1. Born in 1787, known as Fugio first and then penny, it was created at the urging of Benjamin Franklin.

2. It is 220 years old and still lives today in pockets, pigs, banks and of course, couch cushions.

3. In 1787 the penny said. I am the first currency of any type authorized by the United States. I will serve as a standard monetary unit. I will be made entirely of copper and will hold my worth and value. There will be no substitute and I will soon be in circulation to free us from the flood of light British half-pence.

4. The penny of today is 19 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2 and a-half grams.

5. This is what the penny says I changed my size and composition to suit the needs of my country. During times of war, due to copper shortages, I have been made using different combinations of copper, nickel, steel and zinc.

6. During WWII the copper released was enough to meet the combined needs of two cruisers, two destroyers, 1242 flying fortresses, 120 field guns and 120 howitzers; or 2 2 1242 120

7. enough for one and one-quarter million shells for our big field guns. 1,250,000

8. The penny provides a record of our history. Its appearance has changed 11 times in its 220 years.

9. I have been adorned with many symbols. 13 rings symbolizing the 13 colonies. A sundial and rays of sunshine inspiring a new beginning. An Indian Head symbolizing the strength of our Nation during war times and most recently, I commemorated President Lincoln’s 100 th and 150 th birthdays by stamping my sides with first his portrait and then his memorial. It says:

10. The penny is the longest living coin in US History. It is small and easily overlooked, yet when it is collected in masses, it has the potential to cure disease, feed the hungry, house the homeless and make wishes come true.

11. The penny says Like my country, I have weathered many changes, including wars, at home and abroad. I have lived through several presidencies and have served my country well. There has been great controversy over my use in the past several years. There are many who say I’m no longer profitable, that there are too many of me and that I am a nuisance. They want me to retire. To them, I say………………….