Lincoln Wheat Cent
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1945
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Brief Description
A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back.
Historical Significance
The Wheat Cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a historical person. The 1945 issue represents the final year of WWII, with the composition returning to the standard bronze alloy after the 1943 steel cents and the recycled shell-casing cents of 1944.
Estimated Value
$0.05 - $0.25 in typical circulated condition; $1.00 - $10.00+ in Mint State grades (MS-63 and higher).
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place inside acid-free holders like PVC-free flips or cardboard 2x2s.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common (1,040,695,000 minted)
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams / 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Very Fine / Extremely Fine (Circular wear is evident, details are slightly blurred, and the coin has a dark patina).
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1945' to the right.
Reverse (Back)
Two wheat ears framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', with the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top curvature.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), color (Red vs. Brown), and any potential mint errors.
Similar Coins
1945-D (Denver) or 1945-S (San Francisco) pennies, which have mint marks under the date.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for correct weight and metal color. Rare pennies are often counterfeited, but the 1945 is a high-mintage common date rarely faked.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1945-S 'Micro S' or various Double Die Obverse (DDO) varieties, though none are prominent on this specific specimen.
Created At: 2026-05-15T12:25:50.633647