Dansco 7102 Lincoln Memorial 1959- 2009

The Dansco 7102 Lincoln Memorial 1959–2009 album is a specialized coin album created for collectors who wish to focus on the second major reverse design of the Lincoln cent series. Produced by Dansco, a leader in high-quality archival coin albums, the 7102 offers an elegant, organized, and protective storage solution for the fifty-year span of Lincoln cents featuring the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. This design, introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, replaced the beloved Wheat Ears reverse and remained in production until 2008, making it one of the most familiar and widely used designs in modern U.S. coinage.

The obverse of all Lincoln Memorial cents retains Victor David Brenner’s 1909 portrait of Abraham Lincoln, a groundbreaking choice at the time for being the first real historical figure to appear on circulating U.S. coinage. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” arch above the portrait, “LIBERTY” sits to the left, and the date with mintmark (if any) is found to the right. While the obverse design remained consistent, subtle changes in details, mintmarks, and striking quality occurred over the decades as minting technology evolved.

The reverse, designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro, depicts the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., as viewed from the front, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above, and the denomination “ONE CENT” below. A unique feature of this design is the inclusion of a small seated statue of Lincoln inside the Memorial, visible under magnification. This detail marked the first time the same person appeared on both sides of a U.S. coin. The reverse was struck on both copper-alloy planchets (1959–1982) and copper-plated zinc planchets (1982–2008), with the change in composition occurring due to rising copper prices.

The Dansco 7102 album is organized chronologically, with labeled openings for each date and mintmark combination from 1959 through 2008. It includes spaces for coins from the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints, covering regular business strikes and proof-only issues. For 1982, the album provides separate spaces for the multiple varieties that year—both the large and small date designs in copper and zinc compositions—reflecting one of the most significant transitional years in the series. This careful attention to detail ensures that collectors can assemble a truly comprehensive set.

As with all Dansco albums, the 7102 is crafted for both durability and aesthetics. The brown leatherette cover is embossed in gold lettering, giving it a professional, archival appearance. Inside, the pages are made of thick, acid-free board to minimize the risk of environmental damage to the coins over time. Clear acetate slides protect each coin opening on both sides, allowing for safe viewing of both the obverse and reverse without direct handling. This design also helps prevent dust, dirt, and fingerprints from reaching the coins, preserving their condition for decades.

Collecting Lincoln Memorial cents is a rewarding endeavor because the series offers coins accessible to all budgets while still including challenging varieties. Common issues from the 1960s through early 2000s are readily available in uncirculated rolls or proof sets, while certain dates and mintmarks, particularly those from the early copper years, can be more difficult to find in pristine red uncirculated condition. Proof issues from the San Francisco Mint, struck from 1968 onward, offer mirror-like surfaces and frosted devices that add visual variety to the set.

The album’s layout also makes it easy to appreciate changes in minting technology and production quality over the decades. Early copper Memorial cents tend to show stronger strikes and richer luster compared to some of the later zinc issues, which can be prone to spotting and discoloration if not stored carefully. Having these coins side by side in the Dansco 7102 allows collectors to study and compare the visual differences across years, mints, and compositions.

Many collectors enjoy upgrading coins in the 7102 album over time, starting with circulated examples and later replacing them with brilliant uncirculated or proof coins as opportunities arise. Because the series concluded in 2008 before transitioning to the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial designs, completing the set is a finite and achievable goal, making it particularly appealing to those who like the satisfaction of a finished collection. The 1982 transitional varieties often present the greatest challenge for completion, along with proof coins in top condition.

Completed Dansco 7102 albums in high grade can command strong premiums in the secondary market, especially if the coins are full red, well-struck, and free from spots or discoloration. Collectors value not only the coins themselves but also the organization and presentation provided by the Dansco format. Even empty albums remain in demand due to their reputation for quality and the fact that certain Dansco titles can be difficult to find new.

The Dansco 7102 Lincoln Memorial 1959–2009 album offers a perfect balance of historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and collecting challenge. It allows collectors to explore half a century of U.S. coinage history through one of America’s most widely used denominations, all while preserving coins in a format that is both protective and visually engaging. Whether assembled with modest circulated pieces or with high-grade red gems and deep cameo proofs, this album stands as a timeless tribute to the Lincoln cent’s second great design era and the generations of Americans who carried these coins in their pockets.

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