Lincoln Memorial Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1964

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

Lincoln Memorial Cent

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 Memorial reverse design was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, replacing the previous 'Wheat' design. 1964 was the final year of high-production for 95% copper cents before the coin shortage of the mid-1960s.

Estimated Value

$0.02-$0.10 in circulated condition; $1-$5 in typical uncirculated grades; higher for specialized error coins.

Care Instructions

Avoid cleaning as it removes the natural patina and lowers numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free folder or flip in a cool, dry place to prevent 'bronze disease' or environmental corrosion.

Mint Mark

D (Denver Mint)

Mintage & Rarity

3,799,071,500; extremely common.

Weight & Diameter

3.11 grams / 19.05 mm

Edge

plain

Apparent Grade

Fine/Very Fine (VF). Shows moderate wear on Lincoln's hair and the memorial steps; surfaces appear somewhat oxidized or environmentally toned.

Obverse (Front)

Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln by Victor David Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1964' with 'D' mint mark.

Reverse (Back)

Frontal view of the Lincoln Memorial by Frank Gasparro. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'. Tiny figure of Lincoln is visible between the central columns.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Copper bullion value (approx. 2-3 cents), condition/grade, and presence of specific die errors.

Similar Coins

1964 Philadelphia Mint cent (no mint mark). Easily distinguished by the 'D' below the date.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Weight should be approximately 3.1g (modern zinc cents are 2.5g). Genuine 1964-D cents are common enough that counterfeits are rare, though 're-processed' or cleaned coins are common.

Notable Varieties & Errors

Repunched Mint Marks (RPM) and various minor double die reverses (DDR).

Created At: 2026-05-25T20:14:00.724148