Lincoln Memorial Cent (Lincoln Penny)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1975
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc
Brief Description
A copper-colored small cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Cent is the longest-running design in US coinage history. The Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, replacing the previous 'Wheat' design.
Estimated Value
$0.02-$0.05 in circulated condition; $0.50-$5.00+ in high Mint State (MS-65 or higher).
Care Instructions
Do not clean the coin, as this removes the original surface (patina) and reduces value. Store in a PVC-free plastic holder or acid-free paper envelope in a dry environment.
Mint Mark
No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
3,403,544,692 (Very Common)
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams, 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (XF-AU). Shows light wear on Lincoln's hair and memorial steps, but significant detail remains. Some discoloration/spotting is visible.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legend: 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY'. Date: '1975'. Designer: Victor David Brenner.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial. Legend: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'. Designer: Frank Gasparro.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Most 1975 pennies are only worth face value or their copper melt value (approx. 2.5 cents). Value increases significantly only for high-grade uncirculated examples or those with dramatic errors.
Similar Coins
1975-D (Denver) or 1975-S (San Francisco) cents, distinguishable by the 'D' or 'S' mint mark below the date. Often confused with later 1982+ zinc cents which are lighter (2.5g).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be approximately 3.1 grams. Genuine 1975 Philadelphia cents have no mint mark and are common, so counterfeiting is extremely rare for this year.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major high-value varieties for 1975 Philadelphia; look for off-center strikes or double dies, though none are significantly famously linked to this specific year.
Created At: 2026-04-27T10:37:38.110356