Lincoln Memorial Cent
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1992
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
Brief Description
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.
Estimated Value
$0.01 - $0.05 in circulated condition; $2,000+ for the extremely rare 'Close AM' variety in high grade.
Care Instructions
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.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; Philadelphia minted approximately 4.2 billion cents in 1992. However, the 'Close AM' variety is exceptionally rare.
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams; 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Very Fine / Extremely Fine; shows considerable surface bag marks and light wear on the higher points of Lincoln's hair and the memorial pillars.
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.
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'.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the 1992-D (Denver) cent or other copper-plated zinc cents from the 1982-present era.
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.
Created At: 2026-05-25T22:53:35.330353