Lincoln Wheat Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1948

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

Lincoln Wheat Cent

Brief Description

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical Significance

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person's portrait. It was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The 1948 issue represents the post-WWII era of standard bronze production.

Estimated Value

$0.05-$0.15 in average circulated condition; $2.00-$10.00 in uncirculated (MS) condition

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish, as this reduces numismatic value. Store in an acid-free holder (PVC-free) to prevent corrosion or 'verdigris'. Handle by the edges only.

Mint Mark

None (Philadelphia Mint)

Mintage & Rarity

317,570,000 (Common)

Weight & Diameter

3.11 grams, 19.05 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Fine to Very Fine (Significant wear visible on the wheat ears and Lincoln's hair, but all major details and legends are legible).

Obverse (Front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with 'LIBERTY' to the left, the date '1948' to the right, and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the top rim. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (Back)

Two wheat ears framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', with 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' arching over the top. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition (grade), presence of original red luster, and potential strike errors. As a common date, value is mostly tied to the copper content and grade.

Similar Coins

1948-D (Denver) and 1948-S (San Francisco) cents, which are identified by the 'D' or 'S' mint mark under the date.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check for correct weight (approx 3.1g) and diameter. Counterfeits of common dates like 1948 are extremely rare; look for altered mint marks or dates on key-year versions (like 1909-S VDB).

Notable Varieties & Errors

No major high-value varieties are known for 1948 (P), though minor die cracks or 'BIE' errors (a small vertical die crack between B and E of LIBERTY) are collectible.

Created At: 2026-06-16T17:37:33.098830