Lincoln Wheat Cent

Brief Description

The obverse features the profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with the words 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at the top, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1953' to the right. The reverse (not shown but characteristic of this era) features two stalks of wheat framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.

Historical Significance

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was the first circulating US coin to feature a portrait of a person (President Abraham Lincoln), introduced in 1909 to commemorate his 100th birthday. By 1953, this series was nearing its end, as it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959.

Estimated Value

$0.02 to $0.50 (Value depends heavily on condition/grade and mint mark; circulated 1953 pennies are very common).

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this can severely decrease any numismatic value. Handle by the edges to avoid leaving oils from skin on the surface. Store in a cool, dry place inside a PVC-free flip or archival-safe coin holder.

Created At: 2026-03-09T02:27:57.887333