Lincoln Wheat Cent
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 1958
Denomination: One Cent (1/100 USD)
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Brief Description
A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back.
Historical Significance
1958 was the final year of the 'Wheat Cent' reverse design, which was replaced in 1959 by the Lincoln Memorial design to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.
Estimated Value
$0.05-$0.15 in average circulated condition; $2.00-$25.00+ in high uncirculated (MS-65+) grades.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges only to avoid fingerprint oils. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-safe folder. Do not clean or polish as this destroys numismatic value.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
800,953,300; common
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams / 19.05 mm
Edge
plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated. The coin shows slight wear on the highest points of Lincoln's hair and cheek, but retains significant detail and some original luster.
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Inscriptions: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1958' with 'D' mint mark. Designer: Victor David Brenner.
Reverse (Back)
Two wheat ears flanking the text 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top. Designer: Victor David Brenner.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Value is primarily driven by condition (grade) and the amount of original red luster remaining. 1958-D is a very common date.
Similar Coins
1958 Philadelphia (no mint mark) and the 1959 Lincoln Memorial cent. Distinguish by the reverse imagery (wheat vs. building).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for correct weight (3.11g) and ensure the 'D' mint mark is not glued on. Counterfeits for this common date are rare, but 'reprocessed' steel-looking plated coins exist.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Look for the 1958-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), though it is extremely rare for this specific date/mint combination compared to the 1958 Philadelphia DDO peak rarity. Also look for 'BIE' die breaks in 'LIBERTY'.
Created At: 2026-05-20T11:04:41.393042