The U.S. Cent, more commonly known as the penny, has gone through multiple changes over its 200+ years of production. With the addition of the 4 Lincoln Bicentennial designs in 2009 there have been 15 designs of the coin. In 2010 there will be a new design for the Lincoln cent reverse.

The following types of cents have been minted over the years from 1793 to today:

Just as there have been several designs of the Cent many different materials have been used to create these coins.

Other materials have been considered including aluminum when the price of copper rose. The U.S. Mint did test aluminum and about 1.5 million were struck before being rejected for release. Two basic reasons were given for rejecting the coins the first being vending machine owners complaining about possible mechanical problems and the second being doctors who would have a hard time detecting the coins inside the human body. It's believed that about a dozen of the aluminum cents made it into the hands of collectors, one was donated to the Smithsonian Institute.

Sometimes a penny is worth more than a penny! And it may very well be in your pocket change. Take a little time and learn more about this great coin you might just discover a little hidden treasure. On the left you'll find the menu for the years of coins you're searching.