Lincoln Memorial Cent
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 1977
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc (Bronze)
Brief Description
A standard US one-cent coin showing Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Cent has been the US penny since 1909. The Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.
Estimated Value
$0.01 - $0.02 (Face value / melt in circulated grade); $1 - $3 in MS-65.
Care Instructions
Do not clean. Professional cleaning reduces value. Store in a cool, dry place inside an PVC-free holder.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
4,149,062,300 (Very Common)
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams / 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Very Good / Fine (Significant circulation wear, surface scratches, and loss of detail in hair and monument pillars)
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, originally designed by Victor David Brenner. Legends: IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date 1977.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., designed by Frank Gasparro. Legends: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and ONE CENT.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade) and the presence of rare errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes.
Similar Coins
1977 Philadelphia (no mint mark) and 1977 San Francisco (S - proof).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Counterfeits of this date are virtually non-existent due to low value; verify the weight (3.11g) to ensure it is not a later zinc-core strike.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major rare varieties are generally recognized for the 1977-D date beyond minor mechanical doubling.
Created At: 2026-05-17T05:24:18.097146