Lincoln Memorial Penny Values
Which Memorial pennies are worth more than a cent — from the 1982 transition to doubled dies and AM varieties.
The Lincoln Memorial reverse appeared on the penny from 1959 to 2008, making it the longest-running reverse design in Lincoln cent history. Most Memorial pennies are worth one cent. A handful of dates, varieties, and errors are worth significantly more.
The Honest Answer: What Are Most Memorial Pennies Worth?
One cent. A 1974 penny is worth a penny. A 1977 penny is worth a penny. A 1978, 1965, 1989, 1985, 1986, or 1990 penny is worth a penny. These are among the most commonly searched coin values online, and the answer is the same for all of them: face value in circulated condition.
The exceptions are specific dates with low mintages, coins made of copper after the 1982 transition, and error varieties.
The 1982 Penny: Two Metals, Seven Varieties
1982 is the most interesting year for Memorial pennies. The US Mint transitioned from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc mid-year. Both compositions were produced at both Philadelphia and Denver, in large and small date varieties. That creates seven distinct varieties:
The 1982 Small Date from Denver is the standout. No copper version of this variety is confirmed to exist. If you find a 1982-D Small Date that weighs 3.1 grams (copper weight), you've made a major discovery worth tens of thousands of dollars.
How to tell large date from small date: on the Large Date, the 8 is wider and the top of the 1 is flat. On the Small Date, the 8 is narrow and the top of the 1 has a slight serif.
Copper Pennies: Which Years Are Copper?
Lincoln pennies from 1959 to 1982 are 95% copper. Starting mid-1982, pennies switched to copper-plated zinc. Copper pennies are worth about $0.02 to $0.03 each for their metal content. Some people save pre-1982 copper cents as a long-term speculation on copper prices.
Memorial Pennies Worth More Than a Cent
Close AM vs. Wide AM
On the reverse, the letters AM in AMERICA are either close together (touching) or spaced apart (wide). The normal business strike orientation changed over time. When a business strike shows the wrong AM spacing, it's a variety worth money. The 1992 Close AM, 1998 Wide AM, and 1999 Wide AM are the most valuable. The 1999 Wide AM is the scarcest, selling for $200 to $500+.
The 1970-S Small Date Penny
The 1970-S comes in Large Date and Small Date varieties. On the Small Date, the 7 in the date is higher and level with the other digits. The Small Date is scarcer and trades for $20 to $50 circulated, $50 to $200+ uncirculated.
Get a Free Quote on Your Lincoln Memorial Pennies
Not sure what your coins are worth? US Gold and Coin evaluates lincoln memorial pennies for free. No appointment needed. No obligation to sell.
Visit us in Dallas, Austin, Tampa, Fort Worth, Waco, Kansas City, Overland Park, Lawrence, or Honolulu. We also accept mail-in submissions with insured shipping.
Related Guides
Penny Values — Full guide to all Lincoln penny values.
Wheat Penny Values — 1909–1958 values by year.
1943 Steel Penny Value — The WWII steel penny and rare copper error.
Coin Grading Guide — How condition affects value.