Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1979

A copper-alloy Lincoln cent featuring the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1979
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 95% copper, 5% zinc

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Identified September 8, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A copper-alloy Lincoln cent featuring the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1959 to commemorate the sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth, replacing the Lincoln Wheat cent reverse. The 1979 minting occurred during a period of rising copper prices leading up to the composition change in 1982.

Obverse (front)

Features the right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner. Inscriptions include 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the top rim, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1979' with the 'D' mint mark below to the right.

Reverse (back)

Features a depiction of the Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro. The initials 'FG' are visible to the right of the memorial base. Inscriptions include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' along the top, and 'ONE CENT' along the bottom.

Estimated value

Face value to $0.25 in circulated condition; $1 to $5 in uncirculated Mint State condition.

What drives this coin's value

Overall condition and preservation of mint luster; major doubled die errors can significantly increase value.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS), showing minor surface toning and light circulation marks with remaining luster.

Mintage & rarity

Common; over 4.3 billion minted at the Denver Mint in 1979.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits are virtually nonexistent for common date Lincoln cents due to low face value. Watch out for altered mint marks, though rare on this specific common date.

Notable varieties & errors

Occasional minor doubled die obverse (DDO) or reverse (DDR) varieties exist for 1979-D, though none are major key rarities.

Similar coins

Lincoln Wheat Cents (1909-1958) and later Zinc Lincoln Cents (1982-present). Distinguished primarily by the reverse design and coin composition/weight.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using clean cotton gloves. Store in a dry, low-humidity environment in inert holders such as mylar flips or coin capsules. Never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning destroys original surfaces and significantly reduces collector value.

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