One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1913

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln and the year 1913.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1913
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

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Overview

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln and the year 1913.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an idealized 'Liberty.' The 1913 issue represents the early years of this iconic series.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Includes the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at the top, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1913' to the right.

Reverse (back)

Two stalks of durum wheat surrounding the denomination 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.' 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is inscribed at the top.

Estimated value

$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $15 - $40 in About Uncirculated; $60+ in Mint State grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), presence of original red luster (RD vs RB vs BN colors), and the absence of scratches or corrosion.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine. The coin shows moderate wear on Lincoln's cheek and hair, but the date and legends are clearly legible.

Mintage & rarity

76,532,352; Common in circulated condition, but becoming scarce in higher uncirculated grades.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (3.11g) and diameter. Be wary of 'added' mint marks that have been glued or soldered onto the surface. Common fakes are often cast and show lack of detail or 'pitting' in the fields.

Notable varieties & errors

None widely recognized for this specific date/mint, though collectors look for minor die cracks and 're-punched' dates or mint marks in early Lincoln series.

Similar coins

1913-S and 1913-D Wheat Cents. These are distinguished by a small 'S' (San Francisco) or 'D' (Denver) located directly under the date. The S and D mints are significantly more valuable than the Philadelphia issue shown here.

Care & preservation

Never clean the coin with chemicals or abrasives, as this destroys its numismatic value. Handle by the edges and store in a PVC-free plastic flip or acid-free paper holder to prevent oxidation/turning green (verdigris).

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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