The 2008 Lincoln penny marks the final year of the long-running Lincoln Memorial reverse design. With the monumental 2009 redesign just around the corner, many collectors look at 2008 as a key transitional year. Though billions were struck, high-grade specimens and mint error coins from 2008 can be worth well over face value.
2008 Penny Value Chart
| Type | MS-60 | MS-65 | PR-65 | Error Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 (No Mint Mark) | $0.10 | $1.00 | N/A | Up to $150+ |
| 2008-D (Denver Mint) | $0.10 | $1.00 | N/A | Up to $250+ |
| 2008-S (Proof Coin) | N/A | N/A | $2.00–$6.00 | Rarely higher |
| 2008 Error Coins | Varies | Varies | Varies | Up to $500+ |
Note: Prices are based on current market demand and certified coin auction data as of 2025.
History of the 2008 Penny
2008 was the final year the Lincoln Memorial reverse appeared on the U.S. cent. Introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, the Memorial reverse lasted for 50 years until it was replaced in 2009 by a series of four different reverse designs honoring Lincoln’s life.
While no major design changes occurred in 2008, the significance of it being the last Memorial year has drawn interest from collectors. Coins in pristine uncirculated condition or with errors are especially sought after.
Features of the 2008 Penny
The Obverse of the 2008 Penny
The obverse, designed by Victor David Brenner, still features Abraham Lincoln’s portrait.
Key features:
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top
- “LIBERTY” on the left
- The date “2008” on the right
- Mint mark below the date (D, S, or none)
The Reverse of the 2008 Penny
Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial design concludes its 50-year run on the reverse of this penny.
Reverse features include:
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” just above the Memorial
- “ONE CENT” centered at the bottom
Additional Specs
- Composition: 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper plating
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Edge: Plain
2008 Penny Grading Guide
Grading helps determine a coin’s value. The higher the grade, the higher the potential value:
- Circulated: Light to heavy wear, worth face value unless an error exists.
- MS-60 to MS-64: Uncirculated with small marks or weak luster.
- MS-65 and above: Uncirculated with full red color and minimal flaws.
- PR-65 to PR-70: Proof coins with mirror-like finishes.
2008 Penny Value Guides
2008 No Mint Mark Penny (Philadelphia Mint)
Philadelphia produced over 2.5 billion pennies in 2008, making this type extremely common in circulation.
Values:
- Circulated: $0.01
- MS-60: $0.10
- MS-65: $1.00–$2.00
Premium red (RD) MS-67 examples can bring $50–$100+ at auction.
2008-D Penny (Denver Mint)
With more than 2.8 billion coins struck, the Denver Mint issue is slightly more common.
Values:
- Circulated: $0.01
- MS-60: $0.10
- MS-65: $1.00–$3.00
High-grade Denver coins certified MS-67 or higher have sold for $100–$200.
2008-S Proof Penny (San Francisco Mint)
The San Francisco Mint produced 2.1 million proof cents in 2008, sold in proof sets for collectors.
Values:
- PR-65: $2.00–$3.00
- PR-69: $4.00–$6.00
- PR-70: $25–$50+
Rare 2008 Penny Errors List
Error coins are the main source of added value for most 2008 pennies. Look for the following:
1. 2008 Double Die Obverse (DDO)
- Doubling visible in “LIBERTY” or the date.
- Value: $50–$200+ depending on severity
2. Off-Center Strike
- Design is noticeably off-center.
- Value: $25–$150+, extreme examples can exceed $200
3. Broadstrike Error
- Coin appears rimless and stretched.
- Value: $15–$100
4. Clipped Planchet
- Coin has a curved cut or missing edge.
- Value: $20–$75
5. Struck Through Errors
- Caused by debris, oil, or fabric between dies and planchet.
- Value: $10–$80
6. Die Cracks and Cuds
- Raised lines or blobs from damaged dies.
- Value: $15–$100+
7. BIE Error
- Vertical line between “B” and “E” in LIBERTY.
- Value: $5–$20
FAQ about the 2008 Penny
1. What is the composition of the 2008 penny?
The 2008 Lincoln penny is composed of 97.5% zinc with a 2.5% copper plating. This copper-plated zinc core has been the standard since 1982.
2. Which U.S. mints produced the 2008 penny?
The 2008 penny was struck at three U.S. Mint facilities:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark) — for proof coins only
3. Are there any known errors or varieties for the 2008 penny?
Yes, some error types reported by collectors include:
- Off-center strikes
- Die cracks and cuds
- Clipped planchets
- Strike-throughs
While there are no major doubled die listings for 2008, minor die varieties and striking errors can increase value.
4. What designs are featured on the 2008 Lincoln penny?
- Obverse: A right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner
- Reverse: The Lincoln Memorial, which was used from 1959 to 2008
2008 marks the final year of this design before the reverse changed in 2009 to honor Lincoln’s bicentennial.
5. How many 2008 pennies were minted?
Mintages for the 2008 penny were very high:
- Philadelphia: Over 2.5 billion
- Denver: Over 2.8 billion
- San Francisco (Proofs): About 2.1 million
Despite being the final year of the Memorial reverse, the 2008 penny remains very common.
6. What is the average value of a 2008 penny?
- Circulated coins: Face value (1¢)
- Uncirculated coins (MS65–MS67): $0.10 to $2+
- Proof coins (2008-S): $1 to $3+
- Error coins: Depending on the type and condition, they can sell for $10 to $100+
7. Is the 2008 penny a good coin for collecting or investing?
Circulated 2008 pennies are not rare or valuable as investments. However, the historical significance of being the last year of the Memorial reverse adds some collector appeal. Proofs, high-grade uncirculated coins, and mint errors are the most desirable versions.
