One Cent

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · Could be any year between 1909 and 1958 (year is needed to determine specific value)

The coin's reverse features a depiction of a seated man reading with the text "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "ONE CENT," and "E. PLURIBUS UNUM."

Country: United States of America
Denomination: One Cent
Metal: Copper

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 5, 2025More united states of america coins →

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Overview

The coin's reverse features a depiction of a seated man reading with the text "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "ONE CENT," and "E. PLURIBUS UNUM."

Historical significance

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was minted from 1909 to 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a portrait of a historical figure, Abraham Lincoln, on the obverse. The reverse initially featured two stalks of wheat, giving it the nickname "Wheat Cent." This design was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design in 1959.

Estimated value

The value varies greatly depending on the year, mint mark, and condition. Common dates in average condition are worth only a few cents, while key dates, rarer mint marks, or coins in excellent condition can be worth significantly more, ranging from dollars to hundreds of dollars or even thousands for rare varieties and high grades.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment away from extreme temperatures. Handle by the edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin. Do not clean the coin as this can damage its surface and reduce its value. For long-term storage, consider using archival-quality holders.

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Overview

Historical significance

Estimated value

Care & preservation

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Learn about Lincoln Wheat Cent in the encyclopedia