Numismatic

1986 Lincoln Cent BU (Red)

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The 1986 Lincoln Cent represents a fascinating era in modern American coinage, showcasing a composition shift that began in the early 1980s. Weighing 2.5 grams, this coin is composed of 99.2 percent zinc with a thin outer layer of 0.8 percent copper. Because of this specific metallic makeup, these early zinc cents often display unique physical characteristics, such as bubbling or tiny raised dots within their copper coating. The obverse features the classic right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner. Accompanying the portrait are the legible inscriptions of LIBERTY, the year 1986, and the guiding motto IN GOD WE TRUST. On the reverse, the Lincoln Memorial design by Frank Gasparro is featured, a motif that graced the one-cent piece from 1959 to 2008. The reverse inscriptions clearly display UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the denomination ONE CENT, and the traditional phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM. This brilliant uncirculated specimen highlights the transition of everyday coinage materials while preserving historic design artistry.