Lincoln Wheat Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1913

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

Lincoln Wheat Cent

Brief Description

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln and the year 1913.

Historical Significance

The Lincoln Cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an idealized 'Liberty.' The 1913 issue represents the early years of this iconic series.

Estimated Value

$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $15 - $40 in About Uncirculated; $60+ in Mint State grades.

Care Instructions

Never clean the coin with chemicals or abrasives, as this destroys its numismatic value. Handle by the edges and store in a PVC-free plastic flip or acid-free paper holder to prevent oxidation/turning green (verdigris).

Mint Mark

None (Philadelphia Mint)

Mintage & Rarity

76,532,352; Common in circulated condition, but becoming scarce in higher uncirculated grades.

Weight & Diameter

3.11 grams / 19.05 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Fine to Very Fine. The coin shows moderate wear on Lincoln's cheek and hair, but the date and legends are clearly legible.

Obverse (Front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Includes the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at the top, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1913' to the right.

Reverse (Back)

Two stalks of durum wheat surrounding the denomination 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.' 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is inscribed at the top.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition (grade), presence of original red luster (RD vs RB vs BN colors), and the absence of scratches or corrosion.

Similar Coins

1913-S and 1913-D Wheat Cents. These are distinguished by a small 'S' (San Francisco) or 'D' (Denver) located directly under the date. The S and D mints are significantly more valuable than the Philadelphia issue shown here.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check the weight (3.11g) and diameter. Be wary of 'added' mint marks that have been glued or soldered onto the surface. Common fakes are often cast and show lack of detail or 'pitting' in the fields.

Notable Varieties & Errors

None widely recognized for this specific date/mint, though collectors look for minor die cracks and 're-punched' dates or mint marks in early Lincoln series.

Created At: 2026-04-26T18:08:12.168227