Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1909-1958 (Specific year on image is obscured by wear and blur, likely 1920s or 1940s)

A copper-alloy United States penny featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln and two stalks of wheat on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin/Zinc (except for 1943 steel version)

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-alloy United States penny featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln 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 US circulating coin to feature a portrait of a person rather than an allegorical figure (Liberty).

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Two wheat ears flanking the text 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Top motto: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.

Estimated value

$0.02-$0.15 for common circulated dates; $1.00-$500.00+ for key dates (1909-S VDB, 1914-D) or high-grade uncirculated specimens.

What drives this coin's value

Mint year and mark are the most critical factors, followed by the amount of detail remaining in Lincoln's hair and the wheat lines.

Grade assessment

Good to Very Good (Heavily circulated, significant wear on Lincoln's hair and wheat stalks, dark oxidation).

Mintage & rarity

Common for most dates with mintages in the hundreds of millions; some early dates and specific mint marks are scarce.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for 'added' mint marks on key dates like the 1909-S VDB or 1914-D. Genuine coins have specific die markers and weight.

Notable varieties & errors

1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 'No D', 1943 Bronze (error), and 1955 Doubled Die Obverse.

Similar coins

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

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish, as this strips the natural patina and halves the numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or dry container to prevent 'Verdigris' (green corrosion).