The new 2009 Lincoln Professional Life cent was launched Thursday in Springfield, Illinois. At a ceremony on the grounds of the Old State Capitol Building (which is actually featured on the obverse of the new coin along with Lincoln), US Mint Director Ed Moy and US Senator Dick Durbin participated in introducing the new design to the public.
Abraham Lincoln spent most of his adult life in Springfield. It was here he became a self-taught lawyer and where he actually served in the Illinois General Assembly which convened inside the Old Capitol.
The historic building also was the location where Lincoln made his now famous 'House Divided' speech, and where his body laid in state before burial after he was assassinated.