Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1983

A copper-plated zinc one cent coin featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse, showing environmental discoloration and verdigris.

Country: United States
Year: 1983
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 copper-plated zinc one cent coin featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse, showing environmental discoloration and verdigris.

Historical significance

1983 was the second year the United States Mint transitioned the composition of the Lincoln cent from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc due to rising copper costs.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln, with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1983' to the right.

Reverse (back)

The Lincoln Memorial with the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above it, 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' along the top rim, and 'ONE CENT' along the bottom rim.

Estimated value

$0.01 to $0.05 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, mint mark, copper vs. zinc composition (though 1983 business strikes are almost entirely zinc), and major mint errors such as doubled dies.

Grade assessment

About Good to Good (AG-3 to G-4) due to heavy wear, spotting, and environmental corrosion.

Mintage & rarity

Common with billions minted across Philadelphia and Denver mints

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits for standard modern Lincoln cents are virtually non-existent due to their low face value.

Notable varieties & errors

1983 Double Die Obverse (DDO) is a notable and valuable error sought by collectors.

Similar coins

Lincoln Wheat Cent and Lincoln Shield Cent

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment to prevent further oxidation and verdigris. Do not clean, as harsh cleaning agents will ruin the surface and significantly reduce any collector value.

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