One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Memorial Cent (Zinc composition)

United States of America · 1990

A copper-colored United States penny showing a right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The coin appears heavily circulated with surface oxidation and 'zinc rot'.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1990
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: Copper-Plated Zinc (Core: 99.2% Zinc, 0.8% Copper; Outer Layer: Pure 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 April 18, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored United States penny showing a right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The coin appears heavily circulated with surface oxidation and 'zinc rot'.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent has been in continuous production since 1909. In 1982, the composition changed from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc to save costs. The 1990 issue is part of the common modern era of US coinage.

Obverse (front)

Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right, originally designed by Victor David Brenner. Includes the legends 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1990'.

Reverse (back)

The Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro. Includes 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'.

Estimated value

$0.01 circulated, $1.00 - $10.00+ in high Uncirculated grades (MS-65+)

What drives this coin's value

Condition/Grade is the primary factor. As a extremely high mintage coin, circulated examples are worth only face value. High-grade uncirculated specimens with clean surfaces hold premium value.

Grade assessment

Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8); the coin shows heavy overall wear, surface pitting, and environmental damage.

Mintage & rarity

Common; Philadelphia mintage was approximately 6,851,765,000.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic 1990 pennies should weigh exactly 2.5g. Check for Crisp details in Lincoln's hair. This specific coin shows 'plating bubbles', which is a characteristic of authentic post-1982 zinc pennies.

Notable varieties & errors

The most famous 1990 variety is the 'No S' Proof cent, which was a mint error where the mint mark was omitted from proof sets.

Similar coins

1990-D (Denver Mint) and 1990-S (San Francisco Proof). Easily distinguished by the 'D' or 'S' mint mark below the date.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning as it can strip the thin copper plating. Keep in a dry environment to prevent further corrosion of the zinc core, known as 'zinc rot'. Handle by edges only.