(First photo a composite showing both front and back)

It seemed quite right (or, really, quite wrong) to find this old carved Lincoln penny in the near wake of the death of the penny and just as the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall is being painted blue. Such that this really feels like a momento mori--for Lincolnian ideals most of all.  Perhaps rubbing Lincoln's face (it already has quite a nice patina) will bring better luck (i.e. the return of democracy) for us all.

2 3/4" d x 1/2". The Lincoln penny was first minted in 1909 and I would guess this was carved not very long after. Very good condition, nice dry patina.