Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1948

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1948
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

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 June 16, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person's portrait. It was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The 1948 issue represents the post-WWII era of standard bronze production.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with 'LIBERTY' to the left, the date '1948' to the right, and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the top rim. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Two wheat ears framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', with 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' arching over the top. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Estimated value

$0.05-$0.15 in average circulated condition; $2.00-$10.00 in uncirculated (MS) condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), presence of original red luster, and potential strike errors. As a common date, value is mostly tied to the copper content and grade.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (Significant wear visible on the wheat ears and Lincoln's hair, but all major details and legends are legible).

Mintage & rarity

317,570,000 (Common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight (approx 3.1g) and diameter. Counterfeits of common dates like 1948 are extremely rare; look for altered mint marks or dates on key-year versions (like 1909-S VDB).

Notable varieties & errors

No major high-value varieties are known for 1948 (P), though minor die cracks or 'BIE' errors (a small vertical die crack between B and E of LIBERTY) are collectible.

Similar coins

1948-D (Denver) and 1948-S (San Francisco) cents, which are identified by the 'D' or 'S' mint mark under the date.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish, as this reduces numismatic value. Store in an acid-free holder (PVC-free) to prevent corrosion or 'verdigris'. Handle by the edges only.

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Overview

Historical significance

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Estimated value

What drives this coin's value

Grade assessment

Mintage & rarity

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Notable varieties & errors

Similar coins

Care & preservation

Other united states of america coins

Learn about Lincoln Wheat Cent in the encyclopedia