Lincoln Memorial Cent
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1987
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
Brief Description
A copper-colored small cent featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln Memorial.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Cent series began in 1909 to honor the centennial of Lincoln's birth. The Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959. By 1987, the composition had fully shifted from bronze to copper-plated zinc (a move made in 1982 to save costs).
Estimated Value
$0.01 in circulated condition; $0.10-$2.00 in average uncirculated grades; higher for MS-67+ certified examples.
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning as it removes the protective copper plating and ruins numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent 'zinc rot' or bubbling of the plating.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
4,682,466,931 (Very common)
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams, 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
About Uncirculated / Mint State. The coin shows high luster but has several surface distractions, carbon spots, and possible environmental toning (greenish hues).
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Legend 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at top, 'LIBERTY' at left, and the date '1987' at right. Designer: Victor David Brenner.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial building in Washington D.C. Legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above; 'ONE CENT' below. Designer: Frank Gasparro.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/Grade is the primary factor. High-grade specimens (MS-68 or better) or those with significant mint errors are the only ones with substantial collector value.
Similar Coins
1987-D (Denver) which has a 'D' mint mark, and the 1987-S Proof coin.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be exactly 2.5g. Check for 'zinc rot' (minute bubbles under the copper plating) which is a common characteristic of genuine late-20th-century cents.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Double Die Obverse (DDO) varieties exist for many years in the 80s, though none are majorly famous for 1987 compared to 1983 or 1984.
Created At: 2026-05-23T07:04:41.677701