The US 2002 Cent, designed by Victor David Brenner, features the familiar Lincoln portrait. Struck in copper-plated zinc, the US 2002 Cent reflects a shift from pure copper, driven by rising metal prices and cost-saving measures in the post-9/11 economy.
In 2002, the U.S. was recovering from the 9/11 attacks and facing economic challenges. The US 2002 Cent, with its enduring design and affordable metal, became a symbol of national resilience. The coins composition and design mirrored the nations adaptation to new economic realities while retaining its cultural and historical legacy.