Lincoln Cent (Lincoln Memorial Reverse)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1959-2008
Denomination: 1 Cent ($0.01 USD)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin/Zinc (1959-1982); 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper plating (1982-2008)
Brief Description
A small copper-colored coin featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, replacing the earlier Wheat Cent design.
Estimated Value
$0.01 - $0.05 for circulated specimens; $1.00 - $20.00+ for high-grade uncirculated versions depending on the year.
Care Instructions
Do not clean with chemicals or abrasives, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin holder or album in a cool, dry place.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco) located under the date.
Mintage & Rarity
Extremely common; billions produced annually. Most dates are common, though some high-grade proofs are scarcer.
Weight & Diameter
3.11g (Copper) or 2.5g (Zinc); 19.05 mm diameter.
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Unverifiable due to blurry image; likely circulated condition.
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial building in Washington D.C. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/Grade, Key varieties (like the 1969-S Doubled Die), and Mint State color (Red vs Brown).
Similar Coins
Wheat Cents (1909-1958) which share the same obverse but have wheat stalks on the reverse.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authentic coins will have sharp details and correct weight. Watch for 'filled' mint marks or altered dates on rare varieties.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse, 1970-S Small Date, 1983 Doubled Die Reverse, 1992 Close AM, and 1995 Doubled Die Obverse.
Created At: 2026-04-21T17:56:25.490504