First issued in 1909 by the United States Mint, the Lincoln cent was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The original reverse design showcased two wheat stalks, often referred to as the "Wheat Ears" reverse. In 1959, to mark the coin’s 50th anniversary, the reverse was updated to feature an image of the Lincoln Memorial, a design crafted by Mint engraver Frank Gasparro.