The Lincoln Memorial Zinc Cent: A Complete Overview
The Lincoln Memorial Zinc Cent, often referred to by collectors as the “Zincoln,” was minted by the United States Mint from 1982 to 2008. While the design closely mirrored that of the earlier copper Lincoln Memorial Cent (issued from 1959 to 1982), the composition and manufacturing methods differed. Notably, the coin’s relief became progressively shallower over the years, and minor design changes were implemented to accommodate the use of lighter zinc planchets.
The Shift from Copper to Zinc: A Long-Awaited Change
In the 1960s, the U.S. Mint began to recognize the growing cost of producing copper planchets for the one-cent coin, especially during periods of high commodity inflation and war-related demand. The concern intensified in the early 1970s when copper prices surged due to economic pressures.
The Mint explored alternatives, and in 1974, aluminum was briefly considered as a replacement but was ultimately rejected. After copper prices dropped in mid-1974, the focus shifted to other coinage issues, including the Bicentennial Coin Program and the creation of a small dollar coin. Despite these initiatives, the cost of producing the one-cent coin remained a concern, leading to further exploration of cheaper materials.
In 1981, President Reagan’s Treasury Department began implementing reforms at the U.S. Mint. Among the earliest changes was the decision to alter the composition of the Lincoln Cent from copper to a primarily zinc-based formula, marking the beginning of a new era for the iconic coin.
Collecting Lincoln Memorial Zinc Cents
The Lincoln Memorial Zinc Cent is abundant and widely circulated. Coins from both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints are easy to find in circulation. Annual Uncirculated Coin Sets, as well as quantities of bagged and rolled coins, ensure that even early issues of the series remain plentiful in Mint State, with millions still available in pristine condition. Collectors tend to focus on acquiring these coins in Mint State, especially those that have retained the original “brassy” color.
Within the series, there are several notable varieties highly sought by collectors, as outlined in the Cherrypicker’s Guide. These include the 1984 Doubled Die Obverse, the 1988 and 1988-D Reverse of ’89, the 1992 and 1992-D “Close AM,” the 1995 Doubled Die, and the 1998 “Wide AM.” Among Proof coins, the 1990 “No S” and the 1998-S and 1999-S “Close AM” varieties are particularly desirable.
The End of the Zinc Cent Era
The final Lincoln Memorial Zinc Cents were struck in 2008. In 2009, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the U.S. Mint issued a four-coin series featuring different stages of Lincoln’s life. In 2010, the design of the Lincoln Cent was again revised, this time featuring a new design with a shield and the words “ONE CENT” on a ribbon.
Given that the Lincoln Cent had the purchasing power of about 32 cents in today’s money back in 1909, it is likely that the Lincoln Shield Cent will represent the final design of this historic denomination, which has been in circulation since the Colonial period.
Detailed Analysis of the Lincoln Memorial Zinc Cent Series
The Lincoln Memorial Zinc Cent, like its copper counterpart, featured the same obverse and reverse designs, though with subtle changes over time.
- Obverse: The obverse features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, with the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST above his head. To the left is the word LIBERTY, and the date appears on the right. Mintmarks (D or S) are located beneath the date, with coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint lacking a mintmark.
- Reverse: The reverse design showcases the Lincoln Memorial, with the statue of Lincoln visible inside. Below the Memorial, the designer’s initials, FG (Frank Gasparro), are found. Surrounding the Memorial is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with E PLURIBUS UNUM placed above. The denomination ONE CENT appears at the bottom, completing the text circle inside a raised rim.
- Edge: The edge of the coin is smooth, without reeding or any lettering.
Specifications of the Lincoln Memorial Zinc Cent
- Composition: Copper-plated zinc (core: 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper)
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Diameter: 19.0 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Obverse Designer: Victor D. Brenner
- Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
Mintage Numbers
- Circulation Mintage: High: 8,774,220,000 (2000-D); Low: 2,558,800,000 (2008-D)
- Proof Mintage: High: 4,227,728 (1987-S); Low: 2,086,507 (1998-S)
In-Depth References for Collectors For further reading on Lincoln Cents and coinage history, collectors can refer to books such as The Experts Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins by Q. David Bowers, A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents by Whitman Publishing, and The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman and Kenneth Bressett, among others. These resources offer invaluable information for both novice and advanced collectors looking to deepen their knowledge of U.S. coinage.
