Wheat Penny

Country of Origin: United States

Year of Issue: 1909-1958 (Year is on reverse, not visible in image)

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (Note: 1943 was zinc-plated steel)

Wheat Penny

Brief Description

The reverse of the coin features the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' centered between two stalks of wheat. The top border has the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.

Historical Significance

Designed by Victor David Brenner, this coin was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a person's portrait on the obverse.

Estimated Value

$0.02 - $5.00 (Standard circulated pennies are worth roughly 2-5 cents, though rare mint marks like 1909-S VDB can be worth thousands).

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes the natural patina and can significantly decrease its numismatic value. Store in a dry, PVC-free container or acid-free paper flip to prevent oxidation.

Created At: 2026-02-13T15:41:43.275702