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
Brief Description
A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Memorial design was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, replacing the earlier Wheat Cent design. 1964 was a high-production year for U.S. coinage.
Estimated Value
$0.01-$0.05 in circulated condition; $0.50-$5.00+ in high Mint State (MS-65 or higher) grades.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish, as this strips the original surface and reduces numismatic value. Store in a dry, PVC-free holder to prevent corrosion or 'green slime' (verdigris).
Mint Mark
No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
2,451,945,000; Extremely common
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams / 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated; shows minor circulation wear and some surface oil/discoloration but retains most original detail.
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, originally designed by Victor David Brenner. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1964'.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial designed by Frank Gasparro. A tiny figure of Abraham Lincoln is visible between the central pillars. Inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade) and 'Red' (RD) color designation are the primary value drivers for this common date. Most value $0.01-$0.02 unless in perfect condition.
Similar Coins
1964-D pennies (which have a 'D' mint mark) and the 1909-1958 Wheat Cents which share the same obverse but have different reverse designs.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authentic 1964 pennies are 95% copper; they should weigh approx 3.1g and have a distinct copper 'ring' sound. Weight is the best first check.
Notable Varieties & Errors
There are no major widely recognized doubled die or error varieties for the 1964 Philadelphia cent that significantly command high premiums compared to other years.
Created At: 2026-05-08T23:02:50.704453