Lincoln Wheat Cent
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1909-1958 (Specific date obstructed by blur/wear)
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (Bronze)
Brief Description
A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the front and two stalks of wheat on the back.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, it was the first widely circulated U.S. coin to feature a historical person rather than an allegorical figure.
Estimated Value
$0.02 - $0.05 for common circulated dates; $100+ for key dates like the 1909-S VDB or 1914-D.
Care Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys the numismatic value and surface original luster.
Mint Mark
Typical marks: None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco) located under the date.
Mintage & Rarity
Common in general (billions struck), but specific early years and 'S' mint marks can be scarce.
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams, 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Good (G) to Very Good (VG). High levels of wear, surface darkening, and significant blurring of details visible.
Obverse (Front)
Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date.
Reverse (Back)
Two stalks of wheat flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Top legend: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/grade, specific year, mint mark, and presence of errors (like the 1955 doubled die).
Similar Coins
Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-2008) which has a building on the reverse instead of wheat stalks.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check weight and diameter; be wary of altered dates or added mint marks (S) on expensive key dates.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 'No D', 1931-S, and 1955 Doubled Die Obverse.
Created At: 2026-06-20T20:14:37.901708