Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States of America · 1987

A copper-colored small cent featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln Memorial.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1987
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)

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 May 23, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored small cent featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln Memorial.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent series began in 1909 to honor the centennial of Lincoln's birth. The Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959. By 1987, the composition had fully shifted from bronze to copper-plated zinc (a move made in 1982 to save costs).

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Legend 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at top, 'LIBERTY' at left, and the date '1987' at right. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

The Lincoln Memorial building in Washington D.C. Legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above; 'ONE CENT' below. Designer: Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.01 in circulated condition; $0.10-$2.00 in average uncirculated grades; higher for MS-67+ certified examples.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/Grade is the primary factor. High-grade specimens (MS-68 or better) or those with significant mint errors are the only ones with substantial collector value.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated / Mint State. The coin shows high luster but has several surface distractions, carbon spots, and possible environmental toning (greenish hues).

Mintage & rarity

4,682,466,931 (Very common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight should be exactly 2.5g. Check for 'zinc rot' (minute bubbles under the copper plating) which is a common characteristic of genuine late-20th-century cents.

Notable varieties & errors

Double Die Obverse (DDO) varieties exist for many years in the 80s, though none are majorly famous for 1987 compared to 1983 or 1984.

Similar coins

1987-D (Denver) which has a 'D' mint mark, and the 1987-S Proof coin.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning as it removes the protective copper plating and ruins numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent 'zinc rot' or bubbling of the plating.

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Overview

Historical significance

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Estimated value

What drives this coin's value

Grade assessment

Mintage & rarity

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Notable varieties & errors

Similar coins

Care & preservation

Other united states of america coins

Learn about Lincoln Memorial Cent in the encyclopedia