Coins DIG

Together with his son Danny, Jeff Haber created a portrait of Lincoln out of pennies, thus proving that framing pennies make perfect sense. Jeff Haber started gathering unwanted or overlooked copper coins several decades ago. He now possesses "tons of pennies," and according to elder Haber, he has been collecting pennies for over 30 years.

About eight years ago he was very impressed by the portrait of Abraham Lincoln made of pennies at the Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum, located in Florida. That was the moment that inspired him and his son to create their portrait of Lincoln, thus setting up for a challenge.

"What we saw in Florida was absolutely incredible," says the young Haber.

Their first portrait made of coins can be found in their home and the second masterpiece was acquired by the Ripley's museum, which paid $500 for it.

Currently Jeff Haber and Danny finished their third portrait. They want to donate their work to New Rochelle High School. Their latest work includes 2,400 coins. According to the Habers, they required two months to finish the portrait, accurately arranging and gluing the pennies.

Jeff Haber's son, Danny is a 15-years-old. He says that it's quite logical that pennies were used to create the portrait of Lincoln, mainly because of the obvious connection and due to the fact that using pennies is more practical than, for instance, using quarters or dimes.

According to elder Haber, pennies are the only type of US coins that feature different color shades. This is because of their age and usage. The two artists did not color or shiny the pennies.

"It's the only coin that has dark and light. We didn't do anything to the coins. None of the pennies are altered," outlined Jeff Haber.

The idea of donating the work to New Rochelle High School, in order to celebrate the birthday of Abraham Lincoln was brought by Danny Haber. The school itself features several works of art, hanging in its halls. Principal Donald Conetta outline that this masterpiece is very different from other works.

"I saw the picture and saw how unique it was and said, "Sure." We've never had an offer of a portrait of this kind," said Conetta. Jeff Haber and Danny Haber are thinking about the fourth portrait, but it won't happen soon, though they have enough pennies for it.

"It takes a lot out of you," outlined Jeff Haber. Then he added that he's got "the pennies to make another 10."