2000 Penny | No Mint Mark | Cheerios Campaign | Coin

The 2000 penny gained cultural prominence through an innovative marketing partnership between the U.S. Mint and General Mills. As part of a major PR campaign, the Mint delivered 10 million Lincoln cents to General Mills, which were then inserted into specially-marked boxes of Cheerios cereal. These became known as “Cheerios cents,” marketed as commemorative pieces celebrating the new millennium. This millennium penny represents more than just currency; it embodies America’s transition into the digital age while preserving the timeless legacy of Abraham Lincoln on the nation’s most circulated coin. The 2000 penny maintained the post-1982 composition of 97.5% zinc core with 2.5% copper plating, preserving the coin’s traditional appearance while reducing production costs. Each specimen measures 19.05mm in diameter and weighs 2.5 grams, with smooth plain edges devoid of reeding. This color spectrum determines the coin’s value: well-preserved red pennies can fetch up to $4,700, and after two decades of environmental exposure, they comprise less than 1% of existing coins. Red-brown samples are usually sold at a moderate premium if their appearance is above average. Brown specimens, while representing the vast majority of survivors, generally remain close to face value unless they demonstrate exceptional strike quality beneath their oxidized surface.