Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1988

A standard circulating United States Lincoln Memorial cent featuring a copper-plated zinc composition, showing typical circulation wear and spotting.

Country: United States
Year: 1988
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper plating

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 circulating United States Lincoln Memorial cent featuring a copper-plated zinc composition, showing typical circulation wear and spotting.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 on the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and was struck until 2008. The 1988-D cent represents a standard modern circulating coin from the Denver Mint.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1988' with mint mark 'D' to the right. Designed by Victor D. Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Depiction of the Lincoln Memorial with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above, and 'ONE CENT' below. The designer's initials 'FG' (Frank Gasparro) appear to the right of the memorial base.

Estimated value

$0.01 to $0.05 (Face value to nominal collector value in circulated condition)

What drives this coin's value

Condition and original mint luster are the primary value drivers. High-grade uncirculated examples (MS-65 or higher) or rare errors command a premium.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) with minor surface discoloration and spots.

Mintage & rarity

High mintage, very common. Billions were produced across mints in 1988.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to its low face value and massive mintage, counterfeiting modern Lincoln cents is virtually non-existent.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1988 'Close AM' reverse error (more commonly known and sought after in the 1992 series, but minor repunched mint marks or die varieties occasionally exist).

Similar coins

Other Lincoln Memorial cents minted between 1959 and 2008, distinguished primarily by the date and mint mark.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place in a paper coin envelope or 2x2 cardboard flip to prevent further oxidation or environmental damage. Do not clean.

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