Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1997

A standard copper-plated zinc modern United States one-cent coin featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1997
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper plating
Grade: About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS)

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 August 21, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A standard copper-plated zinc modern United States one-cent coin featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. It remained the standard reverse design until 2008.

Obverse (front)

Features the bust of President Abraham Lincoln facing right, with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1997' to the right.

Reverse (back)

Features a depiction of the Lincoln Memorial, with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' around the top and sides, and the denomination 'ONE CENT' at the right.

Estimated value

$0.01 - $0.05 in circulated condition; up to $5 in pristine Mint State condition.

What drives this coin's value

Condition, presence of mint errors (such as repunched mint marks or double dies), and preservation of the original mint luster.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS)

Mintage & rarity

Common; billions were minted between Philadelphia and Denver mints.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Modern cents are rarely counterfeited for circulation due to their low face value. Look out for altered dates or fake mint marks on rare key dates from other years.

Notable varieties & errors

Look for occasional double die obverse or reverse varieties, though most 1997 cents are standard business strikes.

Similar coins

Lincoln Wheat Cents (1909-1958) and Lincoln Shield Cents (2010-present).

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment. Avoid cleaning, as improper cleaning will scratch the copper plating and destroy collector value.

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