The Lincoln penny, also known as the Lincoln cent, is a one-cent coin that has been minted by the United States since 1909. Here's a detailed look at its history and design:

### History
- **Introduction**: The Lincoln cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person's portrait.
- **Designer**: The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner, whose initials (VDB) appear on some versions of the coin.

### Design Changes
1. **Wheat Ears Reverse (1909-1958)**
- **Obverse**: Features a profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right.
- **Reverse**: Two wheat stalks on either side, with the words "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" in the center.
- **Special Markings**: Some 1909 coins include "VDB" at the bottom of the reverse, which was removed shortly after due to public outcry but reinstated in a smaller size on the obverse in 1918.

2. **Lincoln Memorial Reverse (1959-2008)**
- **Obverse**: Remained the same with Lincoln's profile.
- **Reverse**: Depicts the Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro. Lincoln's statue is visible in the center of the Memorial.

3. **Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Program (2009)**
- **Obverse**: Same as previous designs.
- **Reverse**: Four different designs were issued to represent different stages of Lincoln's life:
1. Birth and early childhood in Kentucky (1809-1816).
2. Formative years in Indiana (1816-1830).
3. Professional life in Illinois (1830-1861).
4. Presidency in Washington, D.C. (1861-1865).

4. **Union Shield Reverse (2010-Present)**
- **Obverse**: Continues with the original Lincoln profile.
- **Reverse**: Features a union shield with a scroll draped across it bearing the inscription "ONE CENT." This design symbolizes Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a single country.

### Composition
- **1909-1942**: Made primarily of 95% copper, with 5% tin and zinc.
- **1943**: Due to copper shortages during World War II, the penny was made of zinc-coated steel. These are commonly known as "steel pennies."
- **1944-1982**: Returned to a predominantly copper composition.
- **1982-Present**: Composed primarily of zinc with a thin copper plating, due to the rising cost of copper.

### Collectibility
- The Lincoln penny is a popular coin among collectors, particularly due to its long history and the variations in design and composition over the years. Key dates, like the 1909-S VDB and the 1955 doubled die, are especially sought after.

### Significance
- The Lincoln penny is not just a piece of currency but a tribute to one of America's most revered presidents. Its continuous production for over a century makes it a staple of American coinage and a piece of history carried in the pockets of millions.

If you have any more specific questions or need detailed information on particular variations or minting errors, feel free to ask!