The 1921 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a key coin for collectors of early 20th-century U.S. coinage. Minted during a time of post-war economic adjustment, this penny is part of the renowned Lincoln cent series, which began in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Though it may not be considered rare compared to some earlier or error coins, the 1921 Lincoln Wheat Penny holds significant historical and numismatic value. In this article, we’ll explore its history, features, mintage, current value, and tips for collectors.
Quick Facts About the 1921 Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Mintmarks: None (Philadelphia only)
- Mintage: 39,157,000
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm
- Edge: Plain
Historical Background
The Lincoln cent, introduced in 1909, replaced the Indian Head cent and became the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. By 1921, the U.S. was emerging from World War I and dealing with the aftershocks of the 1920–21 recession. Coin production was modest, and the Philadelphia Mint was the only facility to strike cents that year. No Lincoln Wheat Pennies were minted in Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) in 1921, making this year unique for the absence of branch mint coins.
Design Features
The 1921 Lincoln Wheat Penny showcases the original design by Victor D. Brenner:
Obverse:
- Features a right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln.
- Inscriptions include “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the top rim, “LIBERTY” on the left, and the date “1921” on the right.
Reverse:
- Displays two stalks of wheat circling the coin’s edge, giving the series its nickname, “Wheat Penny.”
- The inscriptions “ONE CENT,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are centered between the wheat ears.
The design remained in use until 1958, after which it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959.
Mintage and Rarity
The 1921 Lincoln cent was minted exclusively in Philadelphia, with a total production of 39,157,000 coins. Compared to earlier years like 1909-S VDB or 1914-D, the 1921 cent is not considered rare, but it’s still a desirable semi-key date due to its limited mintage and age.
Many surviving examples are heavily worn, making higher-grade pieces much more valuable. Uncirculated specimens (graded MS60 and above) are especially sought after by collectors.
1921 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value
The value of a 1921 Lincoln cent varies significantly depending on its condition:
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.75 – $1.50 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2 – $4 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $5 – $8 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $10 – $20 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $25 – $50 |
| Mint State (MS-60 to MS-65) | $60 – $300+ |
Red vs. Brown vs. Red-Brown:
In mint state, color designations affect the value significantly:
- Brown (BN): Most common, lower value.
- Red-Brown (RB): Moderately scarce.
- Red (RD): Most desirable and valuable.
Certified red specimens in MS-65 RD can sell for $500 or more, especially if graded by PCGS or NGC.
How to Identify a Genuine 1921 Wheat Penny
When buying or selling a 1921 Lincoln penny, it’s important to check for authenticity:
- Weight Check: Should weigh approximately 3.11 grams.
- Magnet Test: Real Lincoln cents are not magnetic.
- Mintmark Check: There should be no mintmark. If you find a 1921-D or 1921-S, it’s either a counterfeit or altered coin.
- Professional Grading: For valuable specimens, consider sending the coin to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
Errors and Varieties
While the 1921 Lincoln cent is not widely known for major varieties or errors, collectors may occasionally find:
- Die cracks
- Off-center strikes
- Lamination errors
- Struck-through debris
These errors can increase a coin’s value, particularly among error collectors. Always have potential error coins evaluated by a professional to verify authenticity.
Tips for Collecting 1921 Lincoln Wheat Pennies
1. Start with Circulated Examples
For beginners, acquiring a 1921 penny in Good to Fine condition is a budget-friendly way to begin collecting early Lincoln cents.
2. Aim for Higher Grades
Advanced collectors should target AU or MS-grade coins to enhance the long-term value and completeness of their sets.
3. Store Properly
Copper coins are prone to environmental damage. Store your 1921 penny in:
- Acid-free coin holders or flips
- Airtight capsules for higher-grade examples
- Cool, dry environments to prevent toning or corrosion
4. Buy from Reputable Dealers
Whether online or in-person, choose trustworthy sellers or certified auctions. Avoid raw coins with suspiciously bright coloring or unusual wear.
Is the 1921 Wheat Penny Worth Collecting?
Absolutely. The 1921 Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Represents an important historical period
- Has moderate scarcity and no mintmark variations
- Appeals to both beginner and advanced collectors
- Offers price appreciation potential in higher grades
It also fits into a complete year-by-year Lincoln cent set, making it a must-have for serious numismatists.
Where to Buy or Sell a 1921 Lincoln Cent
You can find 1921 Lincoln Wheat Pennies at:
- Online Marketplaces: eBay, Etsy, and Amazon (check seller reviews)
- Coin Shops: Local dealers often carry Lincoln Wheat Cents
- Coin Shows and Conventions
- Auction Houses: For high-grade or certified coins (e.g., Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections)
- Online Dealers: Reputable coin retailers such as APMEX, SD Bullion, or JM Bullion
Always compare prices, verify return policies, and request images of both sides of the coin.
Final Thoughts
The 1921 Lincoln Wheat Penny stands as a fascinating piece of American numismatic history. Though not the rarest in the Lincoln series, its single-mint status and vintage appeal make it a favorite among collectors. Whether you’re completing a penny set, investing in high-grade coins, or just beginning your coin-collecting journey, the 1921 penny is a worthy addition to any collection.