Lincoln Wheat Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1909-1958

Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (except 1943)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

Brief Description

A brown, small-sized copper coin featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two ears of wheat on the reverse.

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 real person's portrait.

Estimated Value

$0.02-$0.15 for common dates in circulated condition; several dollars to thousands for rare dates like 1909-S VDB or 1914-D.

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a dry environment in PVC-free holders. Handle by the edges only.

Mint Mark

None (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco), or D (Denver)

Mintage & Rarity

Common in aggregate, but specific dates/mints like 1909-S VDB (484,000) or 1922 (No D) are rare and highly valuable.

Weight & Diameter

3.11 grams, 19.05 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Good to Very Good (images are blurry, but coin shows significant circulation and darkening/patina).

Obverse (Front)

Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Legends: IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date.

Reverse (Back)

Two stylized ears of wheat framing the words ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM at the top.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Date and mint mark are the primary factors, followed by the degree of wear and whether the original red copper luster remains.

Similar Coins

Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-2008) which has a building on the back instead of wheat ears; 1943 Steel Cents (zinc-coated steel).

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check for added mint marks on key dates. Authentic 1909-S VDB coins have specific alignments for the initials on the bottom reverse.

Notable Varieties & Errors

1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 Plain, 1931-S, and the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse.

Created At: 2026-06-16T18:09:39.070918