 Brenner 's initials ( VDB ) , on the reverse at its base , were deemed too prominent once the coins were issued , and were removed within days of the release . The initials were restored , this time smaller , on Lincoln 's shoulder , in 1918 . Brenner 's reverse was replaced in 1959 by a depiction of the Lincoln Memorial designed by Frank Gasparro , for the sesquicentennial of his birth year . The Lincoln Memorial reverse was itself replaced in 2009 by commemorative designs marking the bicentennial of Lincoln 's birth . Beginning in 2010 , Bass 's shield design was coined . Originally struck in 95 % copper , the cent coin was changed for one year to steel in 1943 as copper was needed to aid in the war effort . The mint then reverted to 95 % copper until 1982 , when inflation made copper too expensive and the composition was changed to zinc with an outer copper layer . 
