Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1972

A 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: 1972
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 95% copper, 5% zinc
Grade: Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated

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 September 7, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A United States one-cent coin featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, replacing the wheat reverse. The 1972 issue is heavily tied to the famous 1972 Doubled Die Obverse error.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1972' to the right. Designed by Victor D. Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Depiction of the Lincoln Memorial with the denomination 'ONE CENT' above, 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' surrounding. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.01 - $0.10 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, mint mark, and specifically whether it is the major 1972 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101) error variety.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated

Mintage & rarity

Very common (billions minted across Philadelphia and Denver in 1972)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits are virtually non-existent for standard 1972 cents due to low face value; authentication is typically only necessary for high-grade specimens or the major doubled die variety.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1972/1972 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101) is one of the most famous and valuable doubled dies in modern US numismatics, showing strong doubling on the date and lettering.

Similar coins

Lincoln Wheat Cent and Union Shield Cent

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment. Handle by the edges using clean hands or cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils from skin.

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