Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States of America · 1992

A copper-colored United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1992
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)

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 May 25, 2026More united states of america 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 copper-colored United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Memorial reverse design was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, replacing the previous Wheat Ear design.

Obverse (front)

Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Inscribed 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1992'. Original portrait by Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Inscribed 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.01 - $0.05 in circulated condition; $2,000+ for the extremely rare 'Close AM' variety in high grade.

What drives this coin's value

The primary value factor for 1992 pennies is the spacing between the letters 'A' and 'M' in 'AMERICA' on the reverse. Standard coins have a 'Wide AM'.

Grade assessment

Very Fine / Extremely Fine; shows considerable surface bag marks and light wear on the higher points of Lincoln's hair and the memorial pillars.

Mintage & rarity

Common; Philadelphia minted approximately 4.2 billion cents in 1992. However, the 'Close AM' variety is exceptionally rare.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Use a loupe to inspect the 'AM' on the reverse. On the rare variety, the letters 'A' and 'M' should be nearly touching at the base. Beware of plated/altered coins.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1992 'Close AM' Variety (where the A and M in AMERICA touch) is a major rarity caused by the accidental use of a 1993 proof-style die.

Similar coins

Often confused with the 1992-D (Denver) cent or other copper-plated zinc cents from the 1982-present era.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish coins as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place inside a non-PVC holder to prevent zinc 'rot' or corrosion.

Other united states of america coins

See all

Eisenhower Bicentennial Dollar

United States of America · 1776-1976

One Dollar

Lincoln Cent (Memorial Reverse)

United States of America · Based on the reverse design (Lincoln Memorial), the coin was issued between 1959 and 2008. The exact year is not clearly visible in the image.

One Cent