ObverseReverse1974 aluminum cent from the Smithsonian.
Discover great deals on the many one of a kind items available only on eBay!

Coins: US

The United States one-cent coin, commonly called a penny, is a unit of currency equaling 1100 of a United States dollar. Its obverse has featured the profile of President Abraham Lincoln since 1909, the centennial of his birth. more...

HomeHome
BullionBullion
Coins: AncientCoins: Ancient
Coins: US Coins: US
2, 3 & 20 Cents2, 3 & 20 Cents
Collections, LotsCollections, Lots
ColonialColonial
CommemorativeCommemorative
DimesDimes
DollarsDollars
ErrorsErrors
GoldGold
Half CentsHalf Cents
Half DimesHalf Dimes
HalvesHalves
Large CentsLarge Cents
Mint SetsMint Sets
NickelsNickels
Other US CoinsOther US Coins
Proof SetsProof Sets
QuartersQuarters
RollsRolls
Small CentsSmall Cents
Coins: WorldCoins: World
ExonumiaExonumia
Paper Money: USPaper Money: US
Paper Money: WorldPaper Money: World
Publications & SuppliesPublications & Supplies
ScripophilyScripophily

Coin Appraisals

Since 1959 (the sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth), the reverse has featured the Lincoln Memorial. The coin is .75 inches in diameter.

Despite the prevalence of the common term "penny", the U.S. Mint has never actually minted a coin for which this is the official name.

History of composition

See also: History of the Lincoln cent

The cent's composition was changed in 1982 because the value of the copper in the coin started to rise above one cent. Some 1982 cents use the 97.5% zinc composition, while others used the 95% copper composition. In 1943, at the peak of World War II, cents of zinc-plated steel were made for a short time due to war demands for copper; a few (the U.S. Mint reports forty) copper cents from 1943 were produced. Following that year, salvaged ammunition shells made their way into the minting process, and it was not uncommon to see coins featuring streaks of brass or having a considerably darker finish than other issues.

During the early 1970s, the price of copper rose to a point where the penny almost contained more than one cent's worth of copper. This led the Mint to test alternate metals, including aluminum and bronze-clad steel. Aluminum was chosen, and over 1.5 million of these were struck and ready for public release before ultimately being rejected. About a dozen aluminum cents are believed to still be in the hands of collectors, although they are now considered illegal, and are subject to seizure by the Secret Service. One aluminum cent was donated to the Smithsonian Institution.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]


		1888 Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Name Your Price !
		1888 Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Name Your Price ! 
		2 Bu Rolls 2009-D Lincoln Formative Years Pennies New
		2 Bu Rolls 2009-D Lincoln Formative Years Pennies New

		Unsearched one wheat penny roll with mercury dime showing from large estate 
		Unsearched one wheat penny roll with mercury dime showing from large estate 
		1979 - 1980 Susan B Anthony Dollars P,D,S, Mints All 6 Coins
		1979 - 1980 Susan B Anthony Dollars P,D,S, Mints All 6 Coins

		2012 Puerto Rico El Yunque America The Beautiful Quarters Gem Bu
		2012 Puerto Rico El Yunque America The Beautiful Quarters Gem Bu 
		1980, 1981 & 1982 United States Proof Coin Sets
		1980, 1981 & 1982 United States Proof Coin Sets

		1979 P Gold Plated Susan B.Anthony Dollar
		1979 P Gold Plated Susan B.Anthony Dollar 
		1952 Jefferson Nickel! *Super Toned!*
		1952 Jefferson Nickel! *Super Toned!*

		2009 Us Mint Silver proof set 18 Piece !
		2009 Us Mint Silver proof set 18 Piece ! 
		1925-D Wheat Cent, Vf/Xf
		1925-D Wheat Cent, Vf/Xf

		1981 P D Bu Roosevelt Dimes 2 Coins Free Shippi
2000
Ng 
		1981 P D Bu Roosevelt Dimes 2 Coins Free Shippi 2000 Ng 
		1967 Kennedy Half Dollar 40% Silver A/U Awesome Coin Look 
		1967 Kennedy Half Dollar 40% Silver A/U Awesome Coin Look

		1917-P Buffalo Nickel - Very Unique Color - See Description - 3 Day Auction
		1917-P Buffalo Nickel - Very Unique Color - See Description - 3 Day Auction 
		Coin #p3104 - 1900 Indian Head 1c Cent - Full Liberty
		Coin #p3104 - 1900 Indian Head 1c Cent - Full Liberty

		3-2012 American Eagle Three One Ounce Silver Coin From Mint Roll Bu Now In Stock
		3-2012 American Eagle Three One Ounce Silver Coin From Mint Roll Bu Now In Stock 
		1995 S Proof Roosevelt Clad Dime Pcgs Pr70 Dcam Deep Cameo Perfect Coin
		1995 S Proof Roosevelt Clad Dime Pcgs Pr70 Dcam Deep Cameo Perfect Coin

		9 Decades Of Lincoln Pennies Collection 9 Pennies
		9 Decades Of Lincoln Pennies Collection 9 Pennies 
		2000-S Proof Kennedy Dcam Half-Dollar Prfect Us Coin From Proof Set Deep Cameo
		2000-S Proof Kennedy Dcam Half-Dollar Prfect Us Coin From Proof Set Deep Cameo

		Pcgs 2001 S Pr69Rd Dcam Penny
		Pcgs 2001 S Pr69Rd Dcam Penny 
		1821 Coronet Head Large Cent Key Date
		1821 Coronet Head Large Cent Key Date

		1807 Large Cent
		1807 Large Cent 
		1914-S Wheat Cent, Vf+
		1914-S Wheat Cent, Vf+

		10 Jefferson Nickels (2004-2006) with First Day Covers. 
		10 Jefferson Nickels (2004-2006) with First Day Covers. 
		*1861Cn Indian Head Cent Partial Liberty Scarce Old Coin* 
		*1861Cn Indian Head Cent Partial Liberty Scarce Old Coin*

		2008 P & D Bu Sacagawea Dollar Set From Mint Rolls
		2008 P & D Bu Sacagawea Dollar Set From Mint Rolls 
		1993 Us Mint Premier Silver Proof coin set - 90% silver with Coa
		1993 Us Mint Premier Silver Proof coin set - 90% silver with Coa

		54 Washington Silver Quarters 1930s-1950s + 2 Standing Liberty Quarters
		54 Washington Silver Quarters 1930s-1950s + 2 Standing Liberty Quarters 
		1836 Capped Bust Half
		1836 Capped Bust Half

		2008 P James Monroe Presidential Dollar ~ Pos B ~ From U.S. Mint Roll
		2008 P James Monroe Presidential Dollar ~ Pos B ~ From U.S. Mint Roll 
		Bu Jefferson Nickels 1974 P
		Bu Jefferson Nickels 1974 P

		*Nice* 1853 Half Dime With Arrows - Silver Half Dime- Liberty Seated
		*Nice* 1853 Half Dime With Arrows - Silver Half Dime- Liberty Seated 
		1984D Jefferson Nickel Ms Lot 6419
		1984D Jefferson Nickel Ms Lot 6419

		1987-S Constitution Prestige Proof Set 6Pc
		1987-S Constitution Prestige Proof Set 6Pc 
		2009-D Puerto Rico Quarter Sms Roll Of 40 High Grade 643,000 Minted
		2009-D Puerto Rico Quarter Sms Roll Of 40 High Grade 643,000 Minted

		Ngc 2010 W Disabled Veterans Ms 70 Silver Dollar~ Perfect Beatiful Coin!
		Ngc 2010 W Disabled Veterans Ms 70 Silver Dollar~ Perfect Beatiful Coin! 
		 2004 S Pcgs Pr69Dcam Silver Dime
		2004 S Pcgs Pr69Dcam Silver Dime

		(2 Piece Lot) 1973-S 1978-S Pr Ms Quality Coins Slabbed
		(2 Piece Lot) 1973-S 1978-S Pr Ms Quality Coins Slabbed 
		2010-D Yosemite Quarter Sms Roll Of 40 High Grade 
		2010-D Yosemite Quarter Sms Roll Of 40 High Grade

		Ngc 2000 S Pf69 Ultra Cameo Penny
		Ngc 2000 S Pf69 Ultra Cameo Penny 
		Usa 1 cent 1968 , error, off-center
		Usa 1 cent 1968 , error, off-center

		1983 Us Proof Mint Set,5-Piece, W/Box&Coa, Cameo
		1983 Us Proof Mint Set,5-Piece, W/Box&Coa, Cameo 
		 ( 2 ) Two 1982-S George Washington Commemorative Proof Half Dollars 90% Silve
		( 2 ) Two 1982-S George Washington Commemorative Proof Half Dollars 90% Silve

		1954-p Washington Quarter.Bu
		1954-p Washington Quarter.Bu 
		Xf/Au 1857 Seated Liberty Quarter Collector Coin .25¢ Nice Slq Coin
		Xf/Au 1857 Seated Liberty Quarter Collector Coin .25¢ Nice Slq Coin

		1890 Morgan Silver Dollar Rare bu/au Gem Us Coin Uncirculated
		1890 Morgan Silver Dollar Rare bu/au Gem Us Coin Uncirculated 
		2005 Westward Journey Nickel Series 6 Coin Set
		2005 Westward Journey Nickel Series 6 Coin Set

		★ 1878 7/8 Tf Morgan Dollar Anacs Ms63 - Rainbow! ★
		★ 1878 7/8 Tf Morgan Dollar Anacs Ms63 - Rainbow! ★ 
		2006 Roosevelt Dime - " P " - Satin Finish 
		2006 Roosevelt Dime - " P " - Satin Finish

		1844 Liberty Seated Half Dollar Silver Coin
		1844 Liberty Seated Half Dollar Silver Coin 
		2009 D William Harrison Presidential Dollar Roll Unc
		2009 D William Harrison Presidential Dollar Roll Unc

		
					Original Roll (20 Coins) Of 1900 P Morgan Silver Dollars Choice/Gem Bu
				
		Original Roll (20 Coins) Of 1900 P Morgan Silver Dollars Choice/Gem Bu 
		1905 Indian Cent - Bold Liberty - Higher Grade - 3 Diamonds - Natural - Hp1
		1905 Indian Cent - Bold Liberty - Higher Grade - 3 Diamonds - Natural - Hp1

		1980 Unicrculated Mint Set (13 coins)
		1980 Unicrculated Mint Set (13 coins) 
		2000-S Ngc Certified Proof 69 Ultra Cameo New Hampshire State Quarter~Free Ship~
		2000-S Ngc Certified Proof 69 Ultra Cameo New Hampshire State Quarter~Free Ship~

		Coin #p3135 - 1900 Indian Head 1c Cent - 3+ Diamonds! Bold Strike Color
		Coin #p3135 - 1900 Indian Head 1c Cent - 3+ Diamonds! Bold Strike Color 
		2011-S Pcgs Pr70Dcam proof Roosevelt dime Silver Perfect Dcam
		2011-S Pcgs Pr70Dcam proof Roosevelt dime Silver Perfect Dcam

		Kennedy Half Dollars
		Kennedy Half Dollars 
		1921 P Morgan Dollar
		1921 P Morgan Dollar

		1936-D Washington~Si​Lver Quarter~Tough Date 
		1936-D Washington~Si​Lver Quarter~Tough Date 
		1848 Braided Hair Large Cent - F+ - Low Opening Price - N/R - Free Shipping
		1848 Braided Hair Large Cent - F+ - Low Opening Price - N/R - Free Shipping

		40 very nice kennedy half dollars various dates lot
		40 very nice kennedy half dollars various dates lot 
		Complete Set Of 1979 Susan B Anthony P,D,S,
		Complete Set Of 1979 Susan B Anthony P,D,S,

		Lot (M224) of 10 Liberty "V" Nickels All Readable Dates Great Starter Set 
		Lot (M224) of 10 Liberty "V" Nickels All Readable Dates Great Starter Set 
		1904 $20 Liberty Double Eagle Gold Nice Uncirculated
		1904 $20 Liberty Double Eagle Gold Nice Uncirculated

		2012 American Eagle One Dollar Bullion Coin ~ 1 Troy Oz .999 Silver ~ Bu ~
		2012 American Eagle One Dollar Bullion Coin ~ 1 Troy Oz .999 Silver ~ Bu ~ 
		1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar 40% Silver Toned Coin Look 
		1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar 40% Silver Toned Coin Look

		1897 Gold Liberty $20 Double Eagle in Gold Filled Bezel, Necklace, Coin Jewelry
		1897 Gold Liberty $20 Double Eagle in Gold Filled Bezel, Necklace, Coin Jewelry 
		20 kennedy half dollars various dates lot
		20 kennedy half dollars various dates lot

		Very Clean 1886 Morgan Dollar
		Very Clean 1886 Morgan Dollar 
		1895/1897-P Barber Quarters G
		1895/1897-P Barber Quarters G

		Coin #p3138 - 1904 Indian Head 1c Cent
		Coin #p3138 - 1904 Indian Head 1c Cent 
		1994 W Bu Vietnam Veterans Memorial Silver Dollar Coin
		1994 W Bu Vietnam Veterans Memorial Silver Dollar Coin

		Morgan Dollar set 1901s 1887s 1897o 1882os 1900o 1898 1896o 1884s 1896s 1894o 
		Morgan Dollar set 1901s 1887s 1897o 1882os 1900o 1898 1896o 1884s 1896s 1894o 
		1883 Indian Head Cent Nice Coin (585)
		1883 Indian Head Cent Nice Coin (585)

		1916-S - Buffalo Nickel - Solid Date - Mostly Vg Details - You Judge
		1916-S - Buffalo Nickel - Solid Date - Mostly Vg Details - You Judge 
		1966 United States Mint Set w/40% Silver Kennedy Half Dollar
		1966 United States Mint Set w/40% Silver Kennedy Half Dollar

		1986 S Proof Jefferson Nickel Pcgs Pr69Dcam Pr69 Deep Cameo Free Shipping
		1986 S Proof Jefferson Nickel Pcgs Pr69Dcam Pr69 Deep Cameo Free Shipping 
		Usa american 1838 o Silver Seated liberty no stars type Uncommon O mint mark
		Usa american 1838 o Silver Seated liberty no stars type Uncommon O mint mark

		2008 James Monroe Presidential Dollar And Stamp Set Pfree S&H X1
		2008 James Monroe Presidential Dollar And Stamp Set Pfree S&H X1 
		1990 Uncirculated Mint Set W/P & D Mint Marks
		1990 Uncirculated Mint Set W/P & D Mint Marks

		2008-S Ngc Certified Proof 69 Ultra Cameo Arizona State Quarter~Free Ship~
		2008-S Ngc Certified Proof 69 Ultra Cameo Arizona State Quarter~Free Ship~ 
		Sacagawea 2010-D & P Uncirculated (two coins)
		Sacagawea 2010-D & P Uncirculated (two coins)

		1883 Liberty Head Nickle Nice Uncirculated Coin Nice
		1883 Liberty Head Nickle Nice Uncirculated Coin Nice 
		1913 Variety One Buffalo Nickel - Please Grade
		1913 Variety One Buffalo Nickel - Please Grade

		1896-P Morgan Silver Dollar - Bu From Original Roll
		1896-P Morgan Silver Dollar - Bu From Original Roll 
		Eisenhower Silver Dollars
		Eisenhower Silver Dollars

		Special 1990 Eisenhower Centennial Silver Dollar In Orginal Box & Case W/Coa
		Special 1990 Eisenhower Centennial Silver Dollar In Orginal Box & Case W/Coa 
		1889 O Morgan Silver Dollar A Very Fine Coin
		1889 O Morgan Silver Dollar A Very Fine Coin

		Circulated 1936 Buffalo Nickel 
		Circulated 1936 Buffalo Nickel 
		1972P Unc Lincoln Memorial Cent Obw Sealed Penny Roll
		1972P Unc Lincoln Memorial Cent Obw Sealed Penny Roll

		2010 P/D Yosemite quarter rolls in original mint packaging
		2010 P/D Yosemite quarter rolls in original mint packaging 
		1913 Type I Buffalo Nickel Coin Raised Ground
		1913 Type I Buffalo Nickel Coin Raised Ground

		1892 V Nickel
		1892 V Nickel 
		1878-Cc - Pcgs Ms63+ Carson City Silver Dollar - Blast White and Ms63 Plus
		1878-Cc - Pcgs Ms63+ Carson City Silver Dollar - Blast White and Ms63 Plus

		1909 Vdb Lincoln Penny in Very Fine condition! Key Date! Nice! No Reserve!
		1909 Vdb Lincoln Penny in Very Fine condition! Key Date! Nice! No Reserve! 
		1967 Kennedy Half Dollar 40% Silver Nice Coin Look 
		1967 Kennedy Half Dollar 40% Silver Nice Coin Look

		1889 Cc Morgan Silver Dollar A Extra Fine Coin
		1889 Cc Morgan Silver Dollar A Extra Fine Coin 
		kennedy half dollar roll 20 coins unopened
		kennedy half dollar roll 20 coins unopened

		Unsearched Half Dollar Bank Roll *Junk Silver Possible* 40% 90% Silver Possible!
		Unsearched Half Dollar Bank Roll *Junk Silver Possible* 40% 90% Silver Possible! 
		1918 P Buffalo Nickel - 5 Cent Coin Lot 285
		1918 P Buffalo Nickel - 5 Cent Coin Lot 285
Click to see more Coins: US items at ebay.com
Prices current as of last update, 05/18/12 12:00pm.

See also...
2, 3 & 20 Cents, Coins: US
Collections, Lots, Coins: US
Colonial, Coins: US
Commemorative, Coins: US
Dimes, Coins: US
Dollars, Coins: US
Errors, Coins: US
Gold, Coins: US
Half Cents, Coins: US
Half Dimes, Coins: US
Halves, Coins: US
Large Cents, Coins: US
Mint Sets, Coins: US
Nickels, Coins: US
Other US Coins, Coins: US
Proof Sets, Coins: US
Quarters, Coins: US
Rolls, Coins: US
Small Cents, Coins: US

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links eBay