What has long been the most popular coin series to collect?
Without question, the Lincoln cent has been a favorite among novice and experienced coin collectors alike for decades.
In the past, we have looked at various ways to collect Lincoln pennies, and now we look at yet another.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in collecting proof Lincoln Memorial cents…
Facts About Proof Lincoln Cents
After 50 years, the Lincoln Memorial cent is no longer being minted.
The Lincoln Bicentennial cent designs temporarily replaced the Lincoln Memorial cent for 2009.
In 2010, a new design permanently replaced the Lincoln Memorial design on U.S. pennies.
During the 50 years of the Lincoln Memorial cent (1959-2008), the U.S. Mint made MILLIONS of proof Lincoln Memorial cents. Proofs are struck with mirror-like fields, frosted (or “cameo”) devices, and well-struck details.
You’ll Need Proof Lincoln Cents To Complete Your Collection
Collectors wanting a complete collection of Lincoln Memorial cents will always need EACH of the proof Lincoln Memorial cents.
Luckily for the collector, obtaining proof Lincoln Memorial cents is an easy task!
Most Lincoln Memorial cents are inexpensive:
- Many from the late 1960s through 2000s can be purchased for around $2 to $4 each.
- Early Lincoln Memorial proofs (those minted before 1968) can be had for $1 to $2 each.
How Many Were Made & Where They Were Made
Most years saw mintages of between 2 million and 4 million, and every year of the Lincoln Memorial proofs are considered “common”.
Proof Lincoln Memorial cents minted from 1959 through 1964 were struck in Philadelphia.
No proof Lincoln Memorial cents were minted from 1965 through 1967.
When proof Lincoln Memorial cent production resumed in 1968, manufacturing duties were moved to San Francisco, where the striking of most U.S. proof coins takes place to this day.
Are Lincoln Memorial Proofs Going To Become Rare?
Some people believe that the Lincoln Memorial cent (both proof and regular business strikes) will become scarce or rare since the U.S. Mint is no longer making them.
While it is true Lincoln Memorial cents are no longer being struck, also remember that many millions of Lincoln Memorial proof cents were struck.
By the way, billions upon billions of business-strike Lincoln Memorial cents were produced.
Because so many Lincoln Memorial cents have been made over the last 50 years, there are PLENTY to go around.
In fact, proof Lincoln Memorial cents are in great supply, with enough to potentially complete more than a million Lincoln Memorial cent collections!
The Scarcest Lincoln Memorial Proof Cents
While the vast majority of Lincoln Memorial proof cents are highly common, there are a few dates which are considered scarce.
Likewise, a couple are considered downright rare — including:
- 1970-S Small Date: $20-150 in Cameo Proof 63-66
- 1971-S Doubled Die Obverse: $450 in Red Proof 65
- 1981-S Clear S (“Type II”): $26-55 in Deep Cameo Proof 63-66
- 1990-S No-S: $5,500-6,350 in Deep Cameo Proof 63-66
- 1999-S Close “AM” (“AM” in “AMERICA”): $200-300 in Deep Cameo Proof 63-66
While there ARE a few costly proof Lincoln Memorial cents… Thankfully, for the average collector who wants a “complete set” but lacks deep pockets, it is generally “forgiven” to NOT include these in a “complete” set of Lincoln cents:
Of the above listed rare Lincoln Memorial proof cents, ONLY the 1970-S small date and 1981-S Type II are typically included in most “complete” sets of proof Lincoln Memorial cents.
Here is a current price list for Lincoln Memorial cents from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
Where To Find Proof Lincoln Memorial Cents
So, you want proof Lincoln Memorial cents for your collection?
Well, you will have to buy them from your friendly coin dealer of the United States Mint (also coin collector friendly).
Proof coins are not minted with the intention of circulation, and are sold to collectors in sets.
Some proof coins have escaped circulation over the years and made their way into circulation, but this is fairly uncommon. As a result, circulation is not a reliable way of obtaining proofs. Besides, any proof coin which has entered circulation has been handled and, thus, will be worn and also lack its beautiful surface quality, which is a trademark of proof coinage.
For information about buying the current year’s proof set, check out the U.S. Mint’s online catalog.
