Lincoln Wheat Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1909-1958

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (standard, except 1943 steel)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

Brief Description

A very heavily worn and corroded copper cent showing the faint silhouette of Abraham Lincoln.

Historical Significance

Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, it was the first regular-issue US coin to feature a real person rather than a mythical figure like Liberty.

Estimated Value

$0.02 - $0.05 in this 'slug' or 'cull' condition

Care Instructions

Do not attempt to clean this coin with chemicals or abrasives, as it will further damage the already compromised surface. Store in a dry, PVC-free environment to prevent further corrosion.

Mint Mark

Unknown/Not visible (typically Philadelphia, Denver 'D', or San Francisco 'S')

Mintage & Rarity

Common for the series; tens of billions minted over 50 years. Rare only as key dates (1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1931-S).

Weight & Diameter

3.11 grams, 19.05 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

About Good / Poor (Slug condition due to heavy wear and surface oxidation/corrosion)

Obverse (Front)

Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legends normally include 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date.

Reverse (Back)

Two wheat ears flanking the text 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Top legend 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.

What Drives This Coin's Value

In this condition, value is negligible. For the series, value is driven by key dates and high-grade mint state condition.

Similar Coins

Often confused with Indian Head cents if worn, or Lincoln Memorial cents (1959-2008) which have a building on the back instead of wheat stalks.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Weight should be 3.11g for copper years. Given the high wear, counterfeiting is unlikely for this specific specimen unless it were a rare key date.

Notable Varieties & Errors

1909-S VDB, 1922 'No D', 1955 Double Die Obverse (DDO). None are discernible here due to condition.

Created At: 2026-05-12T08:17:28.839864