Coin Identifier
Lincoln Wheat Cent — obverse
Obverse
Lincoln Wheat Cent — reverse
Reverse
One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1909-1958 (Specific date obstructed by blur/wear)

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

Country
United States of America
Year
1909-1958 (Specific date obstructed by blur/wear)
Denomination
One Cent ($0.01)
Metal
95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (Bronze)

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Overview

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

Historical significance

Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, it was the first widely circulated U.S. coin to feature a historical person rather than an allegorical figure.

Obverse (front)

Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date.

Reverse (back)

Two stalks of wheat flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Top legend: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.

Estimated value

$0.02 - $0.05 for common circulated dates; $100+ for key dates like the 1909-S VDB or 1914-D.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, specific year, mint mark, and presence of errors (like the 1955 doubled die).

Grade assessment

Good (G) to Very Good (VG). High levels of wear, surface darkening, and significant blurring of details visible.

Mintage & rarity

Common in general (billions struck), but specific early years and 'S' mint marks can be scarce.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight and diameter; be wary of altered dates or added mint marks (S) on expensive key dates.

Notable varieties & errors

1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 'No D', 1931-S, and 1955 Doubled Die Obverse.

Similar coins

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

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys the numismatic value and surface original luster.