Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1982

A US Lincoln Memorial cent with a copper finish, featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1982
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

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Identified September 18, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A US Lincoln Memorial cent with a copper finish, featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

1982 was a transitional year for the US Lincoln cent, shifting production composition mid-year from solid 95% copper to copper-plated zinc due to the rising price of copper.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1982' with mint mark 'D' below to the right. Designed by Victor D. Brenner.

Reverse (back)

The Lincoln Memorial building with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above, and the denomination 'ONE CENT' below. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.01 - $0.25 in circulated condition, higher for certified Mint State pieces or the rare 1982-D Small Date copper variety.

What drives this coin's value

Composition (copper vs zinc), Large Date vs Small Date varieties, mint mark, and overall preservation/luster.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) / Mint State (MS) range with slight wear on high points and minor contact marks.

Mintage & rarity

Billions minted across all 1982 varieties combined; very common, though specific transitional business and proof strikes vary.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Verify weight precisely using a digital scale to determine if it is copper (3.11g) or zinc (2.5g); check for genuine minting characteristics.

Notable varieties & errors

1982 Large Date vs Small Date varieties, and the elusive 1982-D Small Date copper variety (highly valuable key discovery).

Similar coins

Other Lincoln Memorial cents minted between 1959 and 2008.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment in a non-PVC coin flip or holder. Do not clean, as cleaning damages the surface and severely reduces numismatic value.