Lincoln Wheat Cent
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1909-1958
Denomination: One Cent (1¢)
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (Note: 1943 was zinc-plated steel)
Brief Description
A dark, heavily circulated small copper cent with the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the front and Wheat stalks on the back.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first US circulating coin to feature a portrait of a person.
Estimated Value
$0.02-$0.15 circulated common dates; $50,000+ for rare errors/key dates like 1909-S VDB or 1943 copper.
Care Instructions
Store in a PVC-free flip or tube. Do not clean or polish, as this removes the natural patina and significantly decreases numismatic value.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco) located under the date.
Mintage & Rarity
Billions minted over the series. Key dates include 1909-S VDB, 1909-S, 1914-D, and 1931-S.
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams (copper years), 19.05 mm diameter
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
About Good to Good (Estimated due to low image resolution and visible heavy wear).
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Inscribed 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date. Designed by Victor David Brenner.
Reverse (Back)
Two stalks of wheat framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Top motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/Grade, presence of a mint mark (S or D), the year, and specific errors (like the 1955 doubled die).
Similar Coins
Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-2008) - distinguished by the building on the reverse instead of wheat stalks.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check weight and diameter; look for proper font styles on the date; look for added 'S' mint marks or 'VDB' initials on 1909-S VDB replicas.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 'No D', 1943 Copper, 1944 Steel, 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO).
Created At: 2026-04-21T12:20:52.680012