2025-D Lincoln Cent ICG MS66 RD | Last Year of Issue
This 2025-D Lincoln Cent, struck at the United States Mint at Denver, has been certified by Independent Coin Graders (ICG) as MS66 RD and is specially designated “Last Year of Issue.” The RD designation indicates that the coin retains the strong original red color associated with freshly minted copper-plated Lincoln cents.
History of the Lincoln Cent
The Lincoln cent holds an important place in American numismatic history. First introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, it was the first regular-issue United States coin to feature a historical person. Sculptor Victor David Brenner created the famous portrait of Lincoln that has remained a defining feature of the cent for more than a century.
The reverse design has changed several times throughout the series. The original Wheat Cent reverse was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial in 1959. Four special designs commemorating Lincoln's life appeared in 2009, followed in 2010 by the Union Shield reverse, designed by Lyndall Bass and sculpted by Joseph Menna.
The shield represents Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a single, united nation during the Civil War. The banner across the shield bears the denomination ONE CENT, while the national motto E PLURIBUS UNUM appears above.
The End of an American Coinage Era
The 2025 Lincoln cent represents the final year of circulating penny production, bringing an end to one of the longest-running chapters in American coinage. After more than a century of Lincoln cents, the conclusion of production gives 2025-dated pieces additional historical significance as tangible reminders of the denomination's final year.
This example carries the D mint mark, identifying it as a Denver Mint issue. Its combination of final-year status and high Mint State grade makes it an appealing piece for collectors interested in modern United States coinage and major milestones in American monetary history.
About This Coin
Certified MS66 RD by ICG, this example is preserved in a tamper-evident ICG holder and exhibits the bright red appearance expected of a high-grade, uncirculated Lincoln cent. The holder specifically recognizes its historical significance with the “Last Year of Issue” designation.
Year: 2025
Denomination: One Cent
Mint: United States Mint at Denver
Mint Mark: D
Series: Lincoln Cent
Reverse: Union Shield
Composition: Copper-plated zinc
Grade: ICG MS66 RD
Designation: Last Year of Issue
Certification Number: 7193900212
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