1971 Lincoln Memorial Penny Value Guide

The 1971 Lincoln Memorial Penny is a staple of the long-running Lincoln Cent series, marking a period when the reverse featured the iconic monument design. Struck primarily in a 95% copper bronze alloy, these coins are sought after by collectors for their historical continuity and specific minting variations.

What affects the value of 1971 Lincoln Memorial Penny?

• The presence of a 'Double Die Obverse' (DDO) error can significantly increase the standard $0.10-$0.25 value.
• Overall strike quality and the preservation of original red luster (RD) vs. brown (BN) surfaces.
• The specific mint of origin, with San Francisco (S) proof strikes often carrying a premium over Philadelphia or Denver issues.
• The degree of wear on the high points of Lincoln's bust and the pillars of the Memorial.

How to Identify 1971 Lincoln Memorial Penny?

• Verify the 1971 date on the obverse below the 'In God We Trust' motto.
• Check for the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse, which replaced the Wheat Ears in 1959.
• Look for the 'S' or 'D' mint mark below the date, or a lack of mint mark for Philadelphia strikes.
• Confirm the composition is the correct bronze alloy of copper, zinc, and tin used during this era.

History of 1971 Lincoln Memorial Penny

The Lincoln Cent, first struck in 1909, is one of the longest-running series in US coinage history. In 1959, the reverse design transitioned from the Wheat Ears to the Lincoln Memorial, which remained until 2008. The 1971 issue is a standard date in this series, struck primarily from a bronze alloy containing 95% copper.