Lincoln Bicentennial / Union Shield Cent
Country of Origin: USA - United States Mint
Year of Issue: 2010 to Present
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
Brief Description
A copper-colored modern US penny featuring a Union Shield on the reverse and Abraham Lincoln on the obverse.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 2010 to replace the four rotating 2009 Bicentennial designs. The Union Shield design represents President Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a single united country.
Estimated Value
$0.01 - $0.50 for standard uncirculated business strikes; higher for high-grade MS-67+ specimens.
Care Instructions
Keep in the protective Littleton Coin Co. flip shown to prevent zinc rot or fingerprint corrosion. Handle by the edges only.
Mint Mark
Variable; 'D' for Denver or No Mint Mark for Philadelphia. This specific coin face (reverse) does not show the mark.
Mintage & Rarity
Common; billions produced annually.
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams and 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Uncirculated (As labeled by Littleton: MS-60/Uncirculated)
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, originally designed by Victor David Brenner in 1909. Legends: IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date.
Reverse (Back)
A Union Shield with 13 vertical stripes and a horizontal bar. A scroll draped across the shield reads E PLURIBUS UNUM. Legend: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE CENT. Designer: Lyndall Bass.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/Grade is the primary factor. Because billions are made, only perfect specimens (MS-68 or higher) or specific mint errors command high premiums.
Similar Coins
2009 Bicentennial Cents (Log Cabin, Formative Years, etc.) and pre-2009 Memorial Cents.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be exactly 2.5 grams. Counterfeits are unlikely due to the low face value, but strike quality and luster should be consistent with government production.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Look for 'Shield' doubled die reverses or extreme plating blisters often mistaken for errors.
Created At: 2026-04-26T18:13:16.264616