The Lincoln Memorial Cent was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This iconic coin replaced the beloved Wheat Cent design, which had been in circulation since 1909. While the Wheat Cent featured two ears of wheat on its reverse, the new Lincoln Memorial Cent showcased a fresh, yet respectful, tribute to the 16th president of the United States — the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the reverse side depicts the majestic memorial, while Victor D. Brenner’s classic portrait of Lincoln remains on the obverse, maintaining a strong connection to the coin’s heritage.
Though some numismatists initially criticized the Lincoln Memorial Cent’s design for being too simplistic compared to the Wheat Cent’s intricate wheat ears, over time it has become a staple in American coin collections. Its historical significance and distinctive design make it an essential piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Design and Composition of the Lincoln Memorial Cent
When first minted, the Lincoln Memorial Cent retained the traditional composition of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc, a bronze alloy similar to the Wheat Cent. This composition gave the coin its characteristic reddish-brown hue and durability. However, by late 1962, the United States Mint faced shortages of tin, prompting a change in the alloy. The Mint transitioned to a brass composition consisting of 95% copper and 5% zinc, which is technically not bronze but has similar physical properties. Collectors, however, continue to refer to all Lincoln Memorial Cents minted before 1982 as “bronze” cents.
Throughout its production run from 1959 to 1982, the Lincoln Memorial Cent maintained consistent specifications: a weight of 3.11 grams, a diameter of 19 millimeters, and a plain edge. This consistency has made it easier for collectors to identify genuine coins and compare varieties over the years.
Key Varieties and Collecting Highlights
The Lincoln Memorial Cent series offers numerous fascinating varieties and collecting opportunities that appeal to both novice and advanced collectors. One of the unique features in evaluating these coins is the grading system based on color preservation, with designations such as Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD). Red Lincoln Memorial Cents are highly sought after because they retain much of their original mint luster.
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Some key varieties within the Lincoln Memorial Cent series have become famous among collectors. For instance, the 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse is a valuable rarity, showcasing a noticeable doubling of the inscriptions on the coin’s front side. Other notable varieties include the 1960-D Over D mintmark, which shows an overdate error, and the 1970-S Small Date variety, prized for its distinctive date style. Additionally, proof coins featuring cameo contrast have become favorites for collectors seeking coins with sharp detail and eye appeal.
High-grade Lincoln Memorial Cents—especially those graded Mint State (MS) 67 or higher—can command impressive premiums in the market. This makes collecting this series not just enjoyable but potentially rewarding for investors as well.
The Unique 1974 Aluminum Cent Experiment
One of the most fascinating chapters in the history of the Lincoln Memorial Cent is the 1974 aluminum cent experiment. Due to soaring copper prices in the early 1970s, the U.S. Mint explored the possibility of striking cents from aluminum, a much cheaper metal. Over 1.5 million aluminum cents were produced as test coins. However, the experiment was ultimately abandoned because the new aluminum cents caused problems in vending machines and other coin-operated devices.
Almost all of the aluminum cents were subsequently melted down by the government, and private ownership of these coins remains illegal to this day. A few surviving specimens are held in museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, making the 1974 aluminum cent a legendary “what if” story in American coinage history and a source of intrigue for collectors worldwide.
Transition to Copper-Plated Zinc and Modern Collecting
The Lincoln Memorial Cent series concluded in 1982 when rising metal costs prompted the U.S. Mint to change the coin’s composition once again. The new cents were made from a copper-plated zinc core, containing only 2.5% copper by weight. This composition continues to be used for pennies today. For collectors, the 1982 cents are particularly interesting because both the traditional bronze alloy and the newer zinc core cents were minted that year.
If you are passionate about collecting Lincoln Memorial Cents, several authoritative references can guide you through the details of this series. Two of the most respected resources are Q. David Bowers’ A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents and David Lange’s Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents. These books provide valuable insights into the coin’s history, varieties, errors, and market values.
Why Collect Lincoln Memorial Cents?
The Lincoln Memorial Cent remains popular with collectors for several reasons. First, it is an affordable way to connect with American history, especially the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Second, the series presents a rewarding challenge: assembling high-grade coins, discovering rare varieties, or even completing a full date and mintmark set. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned numismatist, the Lincoln Memorial Cent offers something valuable and interesting at every level.
In conclusion, the Lincoln Memorial Cent is much more than just a one-cent coin. It’s a symbol of American heritage, a canvas of numismatic artistry, and a doorway to decades of collecting excitement. For anyone interested in U.S. coinage, it’s a must-have in their collection.
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