Lincoln Wheat Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1956

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc

Lincoln Wheat Cent

Brief Description

A copper United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical Significance

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was the first US coin to feature a portrait of a person. Launched in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, it replaced the Indian Head penny. By 1956, the design was nearing the end of its run, as the 'Wheat' reverse was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design in 1959.

Estimated Value

$0.02 - $0.15 circulated; $1.00 - $10.00+ in high Uncirculated (MS) grades.

Care Instructions

Store in a PVC-free coin flip or archival-safe folder. Do not clean or polish, as this removes the natural patina and significantly decreases numismatic value. Handle by the edges only.

Mint Mark

'D' visible below the date, indicating it was minted at the Denver Mint.

Mintage & Rarity

Common; 1,098,201,100 minted at Denver in 1956. This is not a rare date.

Weight & Diameter

3.11 grams / 19.05 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated. The coin retains sharp details and significant original luster with minimal wear on the high points.

Obverse (Front)

A right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at the top, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and '1956 D' to the right.

Reverse (Back)

Two stylized stalks of durum wheat flanking the inscriptions 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. The motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is curved at the top rim.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition (grade), color (Red vs. Brown), and eye appeal. Since this is a common date, only coins in exceptional, near-perfect condition carry a high premium.

Similar Coins

1956 Philadelphia (no mint mark) and 1956 Proof cents. It can be distinguished from later 1959-2008 pennies by the wheat stalks on the back instead of the Lincoln Memorial.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Authentic 1956-D pennies are extremely common, so counterfeiting is rare. Ensure the mint mark 'D' doesn't look glued on and the weight matches the standard 3.11g.

Notable Varieties & Errors

Look for the 1956-D 'D over D' Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) varieties, which are popular with error collectors.

Created At: 2026-05-31T18:25:59.184877