Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1909-1958

A copper-colored small cent featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1909-1958
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (Standard 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 June 16, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored small cent featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, it was the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a portrait of a person. It was designed by Victor David Brenner.

Obverse (front)

Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date/mint mark to the right. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Features the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' centered, flanked by two stylized wheat stalks. The motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is at the top border.

Estimated value

$0.02 - $0.10 for common circulated dates; $100+ for key dates like 1909-S VDB or 1914-D in high grades.

What drives this coin's value

Date, mint mark, and condition/grade. Common late-date wheat cents (1940s-50s) are primarily valued for their copper content or as bulk collectibles.

Grade assessment

Good (G) to Very Good (VG). High wear is visible, with flattened details on Lincoln's portrait and the wheat stalks, along with surface corrosion/heavy patina.

Mintage & rarity

Common (billions produced overall), though specific early years or mint marks are rare/key dates.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for 'S' mint marks that have been glued on to common 1909 cents to mimic the 1909-S VDB. Weight should be approximately 3.1 grams.

Notable varieties & errors

1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 'No D', 1943 Copper Cent (rare error), 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO).

Similar coins

Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-2008) which features the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse instead of wheat stalks.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish, as this removes original surface patina and significantly reduces collector value. Store in a cool, dry place within PVC-free holders or acid-free paper envelopes.