1 Cent (Penny)

Lincoln Cent

United States · 1969

The obverse features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with "IN GOD WE TRUST" above, "LIBERTY" to his left, and the year "1969" and mint mark "S" (San Francisco) to his right. The coin shows some toning and age.

Country: United States
Year: 1969
Denomination: 1 Cent (Penny)
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc

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 November 18, 2025More united states coins →

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Overview

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate 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 1969-S Lincoln Cent is a common issue for the year. There is a rare error variety from 1969, the 1969-S Double Die Obverse, which is highly sought after by collectors, though this particular coin does not appear to be that variety.

Estimated value

For a standard 1969-S Lincoln Cent in circulated condition like this one, the value is typically very low, often just its face value or a few cents (e.g., $0.01 - $0.25), depending on its exact condition. Uncirculated examples can fetch more.

Care & preservation

To preserve the coin's condition, handle it by the edges to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your skin. Store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in an inert, archival-safe holder such as a Mylar flip or a non-PVC coin slab. Avoid cleaning the coin, as cleaning can permanently damage its surface and significantly reduce its numismatic value.