Re-engraved Cents

The term re-engraved is really a misnomer. Coins are struck from dies, not engraved. The term really refers to something that is done to a coin after it has left the Mint.

The most notorious of the re-engraved coins is a Lincoln cent with a tiny head of John F. Kennedy facing Lincoln. This particular alteration accompanied a card comparing the life of Lincoln and Kennedy.

The punch is not a mint product and the coin has no specific numismatic value. Below are some of the comparisons that were on the card that accompanied the cent:

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.

Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.

Both were shot in the head.

Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy. Kennedy's secretary was named Lincoln.

Both were assassinated by Southerner.

Both were succeeded by Southerners.

Both successors were named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln was born in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names. Both names comprise fifteen letters.

Booth ran from the theater and was caught in a warehouse. Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater.

Booth and Oswald were both assassinated before their trials.

Just for Fun, here's another re-engraved cent showing Lincoln smoking a cigar.

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