The Lincoln Cent has undergone a series of compositional changes during the long history of the series. Initially, the coins carried the same specifications as the prior series, struck in a composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. These coins had a diameter of 19 mm and weight of 3.11 grams.
The first major compositional change occurred in 1943 when the need to conserve copper for the war prompted the Mint to produce cents primarily in steel. This new composition was unpopular with the public and only lasted for one year. These coins were struck in zinc coated steel and had a weight of 2.70 grams.
When the copper-based composition was restored in 1944, the tin component was removed, making the composition 95% copper and 5% zinc. This composition was used for only three years, after which the tin component was restored. In 1962, the tin component was removed permanently.
The next major change occurred in 1982 when the rising cost of copper made the cent more expensive to produce than its face value. During the year, a new composition of copper-plated zinc was adopted. These cents had a core composed of 99.2% zinc and 0.8% copper, with a plating of pure copper. This yields a net composition of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper and a standard weight of 2.5 grams.
For the special Bicentennial Lincoln Cents released in 2009, the United States Mint released collector versions of the coin struck in the original composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. These coins were included in the annual Proof Set and Mint Set, as well as the Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set.
Bronze Lincoln Cents
- Dates: 1909-1942, 1944-1956, 1959-1962, 2009
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm
Zinc Coated Steel Lincoln Cents
- Date: 1943
- Composition: steel coated with zinc
- Weight: 2.70 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm
Copper Lincoln Cents
- Dates: 1944-1946, 1962-1982
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm
Copper Coated Zinc Lincoln Cents
- Dates: 1982-Present
- Composition: 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Diameter 19 mm
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lincoln Cent has been struck by the U.S. Mint since 1909.
Currently, the metal content of the Lincoln Cent is 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. However, the composition has evolved over the years. From 1909 to 1942, 1944 to 1946, and 1959 to 1962, the metal content of the Lincoln Cent was 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. During 1943, due to wartime demands, the Lincoln Cent was composed of steel coated with zinc. From 1944 to 1946 and 1962 to 1982, the metal content was 95% copper and 5% zinc. From 1982 to 2008, the metal content of the Lincoln Cent was 99.2% zinc and 0.8% copper, with a plating of pure copper.
The Lincoln Cent’s weight is 2.50 grams. However, from 1909 to 1942 and 1943 to 2008, the Lincoln Cent’s weight was 3.11 grams. In 1943, the weight of the Lincoln Cent was 2.70 grams
The diameter of the Lincoln Cent is 19.00 mm (0.748 inches).
The Lincoln Cent with the “Wheat Ears” Reverse was designed by Victor D. Brenner in 1909. The design was used until 1959, when the Lincoln Center featured the Lincoln Memorial Reverse designed by Frank Gasparro. In 2009, the Lincoln Cent had four reverse designs to recognize the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
The Birth and Early Childhood coin was designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz. The Formative Years coin was designed and sculpted by Charles Vickers. The Professional Life coin was Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart. The Presidency coin was designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Joseph Menna. Since 2010, the Lincoln Cent has featured the Shield Reverse, designed by Lyndall Bass.
