1 Cent

Lincoln Cent (Wheat Penny)

United States · 1940

The obverse features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner. The reverse shows two stalks of wheat flanking the words "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The mint mark, if present, would be below the date.

Country: United States
Year: 1940
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (bronze)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 20, 2025More united states coins →

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Overview

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The 'Wheat Penny' design, used from 1909 to 1958, is a beloved and iconic American coin. The year 1940 predates the significant changes in composition during WWII and is a common date for this series.

Estimated value

In circulated condition (as appears in the image), a 1940 Lincoln Wheat Cent is typically worth approximately $0.10 to $0.50. Higher grades can fetch more, but it's generally a common date.

Care & preservation

Handle the coin by its edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin, as this can cause tarnishing. Store it in a dry, stable environment, ideally in a non-PVC coin holder, flip, or album designed for coin collecting. Do not clean the coin, as cleaning can permanently damage its surface and significantly decrease its value.

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Overview

Historical significance

Estimated value

Care & preservation

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Learn about Lincoln Cent (Wheat Penny) in the encyclopedia