Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Cent (Union Shield Reverse)

United States of America · 2018

A copper-colored modern US penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and a Union shield on the reverse. The coin appears heavily toned, stained, or environmentally damaged.

Country: United States of America
Year: 2018
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 28, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored modern US penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and a Union shield on the reverse. The coin appears heavily toned, stained, or environmentally damaged.

Historical significance

The Union Shield design was introduced in 2010 to represent President Lincoln\'s preservation of the United States as a single unified country. It replaced the four Bicentennial designs of 2009.

Obverse (front)

Features the bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right, originally designed by Victor David Brenner. Includes the legends 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '2018' with a 'D' mint mark.

Reverse (back)

Features a Union Shield with 13 vertical stripes and a horizontal bar with 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. A scroll draped across the shield reads 'ONE CENT'. Designed by Lyndall Bass.

Estimated value

$0.01 (Face value). High-grade uncirculated examples (MS-67+) can reach $20-$50, but this specimen is worth only face value due to damage.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/Grade is the primary factor for this common modern coin. Error coins (doubled dies) also carry premiums.

Grade assessment

Environmental Damage (Details Grade). The coin is heavily stained/discolored, likely from exposure to chemicals, soil, or heat.

Mintage & rarity

Common; approximately 3,901,200,000 were minted in Denver in 2018.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authnicity is rarely an issue for this date. Check for the correct weight (2.5g) to ensure it is not a fake planchet or a struck-on-different-metal error.

Notable varieties & errors

No major recognized varieties for 2018-D, though collectors look for minor doubled dies or striking errors.

Similar coins

Lincoln Memorial Cents (1959–2008), Wheat Cents (1909–1958), and 2009 Bicentennial Cents.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning as this can further damage the surface. Generally, modern zinc pennies should be kept in a dry environment to prevent 'zinc rot' or corrosion if the copper plating is breached.

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Overview

Historical significance

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Estimated value

What drives this coin's value

Grade assessment

Mintage & rarity

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Notable varieties & errors

Similar coins

Care & preservation

Other united states of america coins

Learn about Lincoln Cent (Union Shield Reverse) in the encyclopedia