Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1971

A copper-alloy United States one cent coin featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1971
Denomination: One Cent (1¢)
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 September 16, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A copper-alloy United States one cent coin featuring the bust 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 1971 issue was produced during the Vietnam War era and circulating high-volume coinage period.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1971' with a mint mark below to the right. Designed by Victor D. Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Depiction of the Lincoln Memorial with the national motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above, 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' arched along the top, and 'ONE CENT' along the bottom. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.02 - $0.25 in circulated condition; up to $2 - $5 in uncirculated mint state

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of notable mint errors (such as doubled die obverse), and overall eye appeal.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) with minor circulation wear and toning.

Mintage & rarity

Common; hundreds of millions were produced across Philadelphia and Denver.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits for common modern circulating cents are virtually non-existent because face value exceeds metal melt value in most periods, but always check for altered dates.

Notable varieties & errors

Look for 1971-S proof double die obverse errors or repunched mint marks on Denver issues.

Similar coins

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

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment in cardboard flips, mylar holders, or a coin album. Never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning or polishing ruins numismatic value.