1959 Lincoln Cent

About This Coin

The 1959 Lincoln Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Memorial Cents 1959-2008 series. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right, while the reverse displays the Lincoln Memorial building in Washington, D.C.. Designed by Victor David Brenner/Frank Gasparro. First year of the Memorial reverse, commemorating the sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced at the Denver and Philadelphia Mints. The Lincoln Memorial reverse replaced the wheat ears design in 1959, the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. Frank Gasparro's design depicts the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., with a tiny seated Lincoln visible between the center columns. In 1982, the composition changed from bronze to copper-plated zinc. Massive mintages make most dates readily available, but proof issues, varieties, and the 1982 transitional compositions (bronze vs. zinc, large vs. small date) offer collecting depth.