 On the morning of August 2 , 1909 , long lines formed outside Treasury facilities across the United States . Some early applicants were able to obtain all the coins they wanted , but soon the pieces were rationed : applicants at the New York Sub @-@ Treasury were allowed 100 pieces per person ; those who sought the coins at the Philadelphia Mint were allowed only two each . Coins passed on the secondary market outside the Philadelphia Mint for a quarter each until prices settled down to five cents per new penny . Many newsboys were among those who profited from the new coins ; crowds gathered around the windows where the coins were for sale in Washington until order was restored . 
