Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1985

A standard US Lincoln Memorial cent featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1985
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper plating
Grade: About Uncirculated / Mint State (AU/MS with minor surface spotting)

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 29, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A standard US Lincoln Memorial cent featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the modern copper-plated zinc era, which began in mid-1982 due to rising copper prices.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln with the word 'LIBERTY' to the left, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, and the year '1985' to the right.

Reverse (back)

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

Estimated value

$0.01 - $0.10 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, presence of full mint red luster, and rare errors.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated / Mint State (AU/MS with minor surface spotting)

Mintage & rarity

Very high mintage, extremely common.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Common circulating coin, counterfeiting is virtually nonexistent for face-value modern dates.

Notable varieties & errors

Look for Doubled Die Obverse or Reverse errors, though common in this series.

Similar coins

Lincoln Wheat Cent, Union Shield Cent

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid harsh cleaning or wiping to prevent scratching the thin copper plating.

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