Lincoln Cent (Penny)

Brief Description

The obverse (front) of the coin features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, facing right. The word "LIBERTY" is to his left, and "IN GOD WE TRUST" is above his head. The year "1995" is to his right. The coin has a reddish-brown color characteristic of copper-plated zinc cents.

Historical Significance

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, making it the longest-running design in U.S. numismatic history. The composition changed from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc in 1982 due to rising copper prices, making the 1995 cent part of this modern era of Lincoln Cents. While common, it represents a continuous piece of American currency and history.

Estimated Value

Circulated 1995 Lincoln cents are generally worth face value (1 cent) to a few cents. Uncirculated examples might fetch $0.10 to $0.50, depending on their condition and grading. There are no known major varieties or errors for the 1995 cent that significantly increase its value, making it a common date.

Care Instructions

To preserve its condition, handle the coin by its edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin. Store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in an archival-safe holder such as a Mylar flip, cardboard holder, or a coin album. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can damage its surface and significantly decrease its numismatic value. For common modern coins like this, extensive care is often not pursued unless it's part of a complete collection.

Created At: 2025-11-18T01:16:58.247974