1981 Lincoln Cent

About This Coin

The 1981 Lincoln Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Memorial Cents 1959-2008 series — 23rd of 50 years in the series. In 1981, coins were struck at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 7.9 million. This ranks 37th of 50 years by total mintage, above the series median of 3.7 million. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right and the reverse displays the Lincoln Memorial building in Washington, D.C.. Standard production year. The final year before the historic 1982 composition transition from bronze to zinc. Struck in 95% copper, 5% zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 30 known die varieties for this date across 10 categories, including atypical die clash, bie die break cent, cud and 7 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $19 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $8.1K in PR70 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Victor David Brenner/Frank Gasparro.