The Lincoln Memorial Cent was introduced in 1959 to mark the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, replacing the long-running Wheat Cent design. This new version featured Frank Gasparro’s reverse design depicting the Lincoln Memorial, while keeping Victor D. Brenner’s iconic Lincoln portrait on the obverse. Though the Memorial design was initially criticized as being too simplistic compared to the beloved wheat ears, these coins have become an important part of U.S. numismatic history.
Design and Composition Changes
When first issued, the Lincoln Memorial Cent maintained the traditional bronze composition of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc. However, by late 1962, the Mint eliminated tin from the alloy due to shortages, creating a brass composition of 95% copper and 5% zinc instead. While technically different from true bronze, collectors still commonly refer to all pre-1982 Memorial cents as “bronze” issues. The coin’s specifications remained consistent throughout its run, weighing 3.11 grams with a 19mm diameter and plain edge.
Collecting Opportunities and Key Varieties
This series offers collectors several rewarding avenues to pursue. Grading services evaluate specimens based on color preservation, designating them as Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or Red (RD). While most dates remain affordable in lower grades, condition-rarities in MS67 or higher can command significant premiums. The series contains several notable varieties that attract specialist collectors, including the valuable 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse, various overdate issues like the 1960 D Over D, and Proof coins with Cameo contrast. The 1970-S Small Date and 1972 Doubled Die Obverse are also highly sought-after by variety collectors.
The Fascinating 1974 Aluminum Cent Experiment
One of the most intriguing episodes in the series’ history occurred in 1974 when the Mint experimented with aluminum composition to address rising copper costs. Over 1.5 million aluminum cents were struck, but the project was abandoned due to vending machine compatibility issues. Nearly all were melted, with private ownership remaining illegal today. The few known survivors, including one in the Smithsonian collection, represent a fascinating “what if” chapter in U.S. coinage history.
Transition to Zinc and Collecting Resources
The series concluded in 1982 when rising metal prices prompted another composition change to copper-plated zinc. For collectors seeking to study this series in depth, essential references include Q. David Bowers’ A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents and David Lange’s Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents. The Lincoln Memorial Cent series remains popular due to its affordability, historical significance, and the challenge of assembling high-grade sets or complete variety collections, offering something for collectors at all levels.
