Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1956

A copper United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1956
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 31, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was the first US coin to feature a portrait of a person. Launched in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, it replaced the Indian Head penny. By 1956, the design was nearing the end of its run, as the 'Wheat' reverse was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design in 1959.

Obverse (front)

A right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at the top, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and '1956 D' to the right.

Reverse (back)

Two stylized stalks of durum wheat flanking the inscriptions 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. The motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is curved at the top rim.

Estimated value

$0.02 - $0.15 circulated; $1.00 - $10.00+ in high Uncirculated (MS) grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), color (Red vs. Brown), and eye appeal. Since this is a common date, only coins in exceptional, near-perfect condition carry a high premium.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated. The coin retains sharp details and significant original luster with minimal wear on the high points.

Mintage & rarity

Common; 1,098,201,100 minted at Denver in 1956. This is not a rare date.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic 1956-D pennies are extremely common, so counterfeiting is rare. Ensure the mint mark 'D' doesn't look glued on and the weight matches the standard 3.11g.

Notable varieties & errors

Look for the 1956-D 'D over D' Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) varieties, which are popular with error collectors.

Similar coins

1956 Philadelphia (no mint mark) and 1956 Proof cents. It can be distinguished from later 1959-2008 pennies by the wheat stalks on the back instead of the Lincoln Memorial.

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free coin flip or archival-safe folder. Do not clean or polish, as this removes the natural patina and significantly decreases numismatic value. Handle by the edges only.