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2012-D

Small Cents · Lincoln Shield Cents · 2010–2026
Regular
Weight2.5 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 2,883,200,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
CompositionCopper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-823

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About this coinHistory

The 2012-D Lincoln Shield cent was struck at the Denver Mint with a mintage of nearly 2.9 billion pieces. Denver's output was slightly below Philadelphia's for the year, though both facilities operated at high capacity to meet demand. The Denver Mint has produced Lincoln cents since 1911, two years after the denomination was first introduced at Philadelphia in 1909.

By 2012, the debate over the cent's future was intensifying. Each cent cost more to produce than its face value, a situation known as "seigniorage loss." The zinc blanks, copper plating, die production, and striking costs combined to make each cent cost roughly two cents to manufacture. Despite these economics, Congress took no action to eliminate or redesign the denomination. The 2012-D cent, like billions before it, entered commerce bearing Lincoln's portrait and the Shield reverse, continuing a tradition that shows no sign of ending.

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 2012-D Lincoln Shield 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 2012-D Lincoln Shield Cents were minted?
2,883,200,000 were struck.
What is a 2012-D Lincoln Shield Cent made of?
Copper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper), weighing 2.5 g.
What is the melt value of a 2012-D Lincoln Shield 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 2012-D Lincoln Shield Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.