New Lincoln penny to be unveiled in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD -- The U.S. Mint and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency say a new Lincoln penny, with a redesigned tails side, will be unveiled and released in Springfield on Feb. 11.

Mint spokesman Michael White, confirmed Tuesday the release date first reported by Coin World magazine. IHPA spokesman Dave Blanchette said the ceremony will be held in the museum portion of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

The new penny features an updated permanent design on its reverse that shows a Union shield. It will replace the longtime design that featured the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In August, the Old State Capitol was the site for the release of the third of a four-penny series depicting stages of Lincoln's life to celebrate his 200th birthday.