1986-D Lincoln Memorial Cent
United States Mint (Denver) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
1980s (Specifically 1986)
Material
Copper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper). Note: Post-1982 composition which is lighter and more prone to corrosion than earlier 95% copper cents.
Condition
Good to Very Good (Circulated). The coin shows visible wear on the high points of Lincoln's bust and hair. There are surface scratches, minor tarnish, and signs of circulation such as bag marks.
Demand Level
Low. This is a common date coin with over 4.4 billion minted in Denver that year. It holds no significant bullion or numismatic premium in this condition.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $0.01 - Mid: $0.05 - High: $1.00 (High only if uncirculated/graded)
Estimated Retail Value
$0.01
Comparable Sales
Bulk lots of memorial pennies typically sell for approximately $2-$5 per pound, which equates to roughly 1.5 to 2 cents per coin before shipping and fees.
Description
A circulated 1986 Lincoln Penny featuring the 'D' mint mark for Denver. The obverse depicts Abraham Lincoln with the inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and '1986'. The coin has a standard diameter of 19.05mm and a thickness of 1.52mm.
Key Features
Features the 'D' mint mark; mid-80s production; standard Lincoln Memorial design (1959-2008).
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. Standard mint mark placement and strike characteristics consistent with US Mint Denver production. No evidence of common errors like double dies or planchet defects.
Flaws to Note
Significant circulation wear, surface scratches, and discoloration. Not a proof strike or high-grade uncirculated specimen.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Spend it as currency. For resale, it would only sell as part of a bulk 'pounds of wheat/memorial cents' lot on eBay or local marketplaces, but the shipping would exceed the value.
Selling Tips
Do not attempt to sell this as an individual item. If you have thousands of similar coins, you can sell them by the pound or by the rolls of 50 to specialized collectors looking for specific dates, but even then, 1986 is common.