The US 1974 Cent, designed by Frank Gasparro, features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. Struck in copper-plated zinc, it marked a continuation of the shift to less expensive materials during a time of rising metal costs. The US 1974 Cent was produced amidst inflation and economic struggles, reflecting the U.S. governments efforts to reduce production costs.
Politically, the US 1974 Cent was minted under President Richard Nixons administration during a period of economic challenges. The design and choice of metals symbolized a response to rising inflation. The US 1974 Cent remains a notable example of U.S. coinage adapting to economic conditions.