2012 Lincoln Shield Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 2012 Lincoln Shield Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Shield Cents 2010 to Date series — an early issue, 3rd of 16 years in the series. In 2012, coins were struck at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 1.2 million. This ranks 5th of 13 years by total mintage, below the series median of 1.7 million. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right and the reverse displays a Union shield with a scroll banner reading ONE CENT, symbolizing Lincoln's preservation of the Union. A modern issue from an era of rotating coin designs, collector-focused programs, and renewed interest in numismatic artistry. Struck in copper-plated zinc, weighing 2.5 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 90 known die varieties for this date across 9 categories, including atypical die clash, bie die break cent, doubled die obverse and 6 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $6 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $1.5K in MS68+RD grade at eBay. Designed by Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
