Numismatic

1985-D Lincoln Cent BU (Red)

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The 1985 Lincoln cent struck at the Denver Mint represents a fascinating era in modern American coining. While visually appearing as a classic copper penny, this coin is actually composed of 99.2 percent zinc with a thin outer coating of 0.8 percent copper. This specific metallurgical combination, weighing 2.5 grams, was introduced to manage production costs, though early years of this transition frequently show unique minting characteristics like bubbling or tiny raised dots beneath the copper layer. On the obverse, the familiar right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln, originally designed by Victor David Brenner, is accompanied by the legible inscriptions of liberty and the national motto of trust. The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, features the detailed facade of the Lincoln Memorial, a design that graced the one-cent piece from 1959 to 2008. This particular specimen survives in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, preserving its original red luster and sharp design details just as it emerged from the Denver coin press.