2010, Lincoln Memorial Cent: A Milestone in Modern U.S. Coinage
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The 2010 Lincoln Memorial Cent marks one of the most interesting transition points in modern U.S. coinage – a brief window when the beloved Memorial reverse, standard since 1959, gave way to the new Union Shield design mid-year. For collectors, these early-2010 Memorial cents are a quiet milestone: the last gasp of a 50-year era, struck in Philadelphia and Denver before the Shield took over. If you collect Lincoln cents or are just starting to explore numismatics alongside your precious metals interests, the 2010 Memorial cent deserves a closer look.
This guide covers everything about the 2010 Lincoln Memorial Cent – its history, varieties, error coins, grading, and realistic market values. Unlike our other articles focused on gold and silver investing strategies, this piece is squarely about copper cent collecting: a low-cost, high-interest corner of numismatics that complements any precious metals portfolio.
The End of an Era: Why 2010 Matters
The Lincoln Memorial reverse debuted in 1959, replacing the classic Wheat design on the penny’s 150th anniversary. For five decades, that iconic image of the D.C. memorial graced billions of cents. Then came the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, signed by President George W. Bush, which mandated a new permanent reverse for Lincoln cents after the 2009 Bicentennial series concluded.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner selected the winning Shield design from 18 submissions. Lyndall Bass designed it, and Joseph F. Menna sculpted it. The Shield features 13 vertical stripes representing the original states, topped by a horizontal bar reading “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Bold, clean, and symbolically loaded – it was a sharp departure from the architectural detail of the Memorial.
The changeover did not happen overnight. Early in 2010, both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints continued striking Memorial reverse cents while tooling up for the new design. The Shield reverse was officially unveiled on November 12, 2009, at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, D.C. The first Shield cents were released to the public on February 11, 2010, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois – free for children under 18, with rolls exchanged at face value for adults.
That overlap in production created two distinct reverse types within a single calendar year. Collectors who understand this split have a clear advantage when sorting through rolls or buying lots.
2010 Lincoln Memorial Cent Types and Mintages
Every 2010 Lincoln cent shares the same obverse: Victor David Brenner’s Lincoln portrait, unchanged in its essential form since 1909. The split is entirely on the reverse, and the mint mark tells you where it was struck.
Springfield, Illinois – Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
U.S. Mint sells 50 Philly + 50 Denver Shield cents for $8.95
14-coin sets include S-mint Shield Proof cents; mintage 1,689,216
Here is how the 2010 production breaks down:
| Type | Mint | Reverse | Approx. Mintage | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-P Memorial | Philadelphia (no mark) | Lincoln Memorial | ~1.17 billion | Common in circulation |
| 2010-D Memorial | Denver (D) | Lincoln Memorial | ~1.02 billion | Slightly scarcer than P |
| 2010-P Shield | Philadelphia (no mark) | Union Shield | ~1.55 billion | First-year Shield |
| 2010-D Shield | Denver (D) | Union Shield | ~1.35 billion | High mintage |
| 2010-S Shield Proof | San Francisco (S) | Union Shield (Proof) | 1,689,216 | From 14-coin Proof Sets |
All business-strike 2010 cents are 19mm in diameter, weigh 2.50 grams, and have a plain edge. Post-1982 cents are copper-plated zinc – not the 95% copper composition of earlier Memorial cents. The melt value of a 2010 cent is roughly one cent in zinc; the numismatic value is what drives any premium.
No Memorial-design proofs exist for 2010. Every S-mint proof from that year carries the Shield reverse. If you find a 2010-S, it is a Shield coin.
Errors and Varieties Worth Hunting
High mintage does not mean boring. The 2010 Memorial cents, struck during a die changeover period, produced a handful of errors and varieties that collectors actively seek.
Doubled Die Obverse and Reverse
Subtle doubling on Lincoln’s ear, the date, or the shield stripes can push a coin’s value well above face. Graded examples in MS65 or better with confirmed doubled die errors can trade in the $50-$500 range depending on the severity and the specific die. A 10x loupe is the minimum tool for spotting these. Look for separation lines on lettering or Lincoln’s portrait features.
Off-Center Strikes and Broadstrikes
These happen when a planchet is not properly centered under the dies at the moment of striking. Off-center cents showing 10-50% misalignment with a visible date are the most collectible. Top-grade examples of these errors have sold for up to $1,100. Broadstrikes – where the retaining collar fails – produce a wider, thinner coin with distorted edges.
Wrong Planchet Errors
Rare but spectacular: a cent struck on a dime planchet or a foreign coin planchet. These are genuine mint errors and command serious premiums when authenticated by a third-party grading service.
Die Cracks and Cuds
As dies wear, they develop cracks that transfer raised lines onto coins. A “cud” is a die break at the rim, leaving a raised blob of metal. Neither is especially rare, but dramatic examples add interest and modest value to otherwise common coins.
Grading the 2010 Lincoln Memorial Cent
Condition drives value on modern coins more than almost any other factor. A 2010 Memorial cent in circulated condition is worth a cent. The same coin in MS67 Red can fetch $75-$300.
The key grading factors for Lincoln cents:
PCGS & NGC Coin Verification – Accurate Precious Metals Refineries
- Strike: Are the details sharp? Memorial columns and Lincoln’s coat should show clean separation.
- Luster: Original mint luster appears as cartwheel flow lines under light. Any breaks in luster drop the grade.
- Surface preservation: Bag marks, contact marks, and hairlines all reduce grade. Modern cents are struck in large quantities and tumble against each other – pristine examples are genuinely scarce.
- Color designation: Red (RD) means 95% or more original copper color. Red-Brown (RB) is 5-95% red. Brown (BN) is mostly toned. RD commands the highest premium.
For investment-grade collecting, aim for PCGS or NGC-slabbed examples in MS65 RD or better. The population of MS67 RD and higher is small enough that these coins carry real collector premiums. A 2010-D Memorial in MS67 RD, for example, can trade in the $75-$300 range – not bad for a coin that started as one cent.
Proof coins from San Francisco are graded on the PR scale. PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) – the top grade, with mirror-like fields and frosted devices – can reach $200-$1,000 depending on the series and registry competition.
2010 Lincoln Memorial Cent Values at a Glance
These ranges reflect current collector market trends. Circulated examples have minimal premium. Gem uncirculated and error coins are where the value lives.
| Grade/Condition | 2010-P Memorial | 2010-D Memorial | 2010-S Shield Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated (VF+) | $0.01-$0.05 | $0.01-$0.10 | N/A |
| MS65 RD (Gem Unc.) | $5-$15 | $10-$25 | N/A |
| MS67+ RD | $50-$200 | $75-$300 | N/A |
| Top Pop (MS70) | $500+ | $1,000+ (rare) | $200-$1,000 |
| Doubled Die / Error | $50-$500+ | $50-$500+ | N/A |
To put this in perspective: with silver at around $82 per ounce and gold near $4,800, a single top-pop 2010-D Memorial cent can outperform a full roll of circulated silver dimes on a per-coin basis. The difference is that copper cents require patience and a sharp eye – not capital.
How the 2010 Memorial Cent Fits the Lincoln Cent Story
The 2010 Memorial cent does not exist in isolation. It is the final chapter of a design lineage stretching back to 1959. Understanding where it sits in that story adds context and collecting depth.
The 1980 Lincoln Memorial Cent was a pivot year in cent production – the last full decade of the all-copper composition before the 1982 switch to copper-plated zinc. The 1991 Lincoln Memorial Cent offers a useful comparison point for grading late-era Memorial issues, with its own varieties and hidden value.
For collectors building a complete Memorial cent type set, the 2010-P and 2010-D Memorial issues are the final entries. Pair them with a 2010-P or 2010-D Shield cent and a 2010-S Proof, and you have a complete snapshot of one of the most eventful years in Lincoln cent history.
The broader Lincoln penny collecting guide on our site covers key dates and mint marks across the full series – useful context if you are building a comprehensive collection rather than focusing on a single year.
Collecting Strategy: Building a 2010 Set
A complete 2010 Lincoln cent set is achievable for $50-$200, depending on grades targeted. Here is a practical approach:
Search bank rolls ($0.50 per roll of 50) or estate coin lots. Look for early-2010 rolls. Avoid post-2010 rolls for Memorial reverses.
Flip each coin. Memorial reverse shows the Lincoln Memorial building with steps and columns. Shield reverse shows vertical stripes under a horizontal bar.
Use a 10x loupe. Sort into circulated, MS64, MS65+, and potential error categories. Send top candidates to PCGS or NGC for slabbing.
Buy a sealed 2010 U.S. Mint Proof Set on the secondary market. Confirm the S-mint cent is included. Expect to pay $20-$50 for a complete set.
Use inert 2×2 flips or hard plastic slabs. Keep in a cool, dry environment. Avoid PVC flips – they leach chemicals that turn copper green over time.
Busting Common Myths About 2010 Lincoln Cents
Myth: All 2010 pennies are Shield cents. Early-2010 production at both Philadelphia and Denver used Memorial reverse dies. These Memorial cents circulated widely and are still found in change today.
Myth: They contain valuable copper. Post-1982 cents are copper-plated zinc. The 2010 cent weighs 2.50 grams with a zinc core. Melt value is about one cent. Value is numismatic, not metallic.
Myth: The 2010-S Proof is rare. Nearly 1.7 million were struck. The PR70 DCAM designation is the scarce piece – not the coin itself. Common-grade proofs are plentiful.
Myth: No errors exist on modern cents. Doubled dies, off-center strikes, and wrong planchet errors occur across all modern series. The 2010 issue is no exception.
Myth: High mintage means no collector value. Mintage determines base supply, not condition rarity. A 2010-D Memorial in MS67 RD is genuinely scarce because most were spent, lost, or poorly handled.
Selling Your 2010 Lincoln Cents and Other Coins
If you have accumulated a collection of Lincoln cents – or any coins, bullion, or precious metals – and are ready to sell, Accurate Precious Metals is a trusted option with over 12 years in the business and more than 1,000 five-star customer reviews. We are a specialized precious metals dealer, not a pawn shop, and we handle numismatic coins alongside gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and more.
As an NGC Authorized Dealer, we can assist with grading referrals and offer informed evaluations on coins you bring in. Our team thoroughly examines items and provides transparent assessments so you know what you have before you decide to sell.
Local customers in Oregon are welcome to visit us in person at our Salem location – bring your rolls, slabs, or bulk lots and get a same-day assessment. If you are anywhere else in the United States, our mail-in service makes the process simple: request a free insured shipping kit, send your coins or metals, and receive fast payment after evaluation. There are no hidden fees and no pressure.
Whether you have a single top-pop 2010-D Memorial cent or a box of unsorted rolls, selling to Accurate Precious Metals is straightforward. Call us at (503) 400-5608 or visit AccuratePMR.com to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 2010 Memorial cent and a 2010 Shield cent?
The Memorial cent has the Lincoln Memorial building on the reverse, used since 1959. The Shield cent, introduced mid-2010, shows a Union Shield with 13 vertical stripes. Both were struck in 2010 at Philadelphia and Denver, making this a transition year with two distinct reverse types.
Are 2010 Lincoln Memorial cents made of copper?
No. All cents struck after 1982 are copper-plated zinc. The 2010 Memorial cent weighs 2.50 grams with a zinc core and a thin copper coating. Pre-1982 cents were 95% copper and weighed 3.11 grams.
How do I tell if my 2010 cent has a doubled die error?
Use a 10x loupe and look for separation lines or doubling on Lincoln's portrait features, the date, or lettering. Confirmed doubled die errors on 2010 cents can be worth $50-$500 in higher grades when authenticated by a third-party grader.
What is the most valuable 2010 Lincoln cent?
Top-population MS70 or MS67+ RD examples, particularly the 2010-D Memorial, can reach $1,000 or more in top grades. Major error coins – off-center strikes, wrong planchet errors – have sold for up to $1,100. The 2010-S Shield Proof in PR70 DCAM can reach $200-$1,000 depending on registry demand.
Where can I sell Lincoln cents or a coin collection?
Accurate Precious Metals buys coins, bullion, and precious metals nationwide. Visit our Salem, Oregon location in person, or use our convenient mail-in service from anywhere in the U.S. at AccuratePMR.com.
Is a 2010 Proof Set worth buying for the cent?
Yes, if you want a complete 2010 Lincoln cent type set. The 14-coin 2010 Proof Set includes the S-mint Shield cent in PR70 DCAM quality. Secondary market prices for complete sets typically run $20-$50, making it an affordable addition to any collection.
Does Accurate Precious Metals handle numismatic coins?
Yes. As an NGC Authorized Dealer with over 12 years in business, we buy and sell numismatic coins alongside bullion. Our team can evaluate coins in person at our Salem, Oregon location or through our insured mail-in program.
