The US 1997 Cent, designed by Victor David Brenner, features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. This coin, struck in copper-plated zinc, reflects the U.S. economy’s shift toward cheaper metals due to rising production costs. In 1997, the U.S. was experiencing steady economic growth under President Bill Clinton, making the cent an essential part of daily transactions.
Politically, the US 1997 Cent continued its long history of honoring Lincoln, a symbol of unity and freedom. Economically, the switch to zinc in the coins composition represented cost-saving measures during a time of fiscal stability. The coins design and metal composition symbolized the practical needs of a growing economy.