Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1945

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1945
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 15, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back.

Historical significance

The Wheat Cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a historical person. The 1945 issue represents the final year of WWII, with the composition returning to the standard bronze alloy after the 1943 steel cents and the recycled shell-casing cents of 1944.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1945' to the right.

Reverse (back)

Two wheat ears framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', with the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top curvature.

Estimated value

$0.05 - $0.25 in typical circulated condition; $1.00 - $10.00+ in Mint State grades (MS-63 and higher).

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), color (Red vs. Brown), and any potential mint errors.

Grade assessment

Very Fine / Extremely Fine (Circular wear is evident, details are slightly blurred, and the coin has a dark patina).

Mintage & rarity

Common (1,040,695,000 minted)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight and metal color. Rare pennies are often counterfeited, but the 1945 is a high-mintage common date rarely faked.

Notable varieties & errors

1945-S 'Micro S' or various Double Die Obverse (DDO) varieties, though none are prominent on this specific specimen.

Similar coins

1945-D (Denver) or 1945-S (San Francisco) pennies, which have mint marks under the date.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place inside acid-free holders like PVC-free flips or cardboard 2x2s.

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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