Lincoln Wheat Cent
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1941
Denomination: One Cent (0.01 USD)
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Brief Description
A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Designed by Victor David Brenner to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The 1941 issue was produced during the early years of World War II before the composition was changed to steel in 1943 to conserve copper for the war effort.
Estimated Value
$0.05-$0.25 in circulated condition; $2-$10 in uncirculated (MS-63) condition.
Care Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place. Use acid-free coin flips or capsules. Avoid cleaning or polishing, as this removes the naturally occurring patina and significantly reduces numismatic value.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
887,018,000 (Very Common)
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams / 19 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine - Significant wear on Lincoln's hair and the wheat lines, with some dark toning/corrosion visible.
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1941'. Designer: Victor David Brenner.
Reverse (Back)
Two stalks of wheat framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top. Designer: Victor David Brenner.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), presence of original red luster, and minting errors.
Similar Coins
1941-D and 1941-S pennies, which feature 'D' or 'S' mint marks under the date.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be approximately 3.11g. Authentic strikes will have crisp lettering even when worn. Beware of 'reprocessed' (re-plated) coins that look overly shiny.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Double Die Obverse (DDO) varieties exist but are minor for this year compared to others like 1955.
Created At: 2026-05-03T22:07:06.796981