Lincoln Memorial Cent (Zincoln)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1986
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Copper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
Brief Description
A copper-colored small cent that appears to have been stripped of its thin copper plating, revealing the dull grey zinc core underneath.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909. In 1982, the composition changed from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc to reduce production costs. This 1986 issue is part of that era.
Estimated Value
$0.01 in current condition. Uncirculated copper examples are worth $0.10-$0.50.
Care Instructions
Zinc coins are highly susceptible to corrosion ('zinc rot') once the plating is removed. Keep in a dry, PVC-free holder to prevent further oxidation of the exposed core.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common. The Denver Mint produced 4,448,473,210 of these in 1986.
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams (standard); 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Damaged / Altered. The coin shows typical wear, but its lack of copper color suggests it has been chemically stripped or subjected to harsh environmental damage.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1986' with 'D' mint mark.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial building, designed by Frank Gasparro. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition and presence of original luster. Since this coin is stripped of its plating, it is considered damaged and has no numismatic premium.
Similar Coins
Often confused with a 'Steel Cent' (1943), which is magnetic and made of steel. This 1986 coin is zinc and was originally copper-plated.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be 2.5g. If it were a rare 1943 cent in this color, it would be magnetic; this 1986 zinc cent is non-magnetic.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Minor doubled dies exist for this year, but none are majorly valuable in this condition.
Created At: 2026-06-12T02:44:13.302380