United States Circulated Bronze Lincoln Cent (Penny)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint; specifically the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark visible).
Pattern: Lincoln Memorial Cent design, originally by Victor David Brenner (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse).
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint; specifically the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark visible).
Material
Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin/zinc) or copper-plated zinc depending on the year; notably, this is not a silver item.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19.05 mm; Weight: ~2.5 to 3.1 grams depending on the specific alloy year.
Description
A heavily circulated American one-cent coin. While presented in a silver query, this is a common base-metal coin showing significant dark oxidation and surface grime from years of circulation.
Key Features
Abraham Lincoln obverse; 'D' or no mint mark; copper-based composition which has patinated to a dark brown/black.
Material & Composition
Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin/zinc) or copper-plated zinc depending on the year; notably, this is not a silver item.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with significant environmental toning, surface oxidation, and wear. Features the profile of Abraham Lincoln in relief.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks. Obverse contains 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and a date (partially obscured, potentially 1980s).
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coinage; manufactured using high-pressure mechanical presses in a government minting facility.
Functional Features
Monetary currency; legal tender of the United States. Features a raised rim to protect the design from wear.
Handle & Grip Details
None; reeded or plain edge (plain for this denomination).
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial strike; lacks the hand-finishing or smithing details found in silver hollowware or jewelry.
Authentication Indicators
Standard US Mint strike characteristics. No silver indicators; metal color and corrosion are characteristic of copper/zinc.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Philadelphia, PA based on the absence of a mint mark.
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th century context). Indicators include the Lincoln Memorial design used between 1959 and 2008.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1982 based on the visible '198...' date numerals and copper rot characteristics.
Cultural Significance
Iconic American currency representing the 16th President; symbol of low-denomination trade in the 20th century.
Condition Notes
Very Poor to Fair. Heavy tarnish (copper sulfide), pitting, potential 'zinc rot' bubbles, and significant surface wear.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.01 USD. Collector value: minimal due to extremely poor condition and high mintage.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with silver polish as it is not silver. Keep dry to prevent further copper corrosion or zinc oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Steel cents (1943) which are silver-colored but made of steel; Proof cents which have a mirror-like finish.
Interesting Facts
The 1982 transition year saw the U.S. Mint switch from 95% copper to 97.5% zinc to save on production costs.