 In 1905 , sculptor Augustus Saint @-@ Gaudens was hired by the Mint to redesign the cent and the four gold coins , which did not require congressional approval . Two of Saint @-@ Gaudens 's proposed designs for the cent were eventually adapted for the gold pieces , but Saint @-@ Gaudens died in August 1907 before submitting additional designs for the cent . In January 1909 , the Mint engaged Brenner to design a cent depicting the late president , Abraham Lincoln , 1909 being the centennial year of his birth . Brenner 's design was eventually approved , and the new coins were issued to great public interest on August 2 , 1909 . 
