Lincoln Wheat Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1909-1958

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (Standard Bronze)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

Brief Description

A copper-colored small cent featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse.

Historical Significance

Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, it was the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a portrait of a person. It was designed by Victor David Brenner.

Estimated Value

$0.02 - $0.10 for common circulated dates; $100+ for key dates like 1909-S VDB or 1914-D in high grades.

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish, as this removes original surface patina and significantly reduces collector value. Store in a cool, dry place within PVC-free holders or acid-free paper envelopes.

Mint Mark

None (Philadelphia), 'D' (Denver), or 'S' (San Francisco). No mint mark is visible on this specific specimen due to wear.

Mintage & Rarity

Common (billions produced overall), though specific early years or mint marks are rare/key dates.

Weight & Diameter

3.11 grams / 19.05 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Good (G) to Very Good (VG). High wear is visible, with flattened details on Lincoln's portrait and the wheat stalks, along with surface corrosion/heavy patina.

Obverse (Front)

Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date/mint mark to the right. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (Back)

Features the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' centered, flanked by two stylized wheat stalks. The motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is at the top border.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Date, mint mark, and condition/grade. Common late-date wheat cents (1940s-50s) are primarily valued for their copper content or as bulk collectibles.

Similar Coins

Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-2008) which features the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse instead of wheat stalks.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check for 'S' mint marks that have been glued on to common 1909 cents to mimic the 1909-S VDB. Weight should be approximately 3.1 grams.

Notable Varieties & Errors

1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 'No D', 1943 Copper Cent (rare error), 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO).

Created At: 2026-06-16T19:29:30.814292