Lincoln Memorial Cent
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1973
Denomination: One Cent (1¢)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc
Brief Description
A copper-alloy United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The Memorial reverse replaced the original Wheat Ears design in 1959.
Estimated Value
$0.01 circulated, $0.15-$0.50 in uncirculated (MS-63), significantly more for high-grade MS-67+ red specimens.
Care Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid handling with bare fingers to prevent oils from causing spots. Do not clean, as this destroys numismatic value.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
3,728,245,000 (Very Common)
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams / 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine (VF). Shows significant circulation wear, loss of detail in Lincoln's hair, and various surface marks/debris.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner. Legends include 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1973'.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial building in Washington D.C., designed by Frank Gasparro. Legends include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), color (Red vs. Brown), and presence of errors. In this circulated condition, it is only worth face value.
Similar Coins
1973-D and 1973-S cents, which are distinguished by the 'D' and 'S' mint marks under the date.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authentic 1973 cents should weigh approximately 3.11g. Watch for plated 'silver' versions which are altered and not genuine mint errors.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Minor doubled dies exist for this year, but none are major high-value rarities.
Created At: 2026-05-09T03:37:34.959606