Numismatic

1971 Lincoln Cent BU (Red)

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The 1971 Lincoln Cent stands as an excellent example of mid-twentieth-century American bronze coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin retains its original, bright copper luster, often referred to by enthusiasts as red. The metal composition of this issue consists of 95 percent copper, with the remaining 5 percent made of tin and zinc, a classic alloy used before the transition to zinc-core cents in the subsequent decade. On the obverse, the coin displays the iconic right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln, a design originally created by Victor David Brenner. The legendary mottos IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY flank the portrait, alongside the crisp date of 1971. Because it was struck in Philadelphia, this piece does not feature a mint mark below the date. The reverse side showcases the Lincoln Memorial, a design by Frank Gasparro that was minted continuously from 1959 to 2008. This detailed architectural rendering is accompanied by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the traditional Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the denomination ONE CENT. This brilliant uncirculated piece offers a vivid look at a familiar design from a bygone era of copper-dominant coinage.