in 1969 wasn't out of the norm, to reengrave the design once in a while for a fresh change. The design used in 1968 was worn out and the design had migrated to a deeper relief than intended, so they cleaned it up for 1969 - nothing more than that to it.

[coop]

Check out the designers' initials on the reverse of the 1973 Cent. They are much larger than other years.