Coin Specifications

The most recent major change for the composition of the Lincoln Cent came in 1982. By that time, the rising costs of base metals had made the penny cost more to produce than its face value. After experimenting with a number of different potential compositions, the US Mint decided to use a composition of copper coated zinc. This would provide a cheaper material, but the Lincoln Penny would still remain its familiar color and feel.

The composition change occurred during the year, so 1982 pennies exist in both the old copper based composition and the new zinc based composition. At this time, the Lincoln Cent design featured the bust of Lincoln designed by Victor D. Brenner and the reverse Lincoln Memorial design from Frank Gasparro. The zinc based composition continues to be used for the 2009 Lincoln Cent designs released for circulation. During the zinc era, coins were struck for circulation at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, and struck in proof for collectors at the San Francisco Mint.

Zinc Lincoln Cent Coin Specifications

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