Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1972

A standard copper-alloy United States Lincoln Memorial cent featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1972
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 August 29, 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 standard copper-alloy United States Lincoln Memorial cent featuring the profile 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 1972 issues are heavily notable for famous double die varieties originating from the Philadelphia mint, though this specimen bears a Denver mint mark.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing bust of President Abraham Lincoln, with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the top rim, the word 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1972' with the mint mark 'D' to the right.

Reverse (back)

Depiction of the Lincoln Memorial building with the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above it, surrounded by 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' along the top and 'ONE CENT' along the bottom.

Estimated value

$0.01 - $0.10 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, presence of mint errors such as the famous 1972 doubled die obverse (predominantly on Philadelphia coins), and overall surface preservation.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (XF-AU) with minor circulation wear on high points.

Mintage & rarity

Very high mintage, highly common (billions produced across mints in 1972)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Generally not counterfeited due to low face value. Verify weight (3.11g) and composition for older copper cents.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1972/1972 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101) is extremely famous and valuable, though it primarily occurs on Philadelphia (no mint mark) strikes rather than Denver strikes.

Similar coins

Lincoln Wheat Cents (pre-1959) and Lincoln Shield Cents (2009-present)

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning, scrubbing, or using harsh chemicals to preserve its original copper finish and numismatic value.

Other united states coins

See all

United States Semiquincentennial Fantasy/Mule Concept Dime

United States · 2026

One Dime ($0.10)

Reader's Digest Sweepstakes 25th Anniversary Coin (Token)

United States, Reader's Digest Association · 1987

No cash value (Promotional Token)

United States Bicentennial Quarter (Washington Quarter)

United States · 1776-1976 (Minted in 1975 and 1976)

25 Cents (Quarter Dollar)

United States Trade Dollar

United States · 1873-1885

One Dollar ($1)

United States Administration of Philippines One Centavo

Philippines (under United States Sovereignty) · 1944

One Centavo

One Dollar Tribute to the United States (Morgan Dollar Design)

Cook Islands · 2022 (with obverse date 1964 tribute)

One Dollar