Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1989

A standard circulating United States one-cent coin featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1989
Denomination: 1 Cent
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 one-cent coin featuring a portrait 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. By 1989, these copper-plated zinc cents had entirely replaced the older 95% copper composition due to rising metal costs in the early 1980s.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing bust of President Abraham Lincoln with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1989' to the right.

Reverse (back)

Depiction of the Lincoln Memorial with the words 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above, and the denomination 'ONE CENT' below.

Estimated value

$0.01 (face value) to $0.10 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, presence of mint errors (such as doubled dies or missing plating), and original mint luster.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine / About Uncirculated (shows minor wear on high points and some light toning/discoloration)

Mintage & rarity

Very high mintage, extremely common. Billions were produced between Philadelphia and Denver.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeiting a modern cent is economically unviable; standard weight and magnetic tests (zinc core is non-magnetic) easily confirm authenticity.

Notable varieties & errors

Look for occasional doubled die obverse varieties or repunched mint marks, though most 1989 cents are standard business strikes.

Similar coins

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

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place in a standard coin flip or paper coin envelope to prevent further oxidation or environmental toning.

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