Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States · 1950

A bronze US Lincoln wheat cent featuring the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat framing the denomination and country on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1950
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc

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Identified September 14, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A bronze US Lincoln wheat cent featuring the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat framing the denomination and country on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the post-WWII era, Lincoln wheat cents are a staple of American numismatics, representing a design that began in 1909 to celebrate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. The motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' arches above, the word 'LIBERTY' appears to the left, and the year '1950' with the 'D' mint mark is to the right. Designed by Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Two stalks of wheat framing the inscriptions 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', with the national motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' arching along the top rim. Designed by Victor David Brenner.

Estimated value

$0.10 to $0.50 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Overall grade, presence of original red copper luster, and freedom from environmental damage or corrosion.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State details, showing minor circulation wear and handling marks with remaining original mint luster.

Mintage & rarity

311,390,000 minted at Denver; very common in circulated grades

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits for common date wheat cents like 1950-D are virtually non-existent due to their low face value and high mintage, though altered mint marks can occasionally be found on rare key dates.

Notable varieties & errors

Look out for occasional doubled die obverse (DDO) or repunched mint mark (RPM) varieties for the 1950-D issue.

Similar coins

Later Lincoln Memorial cents (1959-present) and Lincoln Shield cents (2010-present), distinguished by their reverse designs.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place inside inert holders such as mylar flips or PVC-free coin tubes. Never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning destroys its original surface and substantially reduces its value.

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