Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent (One Cent)

Lincoln Wheat Cent and Lincoln Memorial Cents

United States · 1947, 1980, and 1981

Three US cents displayed together: a 1947 Wheat Cent on the left with dark toning, and two brassy-colored 1980 and 1981 Memorial Cents to the right.

Country: United States
Year: 1947, 1980, and 1981
Denomination: 1 Cent (One Cent)
Metal: 1947: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc; 1980-1981: 95% copper, 5% zinc
Grade: Circulated (Fine to About Uncirculated)

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 17, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

Three US cents displayed together: a 1947 Wheat Cent on the left with dark toning, and two brassy-colored 1980 and 1981 Memorial Cents to the right.

Historical significance

The Lincoln cent series is one of the most enduring in US coinage history. The wheat reverse was designed by Victor D. Brenner and ran from 1909 to 1958, while the Memorial reverse by Frank Gasparro was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.

Obverse (front)

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

Reverse (back)

Left coin features two stalks of wheat framing 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Center and right coins feature the Lincoln Memorial building.

Estimated value

$0.02 - $0.25 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, mint mark, key dates, and striking errors

Grade assessment

Circulated (Fine to About Uncirculated)

Mintage & rarity

Common; hundreds of millions to billions minted for each year shown

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeiting common date Lincoln cents is extremely rare due to their low face value. Check for altered dates.

Notable varieties & errors

Double die obverse/reverse varieties exist across various Lincoln cent years, notably in 1955 and 1972.

Similar coins

Jefferson nickels, Roosevelt dimes, foreign bronze/brass minor coins

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place inside archival-safe holders or flips. Avoid harsh cleaning or wiping, which damages the surfaces and destroys value.

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