The US Lincoln Cent was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of Lincoln, and the reverse side has been altered several times throughout its history to feature different designs, including the original "Wheat Ears" design and the current design featuring the U.S Shield. The Lincoln Cent is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc and is one of the most widely collected coins in the world. The coin is still in circulation today and is a popular choice among collectors due to its historical significance, affordability, and wide availability. From 1942 to 1943, the Lincoln Cent was made from a composition of steel coated with zinc. This steel variation is commonly referred to as the "steel penny," and is distinguishable from the copper version by its lighter weight and silver-like color.