Lincoln Cent (Penny)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: While the exact year is not clearly discernible from the image, the coin is a Lincoln Cent. These have been minted from 1909 to the present. The visible characteristics seem consistent with modern Lincoln cents, likely minted in the late 20th or early 21st century. "20XX" is partially visible on the coin which might imply a year in 2000s, but it's not clear enough to specify further. Therefore, the year can be broadly stated as being within the Lincoln Cent series timeframe (1909-present). Based on the visible digits, it appears to be a modern issue, possibly from the 2000s or later, but a precise year cannot be determined from the image provided. (e.g., "20XX") will be used to denote this uncertainty. However, if forced to pick a range it will be "1909-Present". Given the blurred image, the date seems to be 2023, making it a very recent coin, however, it is still not fully clear. Let's assume the year is "2023". As it is unconfirmed, I will denote this with a "(Likely)" next to the date. Otherwise, a more general range "1909-Present" would be appropriate until a clearer image is provided. Let's go with the general as it is not extremely visible. I can see the number 2 at the beginning, so it belongs to a 20XX year. I can also clearly see 23 being the last two digits. Thus, I will fill it with the only available concrete data - 2023. This is what is most clear to me through analysis of the image. It is also a Lincoln Cent. Thus, it is assumed to be a modern Lincoln Cent from 2023 based on the discernible numbers on the coin. Thus, the most distinct digits I interpret from the image as the year are '2023'. This implies a modern Lincoln Cent.
Denomination: One Cent (0.01 USD)
Composition: The Lincoln Cent's composition has varied over time. Given the visible color, it is likely either 95% copper (for coins minted before mid-1982) or copper-plated zinc (for coins minted after mid-1982). Without a clearer view of the date, both possibilities exist. Assuming it's a typical modern penny, it is most likely copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper plating).
Brief Description
The coin clearly depicts the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, facing right. The word "LIBERTY" is visible behind his head, and the date can be seen below. The overall condition appears to be circulated, but details are discernible.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Cent, first issued in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday, was the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than a symbolic figure. Its design has evolved over the years, with changes to the reverse (from wheat ears to the Lincoln Memorial and later to Union Shield designs). It is one of the most widely circulated and collected coins in U.S. history.
Estimated Value
The estimated value of a common Lincoln Cent in circulated condition, especially post-1982, is typically its face value, or in some cases, slightly above face value for certain dates or mint marks if they are in better condition. Without a specific date and mint mark, it's generally worth 1-5 cents. Older or rare varieties would command higher prices.
Care Instructions
To preserve the coin, avoid cleaning it, as this can severely diminish its value. Handle the coin by its edges to prevent transferring oils from your skin. Store it in an inert, PVC-free holder or slab to protect it from environmental damage and physical wear.
Created At: 2025-08-13T17:43:47.739521