Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Memorial Cent

United States · 1998

A copper-plated zinc cent featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1998
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 copper-plated zinc cent featuring the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent series is the longest-running coin series in United States history, started in 1909 to commemorate Lincoln's birth centennial. The Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 on the 150th anniversary of his birth.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the year '1998' with the 'D' mint mark below to the right. Designed by Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Depiction of the Lincoln Memorial with the denomination 'ONE CENT' above, 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' along the right and bottom, and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' below the memorial. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.01 - $0.25 (Face value to slightly above for brilliant uncirculated specimens, though common circulated examples are worth face value)

What drives this coin's value

Condition and preservation grade are the primary value drivers. High-grade uncirculated examples (MS-65 or higher) or specific rare die varieties drive collector value.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS) with minor surface blemishes or contact marks.

Mintage & rarity

High mintage (billions produced); extremely common and readily found in circulation.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to high mintage and low face value, counterfeiting modern circulating Lincoln cents is extremely rare and economically unviable. Check for standard weight and composition.

Notable varieties & errors

Collectors look for Close AM versus Wide AM reverse lettering varieties, though the Close AM variety is generally known for 1992 and 1999 rather than 1998 (where 1998 usually exhibits the Wide AM, and a rare Close AM is a major error/variety).

Similar coins

Other Lincoln Memorial cents minted between 1959 and 2008, as well as the later Lincoln Shield cents starting from 2010.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry, room-temperature environment using coin flips, holders, or albums made of archival-safe (PVC-free) materials. Avoid touching the surfaces directly with bare fingers to prevent transferring skin oils, and never clean the coin.

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