Lincoln Memorial & Shield Cents (1959-Date)
Lincoln Memorial & Shield Pennies (1959-Date)
The Lincoln cent, first issued in 1909, underwent two major reverse design changes after the Wheat Cent era. From 1959 to 2008, the reverse depicted the Lincoln Memorial, and since 2010, it has featured the Union Shield. Together, these coins make up the modern continuation of the Lincoln series, now the longest-running coin design in U.S. history.
Why They Were Produced
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Lincoln Memorial (1959–2008): Issued to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and the 50th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the reverse shows the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (with a tiny seated Lincoln visible inside).
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Union Shield (2010–present): Introduced to mark the centennial of the Lincoln Cent’s design and to symbolize Lincoln’s role in preserving the Union. Designed by Lyndall Bass, it features a strong shield with a banner reading E Pluribus Unum.
Composition and Striking
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1959–1982: Bronze alloy (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc).
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1982–present: Copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper), significantly reducing intrinsic metal value.
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Special Issues: Proofs from the San Francisco Mint and collectible versions in mint sets often exhibit stronger strikes and better eye appeal.
Key Dates
Lincoln Memorial Cents (1959–2008)
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1960 Small Date (Philadelphia & Denver): A popular variety where the date numerals differ in style.
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1969-S Doubled Die Obverse: One of the most dramatic Lincoln cent varieties; extremely rare and valuable.
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1970-S Small Date: Another recognized variety, scarcer than the Large Date.
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1972 Doubled Die Obverse: A major collectible doubled die, visible in the date and lettering.
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1982 Transition Year: Struck in both bronze and copper-plated zinc, with large date and small date varieties—collecting all requires multiple coins.
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1995 Doubled Die Obverse: A well-known modern variety with doubling visible in LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
Lincoln Shield Cents (2010–Present)
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No widely recognized “classic rarities” yet, but collectors watch for error coins (off-metal strikes, doubled dies) and first-year issues (2010) often attract attention. Over time, certain low-mintage years may emerge as keys.