Introduced in 2010, the Lincoln Shield Cent marked the beginning of a new chapter in America’s most collected coin series. Issued under Title III of the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, the new reverse design honors President Abraham Lincoln’s preservation of the Union during the Civil ... Read More
Introduced in 2010, the Lincoln Shield Cent marked the beginning of a new chapter in America’s most collected coin series. Issued under Title III of the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005, the new reverse design honors President Abraham Lincoln’s preservation of the Union during the Civil War. This modern design replaced the Lincoln Memorial reverse that had been in use since 1959, making it only the third major reverse design since the Lincoln cent’s debut in 1909.
While the obverse continues to feature Victor David Brenner’s timeless profile of Abraham Lincoln—the longest-running portrait in U.S. coinage history—the new reverse presents a bold Union Shield design. The shield features 13 vertical stripes representing the original colonies joined together in support of the federal government, symbolized by the horizontal bar above. A flowing scroll bears the denomination “ONE CENT,” while the national motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is prominently inscribed across the upper band. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircle the upper perimeter of the coin.
The design draws upon deep historical symbolism. The Union Shield motif dates back to the 1780s and was widely used during the Civil War to symbolize national unity. It also appears in 19th-century artwork throughout the U.S. Capitol, most notably in the frescoes of Constantino Brumidi. The 2010 redesign was reviewed by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee before being officially approved by the Secretary of the Treasury.
Struck for general circulation and numismatic purposes alike, Lincoln Shield Cents are composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, the same metallic composition adopted in 1982. While they are readily available in circulation, collectors pursue high-grade Mint State and Proof examples, particularly those certified with Red (RD) designations or struck with exceptional strike sharpness and luster.
At ParadimeCoins.com, we offer carefully selected PCGS and NGC-certified Lincoln Shield Cents for both the advanced registry set builder and the new collector seeking affordable, modern U.S. coinage with lasting historical significance. The 2010-P and 2010-D issues, along with Proof versions struck in San Francisco, represent the foundational pieces of this continuing design type.
Whether you're beginning a full Lincoln Cent collection or specializing in modern U.S. Mint coinage, the 2010 Lincoln Shield Cent provides a historically rich and visually impactful centerpiece—honoring one of America's greatest presidents and the enduring idea of national unity.
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