12 facts about 1965 Lincoln Penny
High Mintage: The 1965 Lincoln Penny boasts a high mintage, with over 2.8 billion pennies struck at the Philadelphia Mint alone.
Composition Change: This year marked a significant shift as the penny transitioned from a primarily copper composition to one made of 88% copper and 12% nickel.
Absence of Mint Mark: Unlike earlier Lincoln Pennies, the 1965 version lacks a mint mark, indicating that it was minted in Philadelphia.
Decimal System: The Lincoln Penny was instrumental in popularizing the decimal system, with its value represented by one cent or 1/100th of a dollar.
Designer's Initials: Victor D. Brenner's initials, "VDB," can be found on the reverse side of the 1965 penny, near the rim.
Collectible Conditions: Uncirculated and proof versions of the 1965 Lincoln Penny are highly sought after by collectors and can command significant premiums.
Weighs 3.11 Grams: Each 1965 penny weighs approximately 3.11 grams and has a diameter of 19.05 millimeters.
Abraham Lincoln's Portrait: The obverse of the coin features the iconic profile of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.
In God We Trust: The motto "In God We Trust" appears above Lincoln's shoulder on the obverse, a staple of American coinage since the 1860s.
Lincoln Memorial Reverse: The reverse of the 1965 Lincoln Penny showcases the Lincoln Memorial, a design that continued until 2009.
Enduring Popularity: Despite its high mintage, the 1965 penny remains a favorite among collectors due to its historical significance and accessibility.
Educational Tool: The 1965 Lincoln Penny serves as an excellent educational tool for teaching the history of U.S. coinage and the value of numismatics.