2008 P Lincoln Memorial Cent: Coin Value Prices, Price Chart, Coin Photos, Mintage Figures, Coin Melt Value, Metal Composition, Mint Mark Location, Statistics & Facts. Buy & Sell This Coin. This page also shows coins listed for sale so you can buy and sell.
The 2008 Lincoln Memorial Cent, specifically those struck at the Philadelphia Mint (indicated by the “P” mint mark), holds a unique place in the history of American coinage. As the final year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, it represents the conclusion of a remarkable 49-year run for this iconic coin and sets the stage for the commemorative Bicentennial series that would follow in 2009. This particular cent is a tangible piece of numismatic history, widely available but appreciated by collectors for its role in the evolution of the Lincoln cent.
The coin’s obverse, or “heads” side, features the timeless portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the president’s birth. This design, which has adorned the cent for over a century, is a testament to Lincoln’s enduring legacy. On the reverse, or “tails” side, is the detailed depiction of the Lincoln Memorial, a design by Frank Gasparro that was introduced in 1959. This reverse was a celebrated update to the original “wheat ears” design and served as the standard until its final year of production in 2008. The mint mark “P” for the Philadelphia Mint is typically found below the date on the obverse side of the coin.
Due to its high mintage, the 2008 P Lincoln Memorial Cent is an exceptionally common coin. The United States Mint in Philadelphia produced a staggering 2,558,800,000 of these coins for general circulation. Consequently, a standard circulated 2008 P cent is typically worth only its face value of one cent. However, for collectors, the value can increase significantly based on the coin’s condition. Uncirculated examples, particularly those with a pristine, “gem” quality and graded by a professional service (such as MS-67 or higher), can command a small premium. As with any coin series, collectors also search for rare die varieties or mint errors, which could make a particular 2008 P cent more valuable.
The physical characteristics of the 2008 P cent are consistent with all cents produced after 1982. Its metal composition consists of a copper-plated zinc core, making it 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper. This composition change from the earlier 95% copper cents was a result of rising copper prices, which threatened to make the cost of producing the coin more than its face value. The coin weighs approximately 2.50 grams and has a diameter of 19.05 mm with a plain edge. Its intrinsic “melt value” is therefore tied to the fluctuating price of zinc, but for modern coins like this, the melt value remains well below a penny, making them non-profitable to melt down.
In conclusion, the 2008 P Lincoln Memorial Cent serves as a cornerstone piece for any collector seeking to complete a full set of this beloved series. Its abundant mintage makes it easily accessible for a nominal cost, while pristine examples offer an affordable opportunity for grade-conscious collectors. This coin’s story is one of transition—the final chapter of a design that was a fixture in American pockets for half a century, and a fitting tribute to the legacy of the president it honors.
