1970 S Lincoln Memorial Penny Small Date

The Lincoln Memorial penny debuted in 1959 to mark the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Frank Gasparro designed the reverse, which features the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The U.S. Mint chose Gasparro because he was an assistant engraver who had previously designed the reverse of the Lincoln cent's predecessor. The coin replaced the Wheat reverse that had been on the penny since 1909. Composition changes defined the series over its 50-year run. Pennies from 1959 through 1982 consist of 95% copper and 5% zinc. Rising metal costs forced a change in 1982 to a copper-plated zinc planchet. The series ended in 2008 when the Mint transitioned to a series of four commemorative reverses celebrating Lincoln's life.

Focus on finding high-grade examples from the 1960s and 1970s, as these are affordable and accessible for new collectors. Look for coins with full, sharp detail on the Memorial steps, as these areas often show weak strikes. Zinc pennies from 1982 onwards frequently suffer from 'zinc rot' where the core corrodes under the plating, so avoid coins with bubbles or dark spots. Avoid spending money on common dates in low condition, and prioritize coins with bright, original luster to protect your investment value.

This series includes key dates — check individual coin pages for rarity details.