Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States of America · 1959-2008

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

Country: United States of America
Year: 1959-2008
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin/Zinc (1959-1982); Copper-plated Zinc (1982-2008)
Grade: Circulated (Good to Very Fine based on blurriness and visible surface wear).

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 U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, replacing the Wheat Cent design (1909-1958).

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date.

Reverse (back)

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

Estimated value

$0.01 - $0.10 in common circulated condition; $1.00+ in high uncirculated grades.

What drives this coin's value

Mint state condition, red luster (RD), and specific error years (like the 1969-S or 1972 Doubled Die).

Grade assessment

Circulated (Good to Very Fine based on blurriness and visible surface wear).

Mintage & rarity

Common; billions were minted annually. Only specific error varieties are rare.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight (2.5g for zinc, 3.11g for copper) and ensure the 'L' in LIBERTY is sharp and not bleeding into the rim on older issues.

Notable varieties & errors

1969-S Doubled Die Obverse, 1972 Doubled Die Obverse, 1983 Doubled Die Reverse, 1992 'Close AM' variety.

Similar coins

Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909-1958) which has wheat stalks on the back; 2009 Bicentennial Cents with four unique reverse designs.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning as it destroys numismatic value; store in a dry place to prevent 'zinc rot' in post-1982 issues or spotting on copper issues.

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