2023 Penny Appraisal

2023-D Lincoln Penny

This is a United States one-cent coin, commonly known as a Lincoln Penny, dated 2023. The obverse features the iconic right-facing profile of President Abraham Lincoln, based on the original 1909 design by Victor David Brenner. To the right of the portrait is the date '2023' followed by a 'D' mint mark, indicating it was struck at the Denver Mint. Above the portrait are the words 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and to the left is the word 'LIBERTY'. The coin is composed of copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper), manifesting in a bright, reddish-orange metallic luster typical of a newly minted coin. In terms of condition, the specimen appears to be in BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) state, showing sharp details in the hair and clothing of the portrait and no visible signs of wear or circulation. There are no significant scratches, corrosion, or 'zinc rot' visible in the provided image. The strike appears strong and centered with well-defined rims. A faint smudge or shadow on the upper left rim may be a surface fingerprint or lighting artifact. Modern pennies of this type follow the Union Shield reverse design (not visible here), which has been the standard since 2010. This contemporary issue represents the ongoing numismatic history of the longest-running design in American coinage.