Lincoln Wheat Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1944

Denomination: One Cent (1¢)

Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc (melted brass shell casings)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

Brief Description

Features a right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse. The reverse (not shown) typically features two stalks of wheat. The obverse includes the inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1944'.

Historical Significance

Due to copper shortages during World War II, the U.S. Mint famously used steel in 1943. By 1944, copper was reclaimed from spent shell casings from the war to resume production of bronze-appearing cents, making these known as 'Shell Case Cents'.

Estimated Value

$0.05 - $2.00 (Standard circulated condition, though rare steel error versions can be worth thousands)

Care Instructions

Never clean the coin with chemicals or abrasives, as this significantly reduces numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place inside an archival-safe holder to prevent oxidation.

Created At: 2026-04-08T15:37:00.196739