Lincoln Wheat Cent (Lincoln Penny)
Country of Origin: United States / United States Mint
Year of Issue: 1909-1958 (date not legible in image, but matches the Wheat series)
Denomination: 1 Cent ($0.01)
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (typical for this series)
Brief Description
A small, circular copper coin showing the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back.
Historical Significance
The Lincoln Wheat Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a historical person.
Estimated Value
$0.02 - $0.10 for common circulated dates; up to $500+ for rare key dates like the 1909-S VDB.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish the coin, as this damages the surface and removes its numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic holder or an acid-free envelope.
Mint Mark
Not visible due to image quality, but typically located below the date on the obverse (S, D, or none for Philadelphia).
Mintage & Rarity
Most years are common with mintages in the hundreds of millions; certain key dates (1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922) are rare.
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams / 19 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Good (G) to Very Good (VG). Significant wear and darkening; details are blurred and most fine lines are gone.
Obverse (Front)
Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Inscribed 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the year. Designed by Victor David Brenner.
Reverse (Back)
Two stalks of wheat framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Inscribed 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top.
What Drives This Coin's Value
The specific year and mint mark are the primary factors. Condition (grade) and any errors (like double dies) also significantly influence price.
Similar Coins
Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-2008) which has the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse instead of wheat stalks.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for proper weight and diameter. On rare dates, look for added or removed mint marks or altered digits in the date.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1955 Doubled Die Obverse, 1909-S VDB, 1922 'No D', and 1944 Steel Cent (error).
Created At: 2026-06-16T17:44:30.192979