The 1990 Lincoln penny is a common coin in U.S. circulation, but its value can vary depending on factors such as mint marks, errors, and condition. Let’s dive into what makes this coin special and how to determine its worth.
What is the 1990 Lincoln Penny Made Of?
The 1990 Lincoln penny is composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. This composition has been used since 1982 when the U.S. Mint transitioned from the heavier bronze pennies that were made from 95% copper.
Prior to 1982, the penny had a mass of 4.11 grams, but after the transition to zinc, the weight dropped to 2.5 grams. One notable exception in Lincoln penny history is the 1943 steel penny, which was made from zinc-plated steel during World War II due to a copper shortage.
The 1990 penny has a diameter of 19.05 mm, a thickness of 1.52 mm, and a plain edge. Its face value is one cent, and it features the familiar design of President Abraham Lincoln on the front, with the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side.
Unlock Hidden Treasure: 7 Genius Hacks & Websites to Find Rare Coins Worth Thousands Instantly!
History Behind the Design
The Lincoln penny was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the obverse (front) of the penny shows Lincoln’s profile with inscriptions including “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the mint year. If applicable, a mint mark (D, S, or none for Philadelphia) appears under the year.
The reverse design by Frank Gasparro features the Lincoln Memorial with the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” at the top, and “ONE CENT” at the bottom.
1990 Lincoln Penny Varieties
- 1990 D Lincoln Penny (Denver Mint)
- Mint mark: D
- Quantity produced: 4.9 billion
- Value: $0.01 to $1.00
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Composition: 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper
- 1990 P Lincoln Penny (Philadelphia Mint)
- Mint mark: None
- Quantity produced: 6.8 billion
- Value: $0.01 to $1.00
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- 1990 S Lincoln Penny (San Francisco Mint)
- Mint mark: S
- Quantity produced: 3.3 million
- Value: $0.01 to $2.00
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Special: Proof coins, which are extra shiny and have more detail.
Errors and Special Varieties
Some 1990 pennies come with errors or unique features, making them more valuable.
- 1990 No S Lincoln Penny: One of the rarest varieties, this penny lacks the “S” mint mark (San Francisco), with fewer than 200 known to exist. Its value can reach $4,000 or more.
- Faded ‘0’ Error: Some 1990 pennies have a nearly invisible “0” in the date due to grease on the minting die. These can be worth a little extra.
- Die Cracks and Blistering: Occasionally, 1990 pennies will feature cracks on the surface or bumps resembling blisters. Depending on the error’s visibility, these can sell for around $5 to $6.
How Much is the 1990 Lincoln Penny Worth Today?
While the face value of a 1990 Lincoln penny is one cent, its worth can go beyond that depending on the coin’s condition, rarity, and whether it contains errors. For regular circulated coins, the value typically stays between $0.01 and $1.00. However, proof coins or pennies with mint errors, like the rare “No S” variety, can fetch much higher prices.
Here’s a general guide:
- 1990-D Penny (Uncirculated, MS-65 Grade): Worth around $0.33
- 1990-P Penny (Uncirculated, MS-65 Grade): Worth about $0.33
- 1990-S Proof Penny (PR-65 Grade): Can sell for up to $5.70
- 1990 No-S Proof Penny: Extremely rare, valued at over $4,000
Grading and Condition of 1990 Lincoln Pennies
Coin collectors use the Sheldon Scale to determine the grade and condition of coins. This scale ranges from P-1 (Poor) to MS-70 (Perfect Mint State). The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin.
For example, a penny graded MS-65 (Mint State Choice) will have excellent mint shine and few blemishes, whereas a coin graded MS-70 is considered perfect and highly valuable.
The 2007-2016 Presidential Dollars: The $1 Coin Series That Sparked Hype but Ended in Silence!
Where to Buy or Sell 1990 Lincoln Pennies
1990 Lincoln pennies can be bought or sold at various places:
- Online Marketplaces: eBay, Amazon, and Etsy.
- Coin Specialty Websites: USA Coin Book, Coin Tracker, Coin Appraiser.
- Physical Locations: Coin shops, antique stores, and auction houses.
FAQs
How do I know if my 1990 penny is valuable?
If your penny is in uncirculated condition, has no scratches, and looks pristine, it could be worth more than one cent. Errors also increase value.
Is there a rare 1990 penny?
Yes, the rarest is the 1990 No-S Lincoln penny, which can sell for thousands of dollars.
How many pennies were minted in 1990?
Over 11.7 billion pennies were minted, with production spread across the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco mints.