Lincoln Wheat Cent

Country of Origin: USA

Year of Issue: 1940-1958 based on Lincoln Memorial Cent being introduced in 1959

Denomination: 1 Cent

Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc

A copper-colored U.S. penny with the wheat ears reverse design, heavily worn.

The Wheat Cent (1909–1958) was the first U.S. coin to feature a historical figure (Abraham Lincoln) instead of a personification of Liberty.

$0.02 - $0.10 in common circulated condition; high-grade uncirculated examples can be worth $1 - $20 depending on date/mint.

Do not clean or polish, as this strips the original surface and reduces numismatic value. Store in an acid-free holder.

None (Philadelphia) or 'S' / 'D' (San Francisco / Denver) located below the date.

Common; billions were minted between 1940 and 1958.

3.11 grams, 19.05 mm

plain

Fine to Very Fine; significant circulated wear visible on the high points of Lincoln's hair and the wheat stalks.

Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above and 'LIBERTY' to the left.

Two ears of wheat surrounding the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', with 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top.

Condition, mint mark (S is often lower mintage), and presence of red luster versus brown oxidation.

Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959–2008) which features the Lincoln Memorial on the back instead of wheat.

Authentic wheat cents are common, so counterfeits are rare except for key dates like 1909-S VDB or 1914-D. Verify weight and diameter.

1955 Doubled Die Obverse is the most famous variety for this entire series; look for doubling in the letters and date if the year is 1955.

Created At: 2026-06-16T17:33:17.984121