Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1981

A copper-colored 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: 1981
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 95% copper, 5% zinc

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 8, 2026More united states coins →

Explore Lincoln Memorial Cent in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A copper-colored 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. The 1981 issues are among the last years of the solid 95% copper composition before transitioning primarily to copper-plated zinc in mid-1982.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln with the inscription 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1981' to the right. Designed by Victor D. Brenner.

Reverse (back)

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

Estimated value

$0.02 - $0.15 in circulated condition; up to $5.00+ in high Mint State grades

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of mint luster, and lack of distracting spots or scratches.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine / About Uncirculated (shows minor wear on the highest points of Lincoln's hair and cheek, with mostly intact mint luster fading into some toning).

Mintage & rarity

High mintage, very common.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits are virtually nonexistent for face-value circulating dates like 1981 due to low intrinsic value. Verify the weight (3.11g for copper version).

Notable varieties & errors

Look for repacked mint marks (if applicable) or doubled die obverse/reverse varieties, though none command high premiums in circulated grades.

Similar coins

Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909-1958) and Lincoln Shield Cent (2010-present)

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using cotton gloves. Store in a cool, dry place within inert holders such as 2x2 cardboard flips or plastic coin capsules to prevent environmental toning and corrosion.