12 facts about 1978 Penny
Copper Composition: The 1978 penny is primarily made of 95% copper, giving it its characteristic reddish-brown color.
Lincoln's Portrait: The obverse (front) of the 1978 penny features a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, one of the most revered figures in American history.
Denver and Philadelphia Mints: Pennies in 1978 were produced at both the Denver and Philadelphia Mints, and each bears the respective 'D' or 'P' mint mark.
Standard Size: The 1978 penny adheres to the standard U.S. one-cent coin size, measuring 19.05mm in diameter.
High Mintage: In 1978, a whopping 4,262,810,000 pennies were minted, making them abundantly available in circulation.
Everyday Circulation: Unlike some commemorative coins, the 1978 penny was intended for everyday use in transactions and was a common sight in pockets and purses.
Inscriptions: The obverse of the coin bears the words "IN GOD WE TRUST," "LIBERTY," and the year of minting, 1978.
Lincoln Memorial Reverse: The reverse of the 1978 penny features the Lincoln Memorial, honoring the 16th President's enduring legacy.
Collector Sets: While circulated 1978 pennies are common, some collectors seek out mint sets that include uncirculated versions, preserving their original luster.
Distinguishing Marks: Unlike coins from the Denver Mint, 1978 pennies from the Philadelphia Mint do not have a mint mark.
Numismatic Interest: Although not considered rare, uncirculated 1978 pennies in pristine condition can still hold value for collectors.
Continuing Tradition: The 1978 penny is part of a long-standing tradition of featuring President Lincoln on the obverse, a design that dates back to 1909.