Lincoln Cent

The obverse features a profile bust of Abraham Lincoln, facing right. The year '1996' is visible to the right of Lincoln's bust. The coin exhibits a bronze-like color with some toning.

The Lincoln Cent, first issued in 1909, commemorates the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first widely circulated American coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. The design has undergone several changes over the years, most notably the reverse, but the obverse featuring Lincoln has largely remained consistent. Cents from 1982 onwards are primarily zinc with a copper coating due to rising copper prices, making coins like this 1996 cent a common modern issue.

Circulated 1996 Lincoln Cents typically have a value of face value (1 cent). Uncirculated examples may fetch a few cents to a quarter, depending on grade. There are no known major errors for the 1996 P Lincoln Cent that would significantly increase its value.

For circulated coins like this, special care is generally not required beyond preventing further damage. For uncirculated or higher-grade examples, handle by the edges to avoid transferring oils from fingers, store in inert holders (e.g., Mylar flips or certified slabs), and keep away from extreme temperatures or humidity to prevent environmental damage and toning.