Obverse

Reverse

One Cent (1¢)

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States of America · 1973

A copper-alloy United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1973
Denomination: One Cent (1¢)
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 May 9, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-alloy United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The Memorial reverse replaced the original Wheat Ears design in 1959.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner. Legends include 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1973'.

Reverse (back)

The Lincoln Memorial building in Washington D.C., designed by Frank Gasparro. Legends include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'.

Estimated value

$0.01 circulated, $0.15-$0.50 in uncirculated (MS-63), significantly more for high-grade MS-67+ red specimens.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), color (Red vs. Brown), and presence of errors. In this circulated condition, it is only worth face value.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (VF). Shows significant circulation wear, loss of detail in Lincoln's hair, and various surface marks/debris.

Mintage & rarity

3,728,245,000 (Very Common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic 1973 cents should weigh approximately 3.11g. Watch for plated 'silver' versions which are altered and not genuine mint errors.

Notable varieties & errors

Minor doubled dies exist for this year, but none are major high-value rarities.

Similar coins

1973-D and 1973-S cents, which are distinguished by the 'D' and 'S' mint marks under the date.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid handling with bare fingers to prevent oils from causing spots. Do not clean, as this destroys numismatic value.

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