Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1909

A copper-alloy coin featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1909
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 May 3, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-alloy coin featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse.

Historical significance

1909 was the first year of the Lincoln Cent, replacing the Indian Head Cent. It was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and was the first US circulating coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and '1909'.

Reverse (back)

Two wheat ears flanking the text 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Top motto: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. This specific example lacks the 'V.D.B.' designer initials at the bottom rim.

Estimated value

$3-$10 in heavily circulated condition; $15-$50 in higher circulated grades. Significant premiums apply if the VDB initials are present or if it has an 'S' mint mark (not visible here).

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, the presence of the 'VDB' initials on the reverse, and the mint mark (San Francisco 'S' is the key date).

Grade assessment

Very Good to Fine (VG-F). Significant wear is present on the hair detail and wheat stalks. The coin appears to have an artificial yellow/brassy tone, possibly from environmental damage or an old cleaning.

Mintage & rarity

Common (approximately 72,702,618 minted for the Philadelphia issue without VDB).

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for added mint marks or altered initials. In 1909, genuine 'S' mint marks must be clear and properly positioned. Counterfeits often have 'mushy' details.

Notable varieties & errors

1909 S VDB, 1909 S (No VDB), 1909 VDB (Philadelphia), and various Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) varieties for the 1909 Philadelphia issue.

Similar coins

1909 VDB Cent (has initials at base of reverse) and the 1909-S VDB (the most famous key date of the series).

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only. Do not clean or polish, as this removes original surface patina and significantly reduces numismatic value. Store in an acid-free holder.