(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — It’s been debated for decades - now President Trump has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting pennies. A historian says the move won’t diminish the legacy of Illinois’ favorite son, Abraham Lincoln.
“I love Abraham Lincoln. I’m glad he’s on our currency. I just don’t think it makes sense anymore to have the penny,” said Ron Keller, the director and curator of the Lincoln Heritage Museum in Lincoln.
He shares the belief that it’s too expensive to keep making the copper-plated coins. If the penny goes the way of the half-cent, he points out fans can still see Abraham Lincoln at his memorial on the national mall, Mount Rushmore, the five dollar bill and plenty of other places.
“We use this guy and he is one of the most used images in popular culture because he works.”
Keller attributes that to the Great Emancipator’s legacy as president and leader. For Lincoln’s birthday on Wednesday, the Heritage Museum will be showing the various ways he’s been used in commercials and art through the years.
If the U.S. stops minting the penny over its high cost, he predicts we’ll have the same conversation about the nickel – with Thomas Jefferson’s face – in a few years.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky