And a Cent for the Sentimentality
Collecting coins used to be a hobby and when it comes to coins, the first one that ever truly meant something to me was the 1909 Lincoln Penny. I grew up with the newest Lincoln pennies in my pockets, and in my mind, if you didn’t have a 1909 in your collection book, you didn’t really have a complete set. That coin was the starting point of the cornerstone of a passion.
For this little experiment the next in line for me a tribute to American coinage history would be the 1832 American Large Cent, Coronet Variety. Something about its size and design captures a time that feels almost mythical now. These coins aren’t just collectibles; they’re time machines. D. R. Barton was established in 1832 and these coins were exchanged for his tools.
Today, I’m going to use these coins in a slightly different way. The Lincoln Penny, known by nearly everyone, is now a reliable tool for me—a simple and familiar way to gauge, measure, or size logos, especially D. R. Barton’s Oval and Banner style trademarks. Everyone knows the size of a penny, so using it in design gives me a universal standard.
I’ve even expanded this idea by incorporating the 1832 Large Cent into my gauge collection. Its bold presence makes it perfect for certain measurements where the Lincoln Penny falls short.
Alongside these coins, other quirky tools have found a place in my workspace: a PBR beer can bank, a 2025 PBR beer can – full, a 12” Kind Hearted ruler and a 48″ measuring rule. Each item brings its own story, but the Lincoln Penny remains the anchor. Most as a measuring tool and use of the 1832 Large Cent as a reminder of when it all began.