Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1968

A copper United States Lincoln Memorial cent featuring a right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1968
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 95% copper, 5% zinc

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Identified September 18, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A copper United States Lincoln Memorial cent featuring a right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1959 to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, replacing the wheat stalks reverse. The 1960s marked a period when copper cents were still standard composition before transitioning to copper-plated zinc in 1982.

Obverse (front)

Features the bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1968' with the Denver 'D' mint mark to the right. Designed by Victor D. Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Features a 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 - $0.25 in circulated condition, up to $2 - $10 in uncirculated Mint State grades

What drives this coin's value

Condition and grade, original red copper luster remaining, mint state preservation, and any major errors such as double dies.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS) with minor blemishes or slight circulation wear visible on high points

Mintage & rarity

Very high mintage, highly common (over 2.8 billion minted at Denver in 1968)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeiting a 1968 cent is virtually nonexistent due to its low face value and massive abundance, but always check for correct weight, composition, and mint mark punch style.

Notable varieties & errors

1968-D doubled die obverse varieties are sought after by collectors, along with various repunched mint mark (RPM) errors.

Similar coins

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

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using clean hands or cotton gloves. Store in a dry, low-humidity environment in inert holders such as 2x2 cardboard flips or mylar coin holders. Avoid cleaning.

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