From Pockets to Piggy Banks: Lost Penny Day Quiz

In 1787, Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States, crafted and minted the inaugural penny. Franklin's influence on American history and culture, spanning science and politics, remains deeply significant.

Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith established National Lost Penny Day, articulating her idea in a blog post. Her message emphasized the profound impact of seemingly trivial change, stating, "Petty change can make an astounding difference." This day serves as a poignant reminder of the worth of each penny and the significant impact it can wield when gathered.

Annually commemorated on February 12, National Lost Penny Day aligns with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It stands as a tribute to Lincoln, whose visage is featured on the contemporary penny.

Crafted in 1787, the inaugural penny in the United States, named the Fugio and conceptualized by Benjamin Franklin, was composed entirely of copper, mirroring the prevalent coinage materials of that era.

Starting in 1995, National Lost Penny Day was coined by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, an eventologist. She explained that petty cash can make a significant difference, highlighting the importance of valuing every penny.

Looking for lost pennies can help you find other lost items that went missing ages ago. Finding pennies is also considered a good luck charm, adding a touch of magic and mystery to this seemingly mundane activity.

During World War II, there were demands for copper on the war front, creating a shortage of the metal at home. Therefore, zinc-coated steel cents were made in 1943; a few were also made in 1944, and are very rare. This reflects the impact of war on even the smallest aspects of daily life.

Beginning in 1959, the sesquicentennial of Lincoln’s birth, and lasting until 2008, the Lincoln memorial was on the reverse of the Lincoln penny. This design feature served as a constant reminder of Lincoln’s legacy and the values he stood for.

The penny we’re familiar with today, adorned with the bust of late American president Abraham Lincoln, was first minted in 1909. Known as the Lincoln cent, this coin serves as a tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history.