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2005 Satin Finish

Small Cents · Lincoln Memorial Cents · 1959–2008
Regular NIFC
Weight2.5 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeNIFC (Not Intended for Circulation)
Mintage 1,260,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
CompositionCopper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro
Collector's Key IDCK-775

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About this coinHistory

The 2005 Satin Finish cent was included in the Uncirculated Mint Set produced at Philadelphia. Beginning in 2005, the U.S. Mint changed the finish on coins in its annual uncirculated sets from the standard business-strike luster to a distinctive satin finish. The coins were struck on burnished planchets with specially prepared dies, producing a soft, matte-like surface different from both regular circulation strikes and proofs.

Approximately 1.26 million 2005 Satin Finish sets were sold, each containing one cent from Philadelphia and one from Denver. The satin finish gives the coins a uniform, slightly muted luster that many collectors find attractive. These coins carry no mintmark (Philadelphia) and are distinguished from standard circulation strikes only by their surface quality. The Satin Finish program would continue through 2010.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 2005 Satin Finish Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
1,260,000 were struck.
What is a 2005 Satin Finish Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
Copper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper), weighing 2.5 g.
What is the melt value of a 2005 Satin Finish 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 2005 Satin Finish 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.