RIP Abe: Reflecting on the End of the Lincoln Cent Era

Like many of you, I’ve been following the talk about the US cent possibly going away. It’s really made me think: what does this mean for us collectors? Reports say the Mint might stop ordering blank planchets after this batch. If that’s true, we could be seeing the end of an era for one of America’s most iconic coins. As a collector who cherishes the history in every coin, I wanted to share some thoughts on what this change might bring.

The News and What It Means for Collectors

From what I’ve read in the news, the Treasury doesn’t plan to make more cents once they run out of blanks. This isn’t just talk—it’s a big deal that might change collecting for good. I’ve been thinking: sure, hoarding brand new 2025 cents might be tempting, but I’m sticking with quality over quantity. That’s always been my approach. If you find some in great condition, think about getting them graded by PCGS or NGC. Look for coins with sharp details and little wear—those could be the ones that hold value down the road.

Looking Back at Two Centuries of Cents

It’s hard not to reflect on the cent’s incredible history. It’s been around since 1793, with only a short break in 1815. Lincoln Wheat cents, with Victor David Brenner’s design, are some of my favorites. They have a special place in my collection because of their beauty. With the series possibly ending, I’d suggest documenting your collection. Write down dates and mint marks carefully—this might become a key part of coin history. A 2026 commemorative for America’s 250th birthday would be exciting, but until we know for sure, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Some Tips from My Collection

With this news, I’ve been thinking about how I collect cents. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up:

• Take care of your coins: Keep them in acid-free holders to avoid tarnish. This is especially true for newer cents—they might become sentimental favorites.
• Watch the market: Stores might hold onto their coins, but I bet elongated pennies will become popular souvenirs. I’m already checking self-checkout machines for those last-year cents—they could be keepsakes.
• Grading matters: Go for coins that look great—full rims and clean surfaces. Even common dates in top condition could become more valuable if the Mint stops making them.

What Might Come Next

If the cent goes away, I doubt it’ll be the only change. We might see dimes or other coins switch materials too. Look at Canada: they didn’t do a buyback, so I expect a slow phase-out here. I’d love to see Lincoln’s portrait on a bigger coin someday, but for now, I’m enjoying the current designs while I can. As collectors, let’s push for changes that respect our coin history.

So, saying goodbye to the Lincoln cent is bittersweet, but it might open new doors for collectors. I’m holding onto my favorites and keeping an eye out for news. Because in coin collecting, every ending is really a fresh start.