Lincoln Memorial Cent (Zincoln)

United States of America · 1986

A copper-colored small cent that appears to have been stripped of its thin copper plating, revealing the dull grey zinc core underneath.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1986
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 June 12, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored small cent that appears to have been stripped of its thin copper plating, revealing the dull grey zinc core underneath.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909. In 1982, the composition changed from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc to reduce production costs. This 1986 issue is part of that era.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1986' with 'D' mint mark.

Reverse (back)

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

Estimated value

$0.01 in current condition. Uncirculated copper examples are worth $0.10-$0.50.

What drives this coin's value

Condition and presence of original luster. Since this coin is stripped of its plating, it is considered damaged and has no numismatic premium.

Grade assessment

Damaged / Altered. The coin shows typical wear, but its lack of copper color suggests it has been chemically stripped or subjected to harsh environmental damage.

Mintage & rarity

Common. The Denver Mint produced 4,448,473,210 of these in 1986.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight should be 2.5g. If it were a rare 1943 cent in this color, it would be magnetic; this 1986 zinc cent is non-magnetic.

Notable varieties & errors

Minor doubled dies exist for this year, but none are majorly valuable in this condition.

Similar coins

Often confused with a 'Steel Cent' (1943), which is magnetic and made of steel. This 1986 coin is zinc and was originally copper-plated.

Care & preservation

Zinc coins are highly susceptible to corrosion ('zinc rot') once the plating is removed. Keep in a dry, PVC-free holder to prevent further oxidation of the exposed core.