Lincoln Cent (Union Shield Reverse)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 2013
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Copper-Plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
Brief Description
A copper-colored small cent featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and a Union Shield on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Union Shield reverse design was introduced in 2010 to replace the one-year-only 2009 Bicentennial designs. It represents Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a single united country.
Estimated Value
$0.01 in circulated condition; $0.10 - $2.00 in high uncirculated grades (MS-65 or higher).
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning the coin as it can damage the thin copper plating. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent 'zinc rot' or bubbling of the plating.
Mint Mark
No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; Approximately 3,750,400,000 minted in Philadelphia.
Weight & Diameter
2.5 grams, 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Very Fine to Extremely Fine (VF/EF) - Shows significant surface spotting, finger marks, and minor wear on the high points of the hair and shield.
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, originally designed by Victor David Brenner. Includes legends 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '2013'.
Reverse (Back)
The Union Shield featuring 13 vertical stripes and a horizontal bar with 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. A banner across the shield reads 'ONE CENT'. Designed by Lyndall Bass.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition and eye appeal are the primary factors. Most circulated examples are only worth face value due to massive mintage.
Similar Coins
Often confused with older Lincoln Memorial cents (1959-2008) or the 2009 Bicentennial series.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check weight (should be 2.5g) and diameter. Counterfeiting is extremely rare for common modern cents as it is not cost-effective.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) varieties exist for many years in this series, though none are major for 2013.
Created At: 2026-05-04T11:24:32.478777