Lincoln Memorial Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1959-2008

Denomination: 1 Cent

Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin/Zinc (1959-1982); Copper-plated Zinc (1982-2008)

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

The Lincoln Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, replacing the Wheat Cent design (1909-1958).

$0.01 - $0.10 in common circulated condition; $1.00+ in high uncirculated grades.

Avoid cleaning as it destroys numismatic value; store in a dry place to prevent 'zinc rot' in post-1982 issues or spotting on copper issues.

Typical marks include None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco). The specific mark on this coin is blurred.

Common; billions were minted annually. Only specific error varieties are rare.

3.11g (Copper) or 2.5g (Zinc); 19.05 mm diameter

Plain

Circulated (Good to Very Fine based on blurriness and visible surface wear).

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date.

The Lincoln Memorial building, designed by Frank Gasparro. Inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'.

Mint state condition, red luster (RD), and specific error years (like the 1969-S or 1972 Doubled Die).

Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909-1958) which has wheat stalks on the back; 2009 Bicentennial Cents with four unique reverse designs.

Check for correct weight (2.5g for zinc, 3.11g for copper) and ensure the 'L' in LIBERTY is sharp and not bleeding into the rim on older issues.

1969-S Doubled Die Obverse, 1972 Doubled Die Obverse, 1983 Doubled Die Reverse, 1992 'Close AM' variety.

Created At: 2026-06-16T17:48:20.223490