1 Cent '1974 Lincoln Memorial' Pattern

In 1973–74, the Mint produced approximately 1.5 million aluminum cents for congressional review, as copper prices had risen to the point where the one-cent coin's metal value was approaching its face value. The aluminum alternative was cheaper to produce and lighter in hand — noticeably so. Congress ultimately rejected the switch, and the Mint was ordered to recover and destroy all distributed examples. Most were returned, but a small number went unaccounted for, including one famously held for years by a congressional staffer.

Possession of surviving specimens remains legally ambiguous under federal law governing government property.