Coin Identifier
Lincoln Wheat Cent
One Cent (1¢)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1909-1958

The obverse features a profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. The reverse features two stalks of wheat encircling the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.

Country
United States of America
Year
1909-1958
Denomination
One Cent (1¢)
Metal
95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (except 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.

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Overview

The obverse features a profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. The reverse features two stalks of wheat encircling the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, this was the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a person's portrait. It replaced the Indian Head penny and marked a significant shift in American numismatic design.

Estimated value

$0.02 to $500.00+ (Highly dependent on year, mint mark, and condition; common dates are worth a few cents, while rare dates like 1909-S VDB are worth much more).

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only to avoid transfer of skin oils. Store in a cool, dry place inside acid-free holders or flips. Do not clean the coin, as chemical or abrasive cleaning can significantly reduce its collector value.