Obverse

Reverse

One Cent (1¢)

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States of America · 2002

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 2002
Denomination: One Cent (1¢)
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 May 4, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 and used until 2008.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '2002' to the right. Original design by Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

The Lincoln Memorial building in the center. 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above, 'ONE CENT' below. Original design by Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.01 circulated, $1-$5 in high uncirculated grades (MS-65+)

What drives this coin's value

Condition/Grade is the primary factor for this common date. Zinc plating blisters or 'zinc rot' can negatively affect value.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (shows minor bag marks and circulation wear).

Mintage & rarity

Common; Philadelphia minted approximately 3,260,800,000 of these in 2002.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight should be exactly 2.5g. Check for plated 'counterfeits' where someone has chemically altered the color of the coin.

Notable varieties & errors

No major recognized die varieties exist for the 2002 Philadelphia strike, though collectors look for doubling on the eye or ear (DDO).

Similar coins

1982 Lincoln Cents (which can be either copper or zinc) and 2009 Bicentennial Cents which have four different reverse designs.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning as it can damage the copper plating and reduce numismatic value. Store in a dry environment to prevent zinc rot or corrosion.

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