The penny is a small, copper-colored coin with a diameter of about 19 millimeters and a weight of 2.5 grams. On the front (obverse), it features the profile of Abraham Lincoln, facing right. Above his head is the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST”, with “LIBERTY” to the left and the year of minting to the right. This design has been in place since 1909, making Lincoln the first president to appear on a U.S. coin.

On the back (reverse), the current design shows the Union Shield, adopted in 2010. The shield has thirteen vertical stripes representing the original states, topped by a horizontal bar symbolizing a unified nation. Across the bar is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (“Out of many, one”), and at the base of the shield is the denomination “ONE CENT”. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curve along the top edge.

The penny’s distinctive copper tone comes from its copper-plated zinc composition (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper), introduced in 1982 to reduce production costs. Its plain edge and small size make it easy to distinguish from other coins.