Lincoln Cent (Penny)

Brief Description

The obverse (front) of the coin features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, facing right. "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed above his head, "LIBERTY" to his left, and the year "1995" to his right.

Historical Significance

The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. The copper-plated zinc composition introduced in 1982 for general circulation was a cost-saving measure due to rising copper prices, making coins like the 1995 penny part of a significant change in U.S. coinage metallurgy.

Estimated Value

The 1995 Lincoln Cent is a common coin. In average circulated condition, its value is typically face value (1 cent). Uncirculated examples might fetch between 5 cents and 25 cents, depending on their grade and mint mark (if any visible, none is clear in the image). Coins with errors or special varieties can be worth more, but this coin does not appear to have any obvious errors.

Care Instructions

Handle the coin by its edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin, which can cause discoloration over time. Store it in a dry, stable environment, ideally in non-PVC flips, coin holders, or albums designed for coin storage. Avoid cleaning the coin, as cleaning can damage its surface and significantly reduce its numismatic value.

Created At: 2025-11-18T01:51:11.501686