Initially the composition of the Lincoln Memorial Cent was the same as the Lincoln Wheat Cent. Tin was removed in 1962 to gain production advantages with no adverse effects on the wearing qualities of the coin in circulation. In the 70's and 80's the price of copper had risen to the point where the Treasury department was concerned that cents might be removed from circulation and even melted due to their copper content. To prevent this the composition was changed to copper plated zinc, which lowered the weight of the coin as well. Lincoln Cents produced to this day are still made of this composition.

Lincoln Memorial Cents were issued by the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints.

Dates Composition Weight Diameter Edge 1959-1962 95% Copper 5% Tin & Zinc 3.11 grams 19mm Plain 1962-1982 95% Copper 5% Zinc 3.11 grams 19mm Plain 1982-Date 99.2% Zinc Core 0.8% Copper Plating 2.5 grams 19mm Plain
Interested in learning more about Lincoln Memorial Cents? Quick Reference to Top Lincoln Cent Die Varieties Looking Through Lincoln Cents Book - Charles Daughtrey Complete Lincoln Cent Encyclopedia - Shane Anderson Standard Guide to the Lincoln Cent 4th Ed. - Sol Taylor The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents Book - David Lange