Lincoln Memorial Cent
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 2002
Denomination: One Cent (1¢)
Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
Brief Description
A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 and used until 2008.
Estimated Value
$0.01 circulated, $1-$5 in high uncirculated grades (MS-65+)
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning as it can damage the copper plating and reduce numismatic value. Store in a dry environment to prevent zinc rot or corrosion.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; Philadelphia minted approximately 3,260,800,000 of these in 2002.
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams / 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (shows minor bag marks and circulation wear).
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '2002' to the right. Original design by Victor David Brenner.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial building in the center. 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above, 'ONE CENT' below. Original design by Frank Gasparro.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/Grade is the primary factor for this common date. Zinc plating blisters or 'zinc rot' can negatively affect value.
Similar Coins
1982 Lincoln Cents (which can be either copper or zinc) and 2009 Bicentennial Cents which have four different reverse designs.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be exactly 2.5g. Check for plated 'counterfeits' where someone has chemically altered the color of the coin.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major recognized die varieties exist for the 2002 Philadelphia strike, though collectors look for doubling on the eye or ear (DDO).
Created At: 2026-05-04T11:26:27.942852