Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Memorial Cent (Lincoln Penny)

United States of America · 1975

A copper-colored small cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1975
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
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.

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Overview

A copper-colored small cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent is the longest-running design in US coinage history. The Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, replacing the previous 'Wheat' design.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legend: 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY'. Date: '1975'. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

The Lincoln Memorial. Legend: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'. Designer: Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.02-$0.05 in circulated condition; $0.50-$5.00+ in high Mint State (MS-65 or higher).

What drives this coin's value

Most 1975 pennies are only worth face value or their copper melt value (approx. 2.5 cents). Value increases significantly only for high-grade uncirculated examples or those with dramatic errors.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (XF-AU). Shows light wear on Lincoln's hair and memorial steps, but significant detail remains. Some discoloration/spotting is visible.

Mintage & rarity

3,403,544,692 (Very Common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight should be approximately 3.1 grams. Genuine 1975 Philadelphia cents have no mint mark and are common, so counterfeiting is extremely rare for this year.

Notable varieties & errors

No major high-value varieties for 1975 Philadelphia; look for off-center strikes or double dies, though none are significantly famously linked to this specific year.

Similar coins

1975-D (Denver) or 1975-S (San Francisco) cents, distinguishable by the 'D' or 'S' mint mark below the date. Often confused with later 1982+ zinc cents which are lighter (2.5g).

Care & preservation

Do not clean the coin, as this removes the original surface (patina) and reduces value. Store in a PVC-free plastic holder or acid-free paper envelope in a dry environment.

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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 Memorial Cent (Lincoln Penny) in the encyclopedia