People dressed as Lincoln carrying a casket for the penny at the Lincoln Memorial
Title: Lincoln Impersonators Stage Dramatic Penny “Funeral” at Lincoln Memorial: A Protest Against Currency Elimination
Meta Description: Discover why activists dressed as Abraham Lincoln held a symbolic funeral for the penny at the Lincoln Memorial, protesting its potential demise. Explore the debate over retiring the one-cent coin in this SEO-optimized article.
The Spectacle: Lincoln’s Ghosts Mourn the Penny
On a crisp morning in Washington D.C., an arresting scene unfolded at the Lincoln Memorial: a solemn procession of Abraham Lincoln impersonators, clad in black trench coats and top hats, carried a tiny casket draped in miniature American flags. Inside lay a single penny—the coin bearing Lincoln’s profile since 1909. This surreal performance art protest, staged in October 2023, aimed to ignite public debate over growing calls to eliminate the penny from U.S. currency.
Why Stage a Penny “Funeral” at Lincoln’s Memorial?
The Lincoln Memorial—a monument to the president who abolished slavery and unified a fractured nation—became a poignant backdrop for this demonstration. Organizers from the advocacy group Americans for Common Cents argued that discontinuing the penny would dishonor Lincoln’s legacy while harming low-income households and charities reliant on penny drives.
The theatrical display underscored key questions:
- Symbolism vs. Pragmatism: Is the penny a cherished piece of history or a wasteful relic?
- Economic Reality: With inflation shrinking its value and minting costs exceeding 2.1 cents per penny (per U.S. Mint 2023 data), does its utility justify its existence?
- Cultural Identity: For many, Lincoln’s ubiquitous presence on the penny is a daily reminder of American values.
The Penny Debate: A Coin Past Its Prime?
The Case for Elimination
Critics, including economists and bipartisan lawmakers, argue:
- Cost Efficiency: Taxpayers lose $70+ million annually producing pennies.
- Inconvenience: Fewer cash transactions render pennies obsolete; retailers like Dollar Tree round totals to nickels.
- Environmental Toll: Pennies are 97.5% zinc (post-1982), sourced through energy-intensive mining.
The Case for Preservation
Pro-penny advocates counter:
- Historical Value: Lincoln was the first president featured on a U.S. coin, democratizing currency. Removing it severs a 114-year tradition.
- Charity Impact: Rounding cash purchases up or down harms donation drives (e.g., Salvation Army red kettles).
- Zinc Industry Jobs: Thousands depend on penny production across Illinois, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.
Lincoln’s Legacy and the Penny’s Fate
The penny debuted in 1909 to mark Lincoln’s 100th birthday—a departure from previous coins depicting Lady Liberty. Victor David Brenner’s design immortalized Lincoln’s profile, while the Lincoln Memorial’s image appeared on the reverse in 1959. Today, the metal itself tells a story of shifting economics: pre-1982 pennies were 95% copper, while modern ones are zinc with a copper wash.
Organizers of the funeral protest emphasized this irony: “A president who fought for unity is now on a coin that divides policymakers,” said one Lincoln reenactor.
Will the U.S. Penny Survive?
Recent legislation, like Rep. Andy Barr’s (R-KY) Cents and Sensibility Act, seeks to save the penny by altering its composition. Meanwhile, countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have already retired their one-cent coins with minimal disruption.
The Lincoln Memorial protest amplified this debate, blending solemn performance art with fiscal activism. While Congress has yet to act, the spectacle succeeded in trending on social media—#PennyFuneral drew over 15,000 posts—proving that even obsolete currency can spark powerful conversations about history and progress.
Conclusion: A Coin at a Crossroads
The image of Lincoln mourners cradling a penny casket captures America’s struggle to balance nostalgia with practicality. As inflation climbs and digital payments dominate, the penny’s fate hinges on whether sentimentality outweighs sensible reform.
What’s Next?
- Legislative Action: The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions to review penny/ nickel costs.
- Public Opinion: 55% of Americans favor eliminating pennies (per Pew Research).
- Symbolic Alternatives: Proposals suggest replacing the penny with Lincoln-themed digital tokens or $1 coins.
For now, the penny persists—its defenders vowing to keep Lincoln’s coin alive in wallets, jars, and protests at his memorial.
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Internal Links (Suggested):
- History of U.S. Currency
- How Inflation Impacts Small Coins
- The Lincoln Memorial’s Hidden Symbolism
External Links (Suggested):
- U.S. Mint Annual Report
- Americans for Common Cents Advocacy
- Pew Research Poll on Penny Elimination
By blending striking visuals, economic data, and historical context, this dramatic protest ensured the penny’s plight won’t fade quietly into oblivion—much like Lincoln himself, it remains a subject of fierce national debate.
