Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1978-D

Small Cents · Lincoln Memorial Cents · 1959–2008
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 4,280,233,400
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro
Collector's Key IDCK-679

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

Denver struck over 4.28 billion cents in 1978, bearing the "D" mintmark. Combined with Philadelphia's output, the total 1978 cent production approached 10 billion, a reflection of the inflationary economy that kept pushing prices higher and demanding more coins in circulation.

The 1978-D is extremely common. It circulated heavily and can be found in any condition without effort. Collectors include it as a standard entry and look ahead to the more interesting developments that would begin affecting the cent's composition in the early 1980s.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.01 $0.01
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.01 $0.01
F-12 Fine (F) $0.01 $0.01
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $0.01 $0.01
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $0.01 $0.01
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $0.01 $0.01
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1978-D Lincoln Memorial Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.01, rising to roughly $0.01 in About Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1978-D Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
4,280,233,400 were struck.
What is a 1978-D Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1978-D Lincoln Memorial Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1978-D Lincoln Memorial Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.