Lincoln Memorial Cent

Country of Origin: United States Of America

Year of Issue: 1965

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc

Lincoln Memorial Cent

Brief Description

A copper-colored small cent featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Historical Significance

1965 was the first year of the 'Special Mint Set' era (1965-1967) and the first year following the removal of mint marks to discourage hoarding during a national coin shortage.

Estimated Value

$0.01-$0.05 in circulated condition; $1.00-$20.00+ in high uncirculated (MS-65+) grades.

Care Instructions

Avoid cleaning or rubbing the surface, as this creates micro-scratches that ruin numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place in an acid-free holder to prevent corrosion (verdigris).

Mint Mark

None (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco all produced coins without marks this year).

Mintage & Rarity

1,497,224,900 (Common)

Weight & Diameter

3.11 grams, 19.05 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Very Good to Fine (VG-F) - Shows significant surface wear, circulation marks, and slight darkening/environmental damage.

Obverse (Front)

Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and '1965'. Original design by Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (Back)

View of the Lincoln Memorial. Inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'. Designer Frank Gasparro's initials 'FG' are to the right of the memorial base.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Value is primarily determined by eye appeal and the amount of original red luster remaining. Scratches and environmental spots significantly decrease value.

Similar Coins

1965 Special Mint Set (SMS) cents which have a much higher polish/strike quality, and 1964 cents which still feature mint marks.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check for weight (should be approx 3.1g) and diameter. Genuine 1965 cents will not have any mint mark.

Notable Varieties & Errors

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) and machine doubling are occasionally found; high-grade specimens with 'RD' (Red) designation are the most sought after.

Created At: 2026-06-30T16:30:20.255055